How to revive on-site attendance and office attractiveness after remote work: the Kytom method in ~12 weeks, measured ROI, a successful return to the office.
"We have 30% on-site attendance, we want to raise it"
A floor occupied at 30% is still fully rented, heated and maintained at 100%. On 850 m² at the average Parisian rate of 650 euros/m²/year observed in 2023, the waste reaches 380,000 euros annually for empty workstations. The real estate department must arbitrate between densification and requalification, without degrading the experience.
58% of employees feel that their office does not support concentration. An imposed return generates absenteeism, turnover and acoustic complaints. The breakdown of the collective sets in when spaces support neither collaboration nor confidentiality, two uses that have become priorities.
The tertiary decree requires a -40% reduction in energy consumption by 2030. An underused building remains penalised on its performance per actual m². The regulations applicable to workplaces (reference R4214) maintain a ratio of 10 m² per workstation as well as acoustic obligations, including in a flex environment. Non-compliance exposes executive management.
Kytom always starts with an objective measurement of the on-site attendance rate via sensors and badge readers, cross-referenced with a qualitative survey of teams. Since 2006, our 11 agencies have supported 1200+ return-to-office projects, on an average floor area of 850 m². The approach combines three integrated areas of expertise: space planning (recalibrated workstation/room ratio), ambiance design (acoustics, light, biophilia) and change management (manager workshops). We favour signature furniture references (Vitra, Herman Miller) in showcase areas, and calibrated solutions across the rest of the floor. Turnkey delivery in 12 weeks on average, with an environmental approach during the operating phase.
Measurement of the on-site attendance rate over 4 weeks, mapping of usage by zone, interviews with 15 to 20 representative employees. Deliverable: a quantified occupancy report, identification of the 3 main barriers to return, sector benchmark drawn from <a href="https://www.jll.fr/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">JLL</a> and Arthur Loyd studies.
Framing workshop with HR, workplace management and executive leadership to define the target: target rate, workstation/employee ratio, space mix (focus, collaboration, informal). Deliverable: detailed functional programme, validated budget between 800 and 1500 euros excl. VAT/m², schedule over 12 weeks.
Layout plans, mood boards, furniture selection (Vitra, Herman Miller, Knoll references depending on zones), acoustic treatment meeting the requirements applicable to workspaces. Deliverable: signed final design, firm quote, managerial support plan with 4 workshops planned during the transition phase.
Works management, coordination of the 8 to 12 trades, relocation handled over the weekend to avoid any interruption. Deliverable: floor handed over in 12 weeks, as-built file, measurement of the on-site attendance rate at 3 and 6 months to verify the actual increase.
"We went from 32% to 64% on-site attendance in six months. Teams now come for the right reasons: to collaborate, create and decide together."
The median target is between 60 and 70% over 5 days, i.e. 3 to 3.5 days per week. Beyond that, the constrained effect generates disengagement. The target should be co-built with managers and measured monthly.
Anchor days (generally Tuesday and Thursday) work better than an individual quota. In 2023, 72% of companies had adopted them. They guarantee collective moments without making day-to-day organisation rigid.
Between 800 and 1500 euros excl. VAT/m² depending on the finishing level, the share of signature furniture (Vitra, Herman Miller) and technical complexity. On 850 m², the average budget observed across our 1200+ projects stands at around 950,000 euros excl. VAT.
12 weeks on average, from framing to handover, on an 850 m² floor. The compressible phases are design (4 weeks) and works (6 weeks). The relocation is handled over a weekend to preserve activity.
Kytom integrates 4 managerial workshops into the method: shared diagnosis, co-design, transition preparation, debriefing at 3 months. This four-stage sequence helps to durably anchor new uses among teams and to secure managerial ownership of the change.
Three indicators are enough: the on-site attendance rate measured by badge reader, optimised rented floor area (often -15 to -20%) and HR turnover. Over 24 months, payback is between 2 and 3 years depending on the rental context and the scale of the resizing.