CFOs are often seen as the gatekeepers of cost—guardians of the bottom line, stewards of financial discipline, the ones who say no when spending feels uncertain. And in many ways, that’s true. We’re charged with managing resources wisely, protecting the company’s financial health, and ensuring every investment has a clear purpose.

But the role has evolved. Today, CFOs are not just protectors of value—we’re also builders of it. We’re tasked with knowing when to lean in, when to invest ahead of return, and how to position the business for long-term growth.

One of the most misunderstood investments today? The workplace.

In an era of hybrid models and remote work, it’s tempting to view office space as an outdated expense. But doing so misses the larger opportunity. Because the best financial decisions aren’t always about cutting back. They’re about leaning in—especially when the asset in question supports trust, innovation, and culture.

Yes, office space is an expense. But it’s also an underutilized lever for unlocking productivity, engagement, and growth. When managed with intention, the workplace becomes infrastructure for alignment and performance—not just a place to sit, but a place to connect.

In a time when many are questioning the value of in-person work, I believe we should be asking a different question: What value are we leaving on the table when we don’t invest in being together? Consider the wasted dollars fumbling with technology and hybrid meetings—some people remote, some in-person, all trying to stay aligned. These inefficiencies are more than frustrating; they’re costly.

Connection Accelerates Performance

Business breakthroughs often happen between meetings—in overheard conversations, quick gut-checks, or impromptu whiteboard sessions. These moments build trust, speed up feedback loops, and lead to faster iteration of ideas and processes.

That kind of spontaneous collaboration drives innovation and organizational agility. In-person connection creates shared context and momentum—elements that are hard to replicate virtually. When your workplace supports those moments intentionally, it becomes a performance accelerator.

The Hidden Costs of Under-Connection

Remote work provides flexibility, and well-designed hybrid models can strike a powerful balance. But when time together isn’t purposeful, or space isn’t designed to support how people truly work, disconnection creeps in.

Trust takes longer to build. Onboarding stretches out. Cross-functional collaboration slows. Even a flexible model can underdeliver if employees don’t see value in coming in.

The risk isn’t hybrid itself—it’s neglecting the workplace experience. Disconnection leads to delays in productivity, weaker culture, and missed opportunities for learning and innovation. Those aren’t abstract trade-offs—they have real financial implications.

The goal isn’t to return to old norms. It’s to reimagine in-person time as high-impact, deeply connected, and aligned with the way your business creates value.

Designing with Intention—and ROI

At Elements, our office serves a dual purpose: it’s where we work, and it’s also a showroom for our clients. We’re continually working to make it a space that inspires employees and shows clients what’s possible. When space reflects intention and care, employees show up differently. That energy is contagious to clients and partners.

High-performing spaces reflect how people actually work: a blend of focus zones, collaboration areas, and places to connect informally. Amenities reinforce culture. Acoustic considerations enable productivity. Smart design reduces turnover and improves engagement—all of which have measurable financial upside.

Hybrid work has changed space requirements. But instead of shrinking square footage by default, smart companies are building dynamic environments—spaces that can flex and scale with demand. Many companies downsized their space based on remote trends and are now struggling to find room as in-office presence rebounds. What is the true cost of not having people together when that’s the desired outcome?

From a financial lens, space improvements and furniture depreciate over 5 to 15 years. But their value—when they improve engagement, retention, and performance—far outlasts their book life.

A Timely Tax Advantage

The case for investing in intentional, high-performing workplaces has never been stronger—and a recent change in tax law adds even more incentive.

Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, businesses can now permanently deduct 100% of the cost of qualified assets—including furniture, fixtures, and prefabricated walls—in the year they’re placed in service.

This applies to assets placed after January 19, 2025, making the opportunity live now. For companies weighing space upgrades, it’s a chance to align performance-driven investments with accelerated financial return.

Invest Strategically. Lead with Vision.

If a fellow CFO asked whether investing in workplace strategy is still worth it, I’d say this: Yes, but only if it’s done wisely. Every dollar spent should align with broader business goals and be shaped through deep collaboration with HR, IT, and operations leaders. The office of the future isn’t just a location—it’s a platform for growth.

The revenue and profitability unlocked through collaboration or a breakthrough idea is often immeasurable compared to the cost of creating a space where people genuinely want to be.

And the impact goes beyond company walls. When businesses invest in meaningful, high-performing space, they also strengthen their communities—revitalizing urban centers and contributing to stronger local economies.

The question isn’t whether we can afford to invest in connection. It’s whether we can afford not to.