LAS VEGAS—During a panel at the recent ICSC Las Vegas conference, experts delved into the profound impact of the pandemic on commercial real estate companies and how it shattered some foundational aspects of their business operations. One crucial aspect that emerged from the discussion was the importance of aligning organizational culture with the changing dynamics of the workforce.

Devin Murphy, president of Phillips, Edison & Co., emphasized that his firm considered culture to be a vital element in achieving success. Fortunately, their investments in technology before the pandemic enabled them to transition to remote work seamlessly. However, the journey back to the office proved to be more challenging than anticipated.

Murphy explained that senior management initially believed that everyone needed to return to the office, but they eventually adjusted their thinking. "They entrusted the decision-making to the different groups within the company, recognizing that some teams could effectively perform their tasks in alternative work environments," he said.

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Natalie Dolce

Natalie Dolce, editor-in-chief of GlobeSt.com, is responsible for working with editorial staff, freelancers and senior management to help plan the overarching vision that encompasses GlobeSt.com, including short-term and long-term goals for the website, how content integrates through the company’s other product lines and the overall quality of content. Previously she served as national executive editor and editor of the West Coast region for GlobeSt.com and Real Estate Forum, and was responsible for coverage of news and information pertaining to that vital real estate region. Prior to moving out to the Southern California office, she was Northeast bureau chief, covering New York City for GlobeSt.com. Her background includes a stint at InStyle Magazine, and as managing editor with New York Press, an alternative weekly New York City paper. In her career, she has also covered a variety of beats for M magazine, Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel, FashionLedge.com, and Co-Ed magazine. Dolce has also freelanced for a number of publications, including MSNBC.com and Museums New York magazine.