As return-to-office conversations continue across the country, one thing is becoming clear: mandates alone aren’t what’s drawing people back.
If you’re a business leader struggling to get your team excited about returning to the office, the answer isn’t stricter policies—it’s providing workspace environments where people want to be.
Mastering that formula isn’t easy.
So, to give you a better sense of what people really want from their office, we spoke with the people who know best—the staff who run our local iQ Offices locations:
- Taina, Community Associate
- Polina, Community Manager
- Lisa, Director of Sales
Their insights reveal not just what people want from the office, but what inspires them to keep coming back.
1. People want more than productivity—they want connection
When people come into the office, they’re not just looking for a place to sit and work. They’re seeking energy, momentum, and a shared sense of purpose.
“People want to connect with their colleagues, share their day and ideas, and feel a sense of community,” says Taina, Community Associate. “It’s not just about tasks—it’s about energy.”
Lisa, Director of Sales, sees that energy firsthand.
“There’s a creative momentum that just doesn’t translate over Zoom,” she explains. “Being surrounded by others fosters spontaneous idea-sharing and helps projects move forward with greater clarity and enthusiasm.”
She elaborates, “Company culture is more deeply felt and reinforced in a shared space, where human interactions naturally build trust and camaraderie. Ultimately, people come in not just to work, but to feel part of something bigger than themselves.”
2. The office environment matters more than ever
A great office experience starts with more than just a desk—it’s about how a space makes people feel the moment they walk in.
“Having great amenities—like the Barista Bar coffee here at 302 Bay Street—and a beautiful, inviting workspace really encourages people to come into the office,” says Polina, Community Manager. “Many members have told me how much they value the social connection they get from working alongside colleagues and others in the space. It’s clear that a well-designed environment makes a big difference.”
Lisa agrees.
“New members mention the importance of amenity-rich spaces that support productivity and well-being,” she explains. “They’re looking for more than just a place to sit and work. They want a space that reflects professionalism, care, and purpose.”
3. Community and balance are at the heart of RTO
Why are people giving up their home offices? For many, it’s about creating meaningful boundaries and real-world connections.
Taina recently toured a woman who had been working from home for over a year.
“Her main question was whether we offer a sense of community,” she says. “She asked if there’s space to meet people and expand her network. She was looking for a new environment. The office and amenities were secondary for her; what mattered most was the opportunity to connect with others.”
Polina has heard similar reflections.
“One prospect I recently toured at 302 Bay Street—a local entrepreneur—shared that they had been working from home full-time during the pandemic,” she shares. “Now, they’re actively seeking a dedicated workspace outside of their home to help re-establish a healthier work-life balance.”
Lisa notes that this trend extends across a wide range of new members.
She explains, “We’re seeing a renewed interest from both business owners and individuals who are prioritizing wellness, connection, and quality in their work environments.”
4. Pride plays a bigger role than you might think
For many professionals, the office isn’t just a workplace—it’s a representation of their brand, their values, their lifestyle, and the image they project to clients.
“When members bring in guests or clients, they’re most proud to show off our beautifully designed lounges,” says Lisa. “These are welcoming, stylish spaces that naturally spark collaboration and conversation. The onsite barista bars are always a highlight, creating an inviting hub where people gravitate and connect.
Polina notes, “When members bring guests into the space, they’re amazed by how immaculate and beautifully designed it is. Many can’t believe it’s an office at first.”
5. Community isn’t a campaign—it’s what people feel
It’s easy to claim community in marketing—but in practice, it shows up in the everyday interactions that make people feel welcome and connected.
“We’ve seen great connections form—friendships, collaborations, client partnerships—all from being in the space regularly,” says Polina. “Spontaneous connections are one of the things that make the community here so special.”
Lisa adds, “The sense of community in our spaces is so strong that I often hear members hang out, even outside of the office, which speaks volumes about the inclusive, relationship-driven environment we’ve built and that people want at work. It’s a space where professional connections naturally evolve into meaningful relationships.”
6. The little things are the biggest proof points
A smile. A familiar face. A shared laugh. It’s often the smallest moments that reinforce why people love coming into the office.
“It’s heartwarming to see some of the small interactions that take place in our spaces every day,” says Polina. “Some of the best interactions are simple—like when members say they feel most productive here, and that they genuinely enjoy the space and the people.”
Lisa shares, “What stands out to me most are the genuine, uplifting moments that happen throughout the day. This reinforces the genuine connections that people want in a workspace.”
Across our five Toronto locations—545 King Street West, 150 King Street West, 250 University Avenue, 140 Yonge Street, and 302 Bay Street—returning to the office isn’t about pressure. It’s about possibility.
People are showing up because the space makes them feel something—connected, supported, energized, and proud.
That’s what the future of the workplace looks like—and it’s already happening here at iQ Offices.
Want to experience it for yourself? Book a tour and visit a location near you.
If you’d like to dive deeper into these trends, read through our iQ Offices National Survey on the key insights that motivated Canadians to return to work.
