Work-from-Home Friendly Communities: Meeting Resident Expectations
- bberrodin
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
The way people live and work has fundamentally changed, particularly over the past 6 years. What started as a temporary shift during the pandemic has evolved into a long-term expectation: residents want homes and communities that support remote and hybrid work. For property managers and owners, this presents both an opportunity and a challenge in how to design, market, and manage communities that truly meet work-from-home (WFH) needs while remaining competitive in a crowded market.
The Rise of the Work-From-Home Resident
A significant portion of the workforce still works remotely at least part of the week, and hybrid arrangements have largely stabilized since the post-pandemic era began, reflecting that flexibility remains a defining feature of where people choose to work and live.
Today’s renters want spaces that support how they work, whether that means reliable internet, functional workspaces, or the flexibility to shift between tasks at home and in the office. Communities that acknowledge this shift and adapt accordingly are better positioned to attract and retain residents who value both their work and lifestyle needs.
What Residents Expect from WFH-Friendly Communities
Reliable, High-Speed Connectivity
Fast, dependable internet has quickly become a baseline requirement that residents expect in their living spaces.
High-speed broadband access
Minimal outages
Infrastructure that can handle video calls, cloud applications, and multiple connected devices
Communities that can confidently promote strong connectivity instantly stand out to remote and hybrid professionals.
Dedicated and Flexible Workspaces
Not every resident has room for a home office, which is why shared and flexible spaces matter. Popular WFH-friendly features include:
Co-working lounges or business centers
Private phone or Zoom rooms
Reservable conference spaces
Quiet zones that are separate from social amenities
These spaces allow residents to be productive without feeling isolated in their apartments.
Apartment Features That Support Productivity
Inside the unit, small design considerations can make a big difference:
Thoughtful layouts that allow for desk space
Adequate lighting and sound insulation
Sufficient electrical outlets and USB ports
Smart home features for lighting and climate control
These details show residents that the community understands how they actually live and work.
Comfort, Wellness, and Balance
Work-from-home residents are also seeking balance. Communities that support wellness tend to see higher satisfaction and longer tenures. Key elements include:
Access to outdoor spaces, walking paths, or courtyards
Fitness centers or wellness rooms
Comfortable communal areas for breaks or informal meetings
A WFH-friendly community helps residents work, as well as unplug when the workday is done.
Policies That Reflect Modern Lifestyles
Flexible policies matter more than ever. Residents appreciate:
Package management solutions for frequent deliveries
Clear policies around shared space usage
Noise management that balances work and community life
Transparent communication and thoughtful policies help prevent friction between residents who are working from home and those who aren’t.
How Property Managers Can Deliver on WFH Expectations—and Gain a Competitive Advantage
Meeting work-from-home expectations doesn’t always require major renovations. Often, success comes from rethinking existing spaces and day-to-day operations. Property managers can repurpose underused areas into co-working or quiet zones, partner with internet providers to enhance connectivity, and train onsite teams to understand and clearly communicate WFH-focused amenities. Highlighting remote-work features in marketing and leasing materials further reinforces a community’s value to today’s residents.
Communities that prioritize work-from-home functionality are already seeing measurable benefits, including increased resident satisfaction, stronger lease renewals, broader appeal to remote professionals and hybrid workers, and meaningful differentiation in competitive rental markets. As remote/hybrid work continues to evolve, property managers who proactively adapt their communities will remain ahead of the curve.
As work-from-home expectations continue to reshape multifamily living, property management teams are under increasing pressure to deliver more, often without adding permanent headcount. BGSF provides external staffing support designed to help communities adapt quickly, operate efficiently, and maintain a high-quality resident experience. Request talent today!
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