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Offices search for a sound approach to noise levels for returning staff

Nov 24, 2023
Noise is a factor in creating a healthy and comfortable space as firms try to ease the transition after years of remote work.
As more white-collar workers return to offices, some companies are redesigning their spaces with preferred noise levels and climate control in mind.
Oli Scarff/Getty Images

The awkward return of the business meal

Aug 29, 2023
Juggling hors d'oeuvres and handshakes is no easy task.
People are back to making deals over lunch, and that means mastering the art of ordering a meal that won't spray all over your business associates.
Chris J Ratcliffe/AFP via Getty Images

Is everyone back at the office? It depends on where you live.

Aug 18, 2022
Office occupancy remains low in cities like New York and San Francisco, while places like Columbus, Ohio, are nearly back to pre-pandemic levels.
Office occupancy rates remain low in major urban areas like New York City. Above, a person eats lunch on the terrace of a Manhattan office building.
Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images

Companies have another reason to let go of office space: a potential recession

Jul 5, 2022
If the pandemic didn't convince CEOs to get rid of costly in-person work environments, an economic downturn might do the trick.
Occupancy periods in leasing agreements shortened during the pandemic, which could expand the amount of unused office space in a few years' time.
Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

That line in the sand about going back to the office? It keeps moving.

May 20, 2022
As COVID surges again in some areas and employees push to work at home most days, companies are trying to find the right balance.
As the economy slows down, employers may gain leverage in their effort to bring resistant workers back into the building.
Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images

Some big Wall Street banks reverse their back-to-office plans — again

Jan 3, 2022
They've been among the most aggressive employers when it comes to bringing workers back into face-to-face contact.
Despite investment banking companies' preference for in-person work, omicron has complicated the return-to-office plans of JPMorgan, Citigroup and Goldman Sachs.
Johannes Aisele/AFP via Getty Images

The return-to-office industry is booming

Dec 22, 2021
A flood of return-to-office consultants are rushing to fill the void of expertise created by pandemic uncertainty.
Companies are spending millions for advice on bringing employees back to offices says Matthew Boyle, a senior reporter for Bloomberg.
Ina Fassenbender/AFP via Getty Images

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