Amenities have always been an important part of the mix for office buildings. Here's why: A 2019 Cushman & Wakefield study of 250-plus office buildings in North America showed that highly-amenitized buildings had an 18.3% rent premium compared to the surrounding submarket prior to the onset of COVID-19. The premium was even more substantial in the central business districts of gateway markets (+21.6%).

COVID-19, though, has turned this equation on its head as employees work from home and many are likely to want to continue some form of flex work schedules once the pandemic ends.

In its Edge magazine, C&W takes a look at what post-pandemic amenities will look like. Not surprisingly, we can expect many changes and adjustments. Perhaps more surprisingly, these amenities will be more critical than ever, even if the office takes on a less central role to a company's operations. "Differentiation through amenities will be more vital for landlords and occupiers seeking to create vibrant spaces for employees who now have more options for where and how to work," C&W writes.