How are wellness, sustainability, and hybrid work reshaping real estate decisions? Watch as Savills’ Wendy Feldman Block unpacks the future of office spaces and what it takes to create workplaces employees actually want to return to.
How do real estate decisions shape the future of work?
Wendy Feldman Block, one of the pioneers in WELL and LEED Platinum-certified office lease negotiations in the DC market, discusses the evolution of workplace wellness, sustainability, and the changing dynamics of commercial real estate.
In this conversation, Wendy shares her unexpected journey into wellness-focused real estate, how pandemic-driven concerns like air quality accelerated demand, and why landlords and tenants must rethink office space to attract employees back. She also highlights the latest trends in ESG reporting, social sustainability, and how major players like Brookfield and BXP are leading the charge.
We also dive into:
- The shifting priorities of tenants & landlords in a post-pandemic world
- How WELL, Fitwel, and ESG ratings impact commercial real estate decisions
- The future of hybrid work and its effect on office design & lease structures
- What makes a space truly desirable—beyond just amenities
- Real-world examples like Farmer Mac’s new wellness-certified HQ
7 Key Takeaways
1. Wellness and sustainability have become critical in real estate decisions.
2. Tenant and landlord dynamics are evolving with a focus on wellness certifications.
3. Flexibility in office design is essential for adapting to hybrid work models.
4. Amenities like conference centers and outdoor spaces are highly desirable.
5. Effective communication about wellness initiatives is crucial for tenant satisfaction.
6. Market challenges require innovative solutions and strong partnerships.
7. Metrics for office performance are changing and need to be re-evaluated.
Key Moments
00:00 – The New Office Landscape
01:43 – Journey into Wellness and Sustainability
04:08 – The Rise of Wellness in Real Estate
06:50 – Landlord and Tenant Dynamics
08:54 – Ratings, Reports and Those Benefiting
11:34 – Evolving Office Spaces and Amenities
14:55 – Flexibility and Hybrid Work Models
17:04 – Mandates and Intentionality
18:42 – Case Study: Farmer Mac’s Innovative Office
22:20 – Guiding Tenants Through Change
25:03 – Navigating Market Challenges
27:24 – Communicating and Planning
29:50 – Increased Complexity Getting Deals Done
30:50 – Creating Attractive Destinations
32:31 – Metrics and Performance in the New Office
35:55 – Advice for Future Office Iterations
37:15 – Closing Thoughts on Equity and Sustainability
This video podcast is a must-watch for corporate real estate professionals, workplace strategists, architects, designers, and anyone interested in negotiating for and improving their office.
How do you see office spaces evolving?
Credits:
- Created By Bob Fox
- Produced By Work Design Studios
- Directed By Bob Fox
- Special Thanks to Katie Sargent and Michelle Weiss
