In both the office and industrial sectors of the commercial real estate industry, the nature, scope, and necessity of up-to-date amenities will be a driving force in lease discussions, according to a panel at NAIOP's CRE.Converge commercial real estate conference, which took place this week in Seattle. 

The panel was moderated by Dawn Riegel, principal, Ware Malcomb, and included panelists Michael Longo, senior vice president, CBRE; Stacey Mosley, director of research, Brandywine Realty Trust; and Jinger Tapia, vice president, design, Ware Malcomb.

The panel presented a ranking of the amenities that are gaining momentum. In order of popularity:

• Hybrid work
• Work-life balance
• Wellness initiatives
• Culture/pride in place
• Shared desks
• Location-agnostic hiring
• Live, work, play communities
• Sustainability
• Smart buildings

In the office sector, certainly the race is on to create a workplace that employees want to make the effort to get to, given the ease and ability to work from home.