Flex work in higher ed: New occupancy patterns, cost reduction opportunities, master plan alignment

Now is the time for higher ed to capture post-pandemic space consolidation opportunities and respond to unprecedented cost pressures. At Tufts University, flex work modes and occupancy patterns have created densification options that address deferred maintenance, and lease, operational, and capital expense challenges to free up funds and space for needed program growth. Sara Smith and Courtney King detail the utilization analysis and consolidation target selection process, occupancy guidelines, and financial results across administrative and academic groups. They examine software selection and data set generation critical to facilitate new occupancy models, work culture and master plan implications, and lessons learned to-date.