Workplace trends: how the office space is changing

Work is undergoing a profound transformation that requires new organization-al models at all levels, with consequences also for physical spaces.

As new ways of working emerge, and mental well-being and sustainability be-come more important, office organization has changed, fueled by the strong push for digitalizing services and processes.

Here are the 5 biggest workplace trends in 2023 and how they'll affect the real estate market and the demand for office space. Flexibility, technology, and comfort are the keywords.

New technologies to work remotely

Far from being just a temporary consequence of the pandemic, remote work has become the norm for many companies and professionals, thanks also to the growing availability of digital tools that let you work from anywhere.

Throughout 2023, we’ll hear more and more about immersive collaboration platforms (especially the Metaverse), which are capable of eliminating the boundaries between virtual and physical spaces, paving the way for new ways of relating and interacting between employees and with customers. Often, this means downsizing on-site space.

Metaverse: the end of the physical office?

Although the Metaverse and the new digital technologies have undeniable ad-vantages, they will never completely replace the physical office and the hu-man interaction it offers. Thus, the hybrid workplace model is growing, offering a combination of in-office and remote working.

With flexibility reigning supreme, creating a workspace that motivates employ-ees to leave their homes and reach the office is essential. A welcoming, modern, and stimulating work environment that encourages col-laboration and a sense of belonging is a key driver of employee attraction and retention - one that no technology can ever completely replace.

Process digitalization

As hybrid workplace models emerge, integrating digital tools and technologies at all levels of the company has become necessary. This is a huge change that affects all aspects of management and operations and will have a direct impact on both corporate culture and office design.

Through the synergy of Artificial Intelligence algorithms with the Internet of Things, the office will become increasingly "intelligent." This means adopting technologies that will boost optimization and efficiency, such as systems that accelerate service delivery and platforms for automated management of com-pany vehicles. As a result, those looking to buy or rent offices will pay more attention to their technological features.

Mental wellbeing is a priority

Mental wellbeing at work has always been an important topic, but in the wake of the pandemic, it's become a cornerstone of the employee experience. As such, companies are increasingly investing in solutions to protect their em-ployees' mental health, both through HR policies and workplace design.

In real estate, this means finding flexible spaces that fit different work styles. From quiet environments that encourage concentration to informal areas for socialization and collaboration, the ultimate goal is for employees to feel at home. In doing so, the working experience is improved, promoting mental wellbeing and, therefore, productivity.

Focus on sustainability

Data don't lie: buildings produce over a third of global emissions, so sustaina-bility in real estate is no longer a choice but a priority.obbligo.

For a long time, "green" buildings were mainly defined by energy efficiency and the use of recyclable materials, but today companies are adopting net-zero strategies for the entire asset life cycle, from design to day-to-day man-agement. In addition, whereas buildings were once rated purely based on their econom-ic value, today their ESG performance is also taken into account. Thus, it’s no surprise that ethical and certified spaces are in high demand.

The current workplace trends show that today’s office is not just a place to sit and work but more and more a window into the company's culture and values. For this reason, it should provide a dynamic and cutting-edge environment with a low environmental impact, one that fosters productivity and well-being for employees, inspires them, and makes them feel like they belong. From this point of view, real estate can help transform the workplace into a re-al competitive advantage.