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Workspaces Reimagined For Oregon's Hybrid Workforce

Agency Space Design and Utilization

Shift in Office Utilization

Oregon state government’s widespread adoption of  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: 
  • 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. 


Legislative Presentation to Ways and Means 
Berri Leslie, DAS Director and COO, Jessica Knieling, CHRO  and Shannon Ryan, EAM Administrator presented an update of the Rightsizing project to the General Government Subcommittee on February 26, 2025: 

Rightsizing Reductions


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. 

Tools:

Space Design and Utilization Policy 107-011-100  (New)

Office Utilization and Design Guidelines  08-12-2024 (New)


Supporting Procedures and Tools: 


Commuting and Climate Change:

DAS and Oregon Department of Transportation have published an analysis of Oregon state government employee commute patterns and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The analysis shows how changing work patterns have affected GHG emissions and what can be factored into decision making moving forward. 

Commute Patterns and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Storybook