Why the biggest changes to the suburban office market since the pandemic may arrive this year [Video]

Even while assessing the trends and direction of the suburban office market in 2024, one industry analyst believes the year ahead could bring some of the most significant changes since the pandemic.

Much depends on how influential the new back-to-office directive for federal government employees will be on the private sector, according to Nick Schlanger, director of research services for Oakbrook Terrace-based commercial real estate agency NAI Hiffman.

“A lot of companies look to the federal government, in recessionary times and at all times,” he said. “That kind of serves as a testing ground for the logistics.”

  People work out at the health club of the Schaumburg Corporate Center near Woodfield Mall. Brian Hill/[email protected]

The likely pecking order in potential influence on current remote-working policies would see larger companies being the first to consider the federal government’s experience, and in turn provide a model for smaller firms.

“I think we are going …