In a city known for striking a balance between ambition and lifestyle, professionals in Vancouver aren’t returning to the office out of pressure—they’re doing it because the right environment helps them work more effectively and supports their lifestyles.
For business leaders trying to figure out how to create a space people want to return to, the answers aren’t found in policy—they’re found in experience.
And at iQ Offices, our team sees exactly what motivates people to walk through the door each day.
We spoke with two of our Vancouver team members to find out what’s working for businesses bringing employees back to the office:
- Ellen, Regional Account Manager
- Pegah, Community Associate
Here’s what they had to say.
1. Structure matters—and so does separating work from life
One thing is clear: for many professionals, the blurred lines between home and work are just not sustainable.
“People have mentioned they are more productive in the office because it offers fewer distractions and a more structured setting,” says Ellen. “Coming into the office also helps set boundaries—physically leaving work at the end of the day makes it easier to switch off.”
She adds, “The general consensus is that people need physical separation—home versus work. It definitely helps people maintain a healthier work-life balance.”
Pegah sees the same trend.
“Based on conversations with members, one of the most valued aspects is the social connection,” she explains. “They value the chance for genuine in-person interactions and casual hallway conversations that are difficult to replicate over Zoom.”
Both agree that routine, visibility, and the energy of being around others make a big difference.
The right workspace, they say, enables deeper focus, more consistent productivity, and better balance.
2. People want more than space—they want visibility, connection, and flexibility
For many professionals and employers alike, the office is more than a place to sit and work—it’s a strategic tool. It enables networking, supports recruitment, and offers structure without rigidity.
As hybrid work models evolve, people are seeking spaces that support productivity and relationships on their own terms.
“We’ve seen several startup tech companies choose our space specifically to expand their professional network and meet others in the same industry,” says Ellen. “Some larger enterprise members see the office as a way to attract new talent—and a valuable one. One SVP told me, ‘The office is our greatest recruitment tool.’ A great office attracts great people.”
Pegah adds that for small business owners and larger companies alike, there’s growing value in visibility.
“The key driver is being able to see how employees are performing, feeling, and engaging with their work,” she explains. “It goes beyond just seeing who’s at their desk—it’s about building stronger, more informed relationships.”
3. The right space builds pride—and that pride drives presence
For business owners, the office doesn’t just need to function—it needs to impress. And that impression often starts the moment someone steps into the space.
“The views facing North over to the Northshore mountains as you step off the elevator and into the lounge area on the 24th floor are a wow factor,” says Ellen. “The Wellness Rooms and the Treadmill Room are always a hit too.”
This sense of pride also extends to employees.
When people work in a space they feel proud of—one that reflects their values, motivates them, and makes their business look good—they’re more likely to want to show up.
It’s not just about appearances. It’s about feeling energized, confident, and capable in your work environment. That sense of pride becomes a daily motivator.
4. Amenities that improve the day make the office worth the trip
Great amenities aren’t just perks anymore—they’re part of what makes the office a better place to spend the day. They break up the routine, reduce stress, and contribute to a more enjoyable overall work experience.
Ellen explains: “Amenities help people get more from their workdays by providing things they want, all conveniently located and easily accessible.”
Pegah says the small perks add up in a big way.
She elaborates, “Amenities like wellness rooms, treadmill rooms, complimentary snacks, coffee, and breakfast are a huge hit with most people. Rather than having to find time for these things outside of their workdays, they have access to them all before, during, or after work is done.”
When a space supports well-being and flexibility, it becomes more than a workplace. It becomes a place people want to be.
5. The need for real human connection is pulling people back in
Connection is one of the most powerful reasons people come into the office. The casual chats, spontaneous ideas, and unexpected partnerships can’t be replicated remotely—and they’re often what turns a workspace into a community.
“I’ve seen so many friendships, collaborations, and partnerships form just from people sharing the space at our location,” says Pegah. “We’ve had members finding their lawyers or accountants from other companies on the same floor—just by chatting during happy hour or lunch.”
Sometimes the connections are even more personal.
Pegah shares, “Two members who were high school friends reconnected here after years and discovered they’re now in similar fields.”
6. Moments of belonging shape how people feel about work
It’s not always the big meetings or planned events that bring people back. It’s the everyday interactions—the moments that feel natural and human.
“It’s the little moments that stand out the most,” says Ellen. “Someone popping by the front desk for a chat, members catching up over coffee in the kitchen, or people from completely different industries chatting over a beer at happy hour.”
Pegah agrees: “Breakfast, coffee breaks, happy hours, lunch breaks—all the opportunities when people can have informal chats with their colleagues or people from other companies that foster a bond between them.”
At iQ Offices in Vancouver, return to office isn’t about going backward—it’s about moving forward into something better. With inspiring views, warm hospitality, thoughtful amenities, and a community that feels real, the decision to come in becomes an easy one.
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.
