After several years of hybrid experimentation, 2025 is marking a clear shift: the office is back—and not just in theory. Leading real estate firms are putting their money where their mission is by signing major office leases across key U.S. markets. These moves aren’t symbolic gestures. They’re strategic decisions aligned with growing institutional and executive expectations around in-person presence.
Some of the most telling signs of the office’s resurgence are coming from within the real estate industry itself:
- CBRE Group has leased six floors (64,000 sq ft) in the iconic Lever House on Park Avenue in Manhattan, in partnership with coworking brand Industrious—blending traditional and flexible space for today’s hybrid needs.
- Ares Management signed a 12-year lease for 206,000 square feet at 1800 Avenue of the Stars, relocating from a neighboring building. This move underscores the firm’s commitment to a prominent in-office presence.
- Clearlake Capital pre-leased 151,000 square feet at the under-construction 1950 Avenue of the Stars. The firm plans to occupy the top eight floors upon the building’s completion in 2026.
- Oaktree Capital Management leased 79,000 square feet at 1290 Sixth Avenue, reinforcing its presence in New York City’s prime office market.
These transactions reflect a renewed commitment to place, presence, and professionalism. In April, Deloitte announced a massive relocation of its North American headquarters to Manhattan’s Hudson Yards. This isn’t just a lease—it’s a statement.
As one of the world’s largest professional services firms, Deloitte’s move highlights the strategic value of being in a vibrant, centralized office environment. In a hybrid world, this kind of flagship relocation underscores the belief that in-person presence drives performance, recruitment, and client engagement.
What’s clear from our direct conversations and ongoing recruiting efforts is that many of our institutional clients now aim for five days a week in-office attendance—particularly at senior levels. This isn’t just policy; it’s a cultural reset. The message is loud and clear—leadership, culture, and team performance are all tied to physical presence. Companies are no longer designing around remote-first workforces; they’re building around in-office leadership. While hybrid flexibility remains a feature, 2025 is showing us that it’s not the foundation. Many of our institutional clients are now targeting five days a week in the office, especially for roles tied to team leadership and decision-making. Culture and accountability, they’re saying, can’t thrive over Zoom alone.
This sentiment is increasingly shaping talent decisions. Recent executive search engagements routinely include a 4–5 day in-office requirement. The rationale: to lead effectively, you need to be present—to mentor, to collaborate, to build momentum. For top roles, being in the office is no longer negotiable; it’s expected. Yes, flexibility still matters. But the most successful firms are moving beyond survival-mode hybrid and designing spaces with intention. Offices are evolving into hubs of creativity, community, and credibility—and forward-thinking companies are making bold moves to lock in premium real estate while others are still deliberating.
For 24 years, RETS Associates has been at the forefront of CRE recruiting—we know what it takes to attract and retain top professionals.
Want to build a winning team in 2025? Let’s talk.
