FM newsroom – office trends, facility management. A recent study by House of Business reveals that 85% of employees would now prefer to return to the office rather than continue working from home. But not just any office—what workers want today is flexibility, community, and a workspace that feels like a destination.
The Post-Pandemic Shift: From Isolation to Integration
The pandemic radically reshaped how we view the workplace. Initially, employees resisted returning to the office, but as time went on, feelings of loneliness, burnout, and even depression set in. As hybrid work became the norm, people slowly started drifting back to their desks, seeking not just a place to work but a place to connect.
According to House of Business research, 85% of respondents now prefer hybrid working models, and 55% would rather work primarily from an office than from home.
Organisational psychologist Kinga Surányi explains to Economx that virtual meetings can’t replace in-person interactions—people crave connection and belonging. As such, modern offices are transforming into community hubs where work and social interaction coexist.
Destination Offices and the Rise of the Office Hotel
Today’s office isn’t just a functional space—it’s a lifestyle choice. The idea of the “destination office” is gaining momentum: a workspace that’s attractive, inspiring, and deeply integrated into the employee experience. A modern office needs more than aesthetics. It should be easily accessible, environmentally conscious, tech-equipped, and community-oriented to support collaboration, innovation, and culture.
This shift is driving the rise of flexible office spaces and office hotels—fully serviced spaces that tenants can expand, shrink, or relocate on-demand without long-term commitments. These setups handle everything from furniture to IT and even perks like postal services or pet care. Some have gone as far as incorporating beer taps, wine fridges, or communal football match screenings to build stronger team bonds after work hours.
Flexibility, Experience, and the Gen Z Effect
The workspace revolution is also being driven by generational change. Gen Z employees—digital natives—expect more than just a desk. They value design, atmosphere, and shared experiences, viewing the office as an extension of their personal brand. This has placed a new emphasis on flexibility, comfort, and social engagement as vital elements of workplace design.
Today, around 5% of office buildings are occupied by flexible workspace providers; however, global forecasts predict that this could rise to 30% in the coming years. Companies no longer just evaluate office cost—they also ask: what value does the space bring in terms of image, culture, and employee satisfaction?
In a world moving toward hybrid work, employers are questioning the need for every worker to have a permanent desk. Why pay for space when a more dynamic, service-rich model can provide better value—for both the employee and the organization?
This flexibility is crucial not only for startups but also for mid-sized companies with 30 to 50 employees: there’s no need to predict exactly how operations will look in 2–3 years—the space adapts to the company. A workplace functions well when it adapts to people, not the other way around. A well-designed workspace can be cosy, inspiring, and functional all at once, creating real value not just for employees but also for company leaders.
