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New week, new episode! This time, Rick and Kaleem sit down with Francis Saele, a thought leader in workplace real estate and technology and Managing Principal at Mortevita, for an in-depth conversation about the evolving role of office spaces, especially in the context of remote and hybrid work, and the broader shifts occurring in the commercial real estate sector.

Francis takes us through his professional journey, including building a startup in the commercial real estate industry that was later acquired by CBRE. His expertise in real estate has shaped his views on workplace transformation, particularly with the rise of remote and hybrid work. According to Francis, the role of the office has fundamentally shifted in recent years. Pre-2020, managing office space was simple—companies determined space based on headcount and lease cycles. The pandemic, however, drastically changed this dynamic, making the future of office spaces far more complex.

The shift toward distributed work is undeniable. Many organizations have adopted hybrid models, enabling employees to work remotely part-time. As a result, businesses no longer need as much office space, and many workers can perform tasks remotely, eliminating the need for daily office commutes. The rise of coworking spaces and "third places" has also become a key trend, as employees increasingly seek flexible, convenient work options outside traditional office environments.

Landlords, however, are facing significant challenges as the demand for traditional office space declines. At the same time, companies are struggling to optimize their office use. The future of office spaces may not lie in legacy downtown buildings but in decentralized hubs located closer to where employees live. This concept, known as "central living districts," integrates office spaces into communities, making them more accessible and convenient for workers.

The remote work shift has been particularly challenging for the traditionally office-dependent commercial real estate sector. As the trend gained traction, many companies realized that much of the work could be done offsite. This evolution, accelerated by the pandemic, underscores the ongoing role of the office in fostering collaboration, creativity, and community, while remote work remains central to many businesses' operations. As companies become hesitant to commit to long-term office leases, many are exploring flexible solutions like coworking spaces to meet the demand for adaptable workspaces. The office environment is being redefined with amenities and flexible arrangements designed to boost employee satisfaction, retention, and recruitment.

With reduced demand for traditional office spaces, repurposing older buildings for alternative uses is becoming an intriguing possibility. Potential options range from residential spaces to niche industries like vertical farming, though conversion processes can be complex. Cities are increasingly focusing on transforming downtown areas with walkability, green spaces, and mixed-use developments—ideas that could reshape the future of office real estate.

As the landscape of office spaces continues to evolve with the rise of remote work and a growing emphasis on employee-centric environments, we dive into the potential for repurposing office buildings and the role of technology in reshaping the future of work. Grab your coffee and notebook, and join us as Francis Saele takes us through these exciting changes and shares the mission behind Mortevita—an integrator spec

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• Remotely One’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/remotelyone
• Remotely One’s Webpage: https://www.remotelyone.com/