REPORT: What Employees Want In 2025
An increasing number of companies are implementing return-to-work mandates as part of a shift away from work-from-home policies that were put in place during the pandemic.
Several notable large companies such as Amazon, AT&T and J.P. Morgan recently announced an end to their remote and hybrid working arrangements and enforcing a 5-day onsite work week. The return to the office is not without pushback, of course, as there are many reasons why employees prefer remote work.
With that being said, the back-to-office shift is an opportunity for employers and landlords to rethink the working environment and make improvements.
At the end of 2024, we surveyed our Waverley Oaks Park employees to uncover what employees value most in an office environment, and the results may surprise you.
Situated in the heart of Waltham, Waverley Oaks Park offers a scenic, 65-acre campus designed for work, play, and everything in between. With over 1.2 million SF of mixed-use space including dining, fitness, and retail, Waverley Oaks is tailored for companies of all sizes, set within a sprawling campus with convenient access to Cambridge, Downtown Boston and the Greater Boston area.
ABOUT THE RESPONDENTS
Over 50% of the respondents have been employees at a company/organization at Waverley Oaks Park for at least 3 years, and 70% work at least 3 days a week in-office.
FITNESS, RECREATION & LEISURE: WHAT ACTIVITIES DO EMPLOYEES ENJOY?
Nearly 70% of the respondents take advantage of fitness and recreation offerings. Easy access to our wellness resources allows employees to integrate exercise into the workday at our Waverley Oaks Park campus.
Waverley Oaks offers direct access to Beaver Brook Reservation, 59-acres of open fields and historic woodlands including walking trails, ponds, a ball field, tennis courts, Self-Guided Tree Walk, and a cascading waterfall inviting tenants to relax and recharge.
For over 40 years, Waverley Oaks Athletic Club has served as the premier destination for health and wellness. This 50,000 sq. ft. facility offers 3 levels of state-of-the-art equipment, over 85 dynamic classes, salt filtration pool, cardio mezzanine, spa-like locker rooms, and more. Plus, tenants get access to an exclusive discount making it ideal for starting or ending your day – or getting in a lunch hour workout!
“I have been an employee at Waverley Oaks Park for almost 10 years and I have watched the park grow with all it has to offer. It is convenient to be able to grab lunch, visit the athletic club and just walk around the park for exercise.”
RETAIL & SERVICES: MIGHTY SQUIRREL – A CROWD PLEASER
In 2018, Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co. set down roots at Waverley Oaks Park. In addition to having over two dozen beers on tap, the brewery offers a coffee bar, trivia nights, live music, and more. With its outdoor seating and rotating selection of food trucks, the brewery is a popular destination for a caffeinated fix and pastry perfection or post-work drinks & entertainment.
“Mighty Squirrel was a great addition to the park! I love that I can just walk there with my colleagues after work.”
FOOD & DINING: WHERE ARE EMPLOYEES EATING?
Offering contemporary American fare, City Streets Restaurant is beloved by all as their extensive menu has something for everyone, and their newly renovated patio offers a lively setting for a lunch break.
Our on-site café, Starburst Café , offers a rotating selection of lunch specials, grab & go options, full-service deli, and breakfast items prepared fresh to order. Conveniently accessible to all employees, the café offers WIFI access, a patio and plenty of space for out of office collaboration.
“The updates to Starburst Café have been great. The food was already good, but I love the new sandwich station. Plus, Chef Delza is a wonderful cook and friendly host.”
EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE: WHAT DO EMPLOYEES WANT MORE OF?
At Duffy Properties, we are always listening to tenant feedback and making improvements. This allows us to continue to provide the best possible experience for our tenants.
“I really appreciate all the effort Duffy puts into landscaping. Additional green space is always appreciated and offers a welcoming environment.”
EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION
We believe that when your name is on the door and the bottom line you think differently, act differently and build quality from day one because you are in it for the long haul. That is why Duffy Properties manage their properties with a team who makes it their business to know what tenants want and need.
- In 2022, a conference center at 135 Beaver Street was added to our already robust list of amenities. The center offers seating for up to 40 people and access to a full-size kitchen with a sink, microwave, and refrigerator. A 24/7 Micro Market opened at 465 Waverley Oaks Road offering an assortment of healthy lunch and snack options, bottled coffee, energy drinks and more.
- In 2023, we debuted a roof deck at 271 Waverley Oaks Road which offers the perfect spot for lunch, team meetings, or office celebrations. An additional EV charging station was installed at 309 Waverley Oaks Road – adding to the two already active stations – and a new patio area was constructed at 135 Beaver Street. Farmer’s Fridge opened at 425 Waverley Oaks Road offering a variety of chef-curated, grab & go options.
- In 2024, additional outdoor seating areas were installed throughout the park. New products and menu items were added to Starburst Café and Micro Market for greater selection and convenience.
“I appreciate the excellent customer service we have received on any facility issue or tenant question. We are very happy with our entire tenant experience.”
SUMMARY
Employees value outdoor recreation as a reprieve from their workday. With its trails and waterways, Beaver Brook Reservation offers the perfect setting for a scenic nature walk and fresh air. Within the park you will find 3 patios, several picnic areas, and a roof deck that hosts exclusive tenant events from wine tastings to yoga. In addition, the patios at City Streets Restaurant and Mighty Squirrel Brewery have proven to be popular destinations for lunch or post-work leisure.
Employees want diverse, quality lunch options that are convenient. At Duffy, we understand the need for delicious and reasonably priced lunches that cater to unique preferences and fuel the workday. Throughout the park you will find several options for dining – from our 24/7 Micro Market to City Streets Restaurant. When you work at Waverley Oaks, experience the area’s best food trucks every day of the week with a variety of cuisines in one convenient location.
Employees want onsite amenities to facilitate the workday. From communal work & lounge areas to EV charging stations and shuttle service. We take pride in offering a spacious suburban office park with the perks of city convenience, and we are continually adding amenities to offer the best possible environment for our tenants.
“Waverley Oaks is an enjoyable place to work, and the park and reservation are pedestrian and commuter friendly. Thanks for all you do to make this a community.”