By Matthew DeRose – CEO, Nomad Group

Hiring, Retention, and the New Workplace Strategy

Why smart companies are redesigning their space around talent — not tasks.

In the wake of the hybrid revolution, many leadership teams continue to frame workplace strategy around productivity metrics or real estate costs. But the companies leading in growth, innovation, and culture today are asking a different question:

What kind of workplace best supports our ability to attract, retain, and empower top talent?

This subtle shift — from space as overhead to space as a talent tool — is reshaping how high-growth companies approach their real estate decisions.

The Talent Equation Has Changed

For much of the last decade, hiring strategy was focused on compensation, perks, and flexibility. Those remain critical — but the pendulum is swinging back toward connection, identity, and purpose.

According to a 2024 Gallup study:

• 65% of workers said “feeling part of a team” was more important than a flexible schedule.
• 48% of Gen Z workers said office design influences whether they accept a job offer.
• Employees who strongly agree their workplace promotes collaboration are 2.7x more likely to stay for three or more years.

In short: talent is looking for more than a job — they’re looking for belonging. And space plays a pivotal, often overlooked role in creating that.

The Office as a Strategic Asset for People Leaders

The most forward-thinking companies are using space to drive:

1. Hiring Effectiveness

The right workplace design communicates brand, ambition, and team energy — long before a formal offer is made. Recruiting tours through thoughtful spaces send a powerful signal: we’re building something worth joining.

2. Onboarding & Integration

High-functioning teams aren’t built over Slack. Physical environments provide the context, mentorship moments, and informal interactions that accelerate new hire ramp-up and build long-term connection.

3. Retention & Culture

Space reinforces culture when it reflects the values of the company — transparency, creativity, focus, autonomy. Employees want to feel a sense of purpose in the place they spend their time. The office makes culture visible, tactile, and experiential.

Designing a Workplace That Works for People (Not Just Processes)

The most effective workplace strategies today are human-centered, not just operationally efficient. That means designing environments that support:

The workplace should serve as a stage for excellence — not just a container for tasks.

A Shift from Square Footage to Strategic Footprint

Real estate decisions used to start with “How much space do we need?”
Now, progressive companies begin with:

“What kind of workplace helps our people do their best work — and want to stay?”

When workplace strategy aligns with hiring and retention strategy, the results are measurable:

• Faster recruiting cycles
• Higher offer-to-acceptance rates
• Increased tenure and engagement
• Lower attrition among high performers

The Takeaway: Space Is Culture Infrastructure

In a talent-constrained market, your physical workplace is part of your talent stack. It should be planned with the same care as comp structures, org design, and leadership development.

The future of hiring and retention isn’t just hybrid vs. in-person — it’s about intentional environments that build identity, momentum, and belonging.

Smart companies aren’t choosing between office and flexibility. They’re choosing to invest in both — and using space to turn employees into believers.