Experts Say Hybrid Work is Reshaping Commercial Real Estate

Industry experts said hybrid work is becoming a permanent model that is fundamentally reshaping office layouts and commercial real estate strategies.

This shift matters because it forces a complete rethink of how companies utilize physical space. As the boundary between home and office blurs, the traditional corporate headquarters is evolving into a tool for collaboration rather than a mandatory daily destination.

During a discussion on CNBC TV18’s "The CEO Sphere," Pavitra Shankar, Managing Director of Brigade Enterprises, and Haresh Khoobchandani, VP of Global Sales for APACJ at Autodesk, examined whether these patterns are a temporary phase or a lasting change. They said evolving work patterns are prompting companies to reconsider their commercial real estate strategies to better align with how people actually work.

Recent analysis suggests that hybrid work is expected to endure through 2026 ^[1]. This model currently defines the daily reality for millions of workers in the U.S. ^[2]. The persistence of this trend means that office spaces are no longer just about desk capacity; they are now focused on the quality of interaction and the integration of collaboration technology.

Companies are now balancing the need for physical presence with the flexibility that employees demand. This tension is driving a transition toward more agile office designs that can accommodate varying numbers of staff on any given day. The focus has shifted toward creating environments that facilitate intentional gathering rather than routine attendance.

As technology continues to define the next phase of this transition, the relationship between the employer and the physical workspace continues to decouple. The office is increasingly viewed as a hub for culture and complex teamwork, while deep focus work remains distributed across remote locations.