CoreNet Global Virtual Coffee Chat Recap: Navigating Workplace Trends with Drew Suszko
By: Brady Mick, American Structurepoint Leader of Strategic Design
March 12, 2025
Each month, our CoreNet Global IKO chapter brings you an industry expert with valuable insights, engaging stories, and thought-provoking perspectives on our ever-evolving world of work and place.
In our latest CoreNet Global Virtual Coffee Chat, we had the privilege of hosting Drew Suszko, Workplace Market Leader at BHDP, to explore emerging trends in workplace strategy and design. Drew shared insights from recent data, real-world client experiences, and his personal perspective on the evolving nature of work, workplace dynamics, and the ongoing return-to-office (RTO) debate. Slide Deck: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/zgfzgasvaafkzg14mq9tg/3.2025-CCC-Drew-Suszko.pdf?rlkey=ofzk8oksmoq226bmneac1i10a&dl=0
Here are the key takeaways from our discussion:
1. The RTO Debate: A Tale of Two Perspectives
Drew highlighted Jamie Dimon’s recent comments on return-to-office policies, which ignited discussions on the role of leadership in workplace decisions. While large corporations, particularly in financial services, continue to push for RTO, the data suggests a hybrid equilibrium.
- Vacancy rates in office spaces are at an all-time high and are projected to peak in 2026 (Moody’s Analytics).
- Office attendance has plateaued around 50%, despite multiple RTO efforts.
- Hybrid work is here to stay, with two-thirds of U.S. firms offering some level of workplace flexibility.
While RTO mandates are making headlines, the data tells a more nuanced story—many organizations are optimizing space rather than requiring full in-office presence.
2. The Changing Nature of Office Space: Smaller, More Purposeful
Workplace footprints are shrinking, with companies prioritizing quality over quantity:
- Leases are getting smaller as companies are reducing their square footage while upgrading to Class A+ office spaces.
- Flexible workspace solutions are growing, such as unassigned seating and collaboration hubs.
- Investment in workplace amenities is increasing, reinforcing the office as a hub for interaction rather than just workstations.
Drew shared examples of companies embracing intentional office design, such as P&G’s "The Gym" - a dedicated onsite innovation center that fosters collaboration. Fifth Third Bank’s Project Connect also demonstrated how office design can align with brand transformation.
3. The Workplace & Generational Divide: Bridging the Gap
One of the most compelling discussions centered on generational work preferences:
- Gen Z is least likely to prefer remote work, while Baby Boomers prefer it the most (American Staffing Association).
- Younger employees often feel disconnected, struggling with career growth, networking, and mentorship in remote settings.
- Social cohesion is declining, impacting organizational trust and teamwork.
Drew emphasized that organizations need to balance workplace flexibility with opportunities for in-person interaction, ensuring younger professionals don’t miss out on career-building relationships. He states that face-to-face interaction is the fastest means of building a highly corporative team.
4. Productivity vs. Connection: The Hidden Cost of Hybrid Work
Drew introduced an insightful distinction:
- "Lowercase p" productivity = Individual task completion.
- "Capital P" Productivity = Collective organizational success.
While individual autonomy is essential, organizations thrive on connectivity as a challenge in hybrid work models. Workplace strategies must account for both strong ties (team-level collaboration) and weak ties (cross-functional connections), which are crucial for knowledge-sharing and innovation.
Game theory research supports this as face-to-face interactions build trust and enhance collaboration, while digital communication methods often lead to misalignment and erosion of trust. Drew states that teams can reach similar levels of trust and cooperation using virtual communication tools, yet these modes tend to take longer and are less resilient that face-to-face.
5. Amenity Spaces: The Future of Workplace Design
With hybrid work redefining office functions, companies are investing in high-value workplace experiences:
- P&G’s on-site concierge services allow teams to hold "on-sites" instead of "off-sites."
- Technology support hubs within the office provide seamless IT assistance.
- Multi-functional collaboration spaces (e.g., reconfigurable meeting rooms at Fifth Third Bank) create adaptive, purpose-driven environments.
- Family-oriented amenities (e.g., emergency on-site daycare) enhance employee well-being.
Drew noted that traditional workspaces and amenity spaces are beginning to merge, creating a more integrated, experience-driven workplace.
Looking Ahead: The Role of Workplace Design in Organizational Culture
Drew closed with a broader reflection: the workplace is not just about efficiency—it’s about social cohesion, trust, and fostering relationships. The challenge ahead is designing spaces that accommodate different work styles while strengthening organizational culture.
As hybrid work continues to evolve, leaders must consider not just where people work, but how workplace experiences can drive collective success.
What are your biggest takeaways from the session? Drop your thoughts in the comments!