Hospitality in the Office: How Amenities Are Shaping Dallas Workplaces

As businesses strive to lure employees back to the office, creating a compelling workplace is more critical than ever. That means offering hospitality-inspired amenities that resemble boutique hotels, with cozy seating areas, on-demand snacks, and high-end finishes.

Why hospitality features matter

Companies are increasingly focused on creating a work environment where employees want to be, rather than basic spaces they feel obligated to go. “Companies want a place that’s compelling and attractive for their employees,” said Josh White, a Dallas-based commercial real estate broker who works on behalf of large office occupiers. It’s no longer about filling desks and chairs; it’s about crafting a space that offers comfort, collaboration, and a sense of community.

During the pandemic, employees became accustomed to the comforts of home — working from couches, kitchen tables, and even taking meetings from their backyard. To entice people back into the office, employers are looking for ways to replicate that homey atmosphere. “We’re seeing more home-like elements woven into the finish profile of offices,” White said, underscoring the importance of a warm and inviting office aesthetic.

Amenities that set offices apart

From luxury coffee machines to free snacks and drinks, today’s corporate offices are taking cues from the hospitality industry. Ryan Buchanan, also an office tenant representation expert with CBRE, points to the rise in consumables being offered for free as a way to enhance the office experience. “We came back from COVID, and all of a sudden, we had snacks, and great coffee, and a well-stocked fridge,” he said, highlighting the popularity of these perks.?

It’s a small investment with a big return, making employees feel valued and comfortable in their work environments.

Beyond refreshments, amenities such as valet parking, fitness centers, and walkable locations are high on the list for many Dallas-area companies. These features, which make office life more convenient and enjoyable, reflect a shift in what employees expect from their workplaces.?

“Walkability is one of the key drivers now,” Buchanan said. “The vacancy rate in walkable buildings is lower than it’s ever been.” This emphasis on location reflects the desire for an office that aligns with employees’ lifestyle preferences, including the ability to take a phone call outdoors or walk to lunch nearby.

The return on investment: employee retention

Creating a compelling office environment — what White calls “place creation” — is not just about cozy finishes and better coffee. The strategic goal behind these offerings is employee retention. “The best companies know there’s a return on investment in commercial real estate, from a retention and recruitment standpoint,” White said.?

Companies must differentiate themselves to retain top talent, particularly among younger generation workers. “Millennials and Gen Z expect nice things,” Buchanan said. “To compete for a smaller generation, companies have to set themselves apart in terms of both amenities and compensation.” When companies create a place where employees feel connected, their productivity and longevity improves.?

When space-saving sacrifices culture

The return to office has many companies shuffling or expanding their space to accommodate more in-office staff — but sometimes this comes at the expense of personalization. White and Buchanan noted that some companies, to pack in more employees per square foot, are moving to temporary desks that can be used by anyone, on any day.

As a result, no personal items are allowed to be left on desks and some companies mandate that employees keep family photos, plants, toys or comfort items in lockers. This depersonalization of desks bucks the trend toward a more home-like office space, and White suggests it could create a backlash from staff. “It’s a lot easier to move out of a hotel room than to move out of your house,” he said, “and easier to quit your job over Zoom than in person.” When people don’t put down roots, they don’t feel compelled to stay.?

Fostering a strong office culture goes beyond aesthetics and perks, to ultimately build a worker community that people are proud of and invested in. “The more you’re invested in your office space, the more you’re invested in your company,” White said.?

That’s why the choice of office environments is closely aligned with business culture and strategy. By creating a workspace that feels personal and inviting, businesses create compelling reasons for employees to come back to the office and stay with the organization long-term.?