Workspaces Reimagined For Oregon's Hybrid Workforce

Agency Space Design and Utilization

Shift in Office Utilization

Oregon state government’s widespread adoption of remote and hybrid working presents an opportunity to rethink how agencies plan and utilize office space. The 2023 Office Utilization and Parking Survey Results revealed the following:

45% of state employees are designated as remote or hybrid workers, meaning they are working remotely all or a majority of the week and in the office zero to two days per week, on average.
51% of all agencies report utilizing less than 50% of their dedicated office space, with most utilizing less than 25%.
Only 31% of agencies are utilizing their office space at pre-pandemic levels.

With the permanence of remote work, the state government office footprint can be reduced by at least 30% by 2027.

Rightsizing Roadmap

Because the remote and hybrid workforce model is relatively new and based on flexibility, there isn’t an industry standard to compare. The emerging trend in both private and public organizations is adoption of a hybrid office model that benefits all employees. Oregon state government began to clarify the enterprises’ opportunities by focusing on three foundational actions to achieve measurable goals and outcomes:

1. Adoption of a uniform understanding in how we describe space.

2. A solid understanding of how employees use the office.

3. Adoption of a new space utilization policy that reflects a changed workforce and

provides optimal space for agencies to carry out their missions.

Updated Space Planning Policy and Guidance

While statewide reduction of office space is necessary, agencies must also rethink the purpose of the office. In what ways can agencies re-think their office space so that all employees benefit, while simultaneously aligning with other statewide policies and goals that benefit all Oregonians?

The following guidance is intended to support agencies while they rethink current and future office space planning. Design principles focus on office flexibility and prioritization of employee needs through inclusivity, adaptability, sustainability and employee health and wellness. The guidance also provides agencies with the rationale, framework and tools for implementing the new Space Design and Utilization Policy 107-011-100. This is not a one-size-fits-all solution and not all recommendations will work for all agencies. Since these workspace practices will be new to most state agencies, they will need to be validated through implementation and updated regularly to incorporate lessons learned.