How Landlords Use Technology to Motivate Workers to Return to the Office

Office buildings in major cities remain underutilised in the wake of the pandemic, as remote and hybrid work models have reshaped employee expectations. Today’s tenants are no longer satisfied with basic infrastructure - they’re seeking environments that foster collaboration, support wellbeing, and cultivate a sense of community. In response, forward-looking landlords are leveraging smart technologies to redefine the office experience.

This evolution isn’t about digital novelty or convenience alone. It represents a strategic shift toward intelligent, experience-led design, where data platforms, environmental controls, and integrated applications work together to create dynamic spaces worth returning to. 

The Tools Making a Difference

Smart access & app-based services:

Integrated app-based systems are revolutionising the tenant experience. From booking desks to joining community events, a single platform streamlines it all. These systems simplify daily interactions, increase tenant autonomy, and are proven to boost visit frequency and overall workplace engagement.

Occupancy & environment analytics:

Real-time data on space usage and environmental conditions offers actionable insights into what’s working well and what is not.  Landlords can identify underutilised zones, understand collaboration patterns, and fine-tune layouts accordingly. This results in optimised space planning and an enhanced employee experience.

Community & Engagement Platforms:

In-app event calendars, pulse surveys, and feedback tools help create dynamic, responsive communities. These platforms help foster connection and culture, transforming static buildings into vibrant, interactive communities.

Quiet computing & zoning:

Effective zoning and sound management within workplaces can improve cognitive performance significantly. Dedicated quiet zones can drive up to a 15% increase in concentration, supporting focused work without compromising the flexibility of collaborative areas.

Why It’s Good Business

A better tenant experience directly correlates with higher retention rates. When buildings are more comfortable, efficient, and tech-enabled, companies are more likely to stay, and scale within buildings that support their operational needs and employee expectations.

Equally, modern, tech-enhanced buildings are perfectly aligned with the needs of hybrid-friendly businesses. Tenants are looking for flexible environments that blend in-person collaboration with remote convenience. Smart access, modular meeting spaces, and environmental controls make these buildings more attractive to today’s top employers.

Finally, beyond tenant satisfaction, some smart features offer direct financial upside. Whether it's monetised app-based services, premium access perks, or energy optimisation tools, landlords can turn tech into a revenue-generating asset and a competitive differentiator.  

An example of this - British Land’s strategic investment in premium office developments like 2 Finsbury Avenue and 1 Broadgate shows how future-ready design pays off. Prioritising amenities such as breakout zones, winter gardens, and enhanced cycling access has driven strong tenant interest. The results: 96% of 1 Broadgate is now let, with major companies committing to long-term leases.

Aligning with ESG and Sustainability Goals 

As ESG performance becomes critical for enterprise tenants, smart building technologies play a pivotal role in helping landlords meet and exceed sustainability targets. Intelligent systems can monitor and optimise energy consumption, indoor air quality, water usage, and carbon output in real time, ensuring greater transparency and accountability.

These insights are often surfaced through tenant-facing apps, allowing occupiers to track their own impact and align with corporate sustainability commitments - enhancing building marketability and long-term asset value. In this context, smart technology is not only a tool for operational excellence but also a strategic enabler of responsible, future-ready real estate.

Where Consultants Fit In 

As landlords begin to think more like service providers, the role of consultants has never been more critical. With smart technologies at the center of modern office strategies, consultants bring the expertise needed to translate innovation into tangible outcomes. They help identify which digital tools drive the highest tenant engagement and operational value, ensuring investments are both effective and scalable. By interpreting occupancy and behavioural analytics, consultants can guide workspace layouts and amenity planning to maximise utilisation and satisfaction. 

Just as importantly, they play a key role in change management, ensuring smooth adoption of new technologies and aligning solutions with the evolving realities of hybrid work. In today’s competitive office market, consultants are essential partners in delivering workplace experiences that are not only intelligent, but impactful.

As the nature of work continues to evolve, so too must the spaces that support it. By placing smart technology at the heart of office strategy, landlords are not only creating environments that meet modern tenant expectations, they're unlocking new value, driving retention, and positioning their assets for long-term success. With the right tools and expertise, the office becomes a driver of productivity, culture, and business growth.