The office isn’t disappearing – it’s transforming, and will continue to do so in 2026. Businesses are seeking agility, efficiency and environments that enhance culture and performance. For many, flexible workspace now offers the most compelling path forward: less risk, more choice, and the ability to adapt in real time.
The Instant Group has released its outlook on the top five trends set to redefine how people and companies work in 2026.
1. Enterprise flex will continue to go mainstream
Large organisations are now the primary drivers of flexible workspace demand. What began as small-team coworking has evolved into enterprise-grade, customised flex offices. Companies are using flexible space to reduce long-term lease risk, enter new markets faster and create distributed work hubs that better support employee experience.
According to The Instant Group, 68% of enterprise organisations with more than 10,000 employees now operate flexible or hybrid models. Enterprise demand has grown steadily over the past three years, with flex increasingly viewed as a core real estate strategy rather than a short-term solution. This shift is expected to accelerate further in 2026 as organisations future-proof their portfolios.
2. The rise of secondary-city & suburban work hubs
As hybrid work reshapes where work happens, organisations are expanding beyond central business districts. Smaller cities, towns and suburban locations are seeing some of the fastest growth in flexible workspace demand, offering employees professional environments closer to home and reducing commute-related friction.
The flexible workspace demand in smaller urban centres grew 25% year-on-year in 2025. Suburban enquiries across major metropolitan regions also rose sharply, reinforcing a decentralised approach that supports talent retention while lowering occupancy costs. Demand for local work hubs is expected to continue rising in 2026.
3. Employee well-being, health & safety will become core to office design
In 2026, office design will increasingly prioritise physical and psychological well-being. Employers are investing in better air quality, natural light, ergonomic layouts and spaces that support focus, collaboration and social connection.
Data shows employees working in flexible environments report stronger outcomes: 84% say their physical health has improved, 83% report better mental wellbeing and 86% feel more productive, compared with 65% in traditional offices. Offices are evolving into healthier, safer spaces that directly enhance employee experience and performance.
4. The rise of AI: Your work co-pilot
Hybrid teams are integrating AI copilots into everyday work, reducing time spent on routine tasks such as administration, scheduling and information retrieval. This allows employees to focus on creative, strategic and relationship-driven work, improving productivity and work-life balance.
Research shows 62% of Gen Z employees are already coaching older colleagues on AI tools. In response, 77% of senior leaders report productivity gains, while 80% say AI adoption has unlocked new business opportunities.
5. Sustainability & ESG move from ‘nice to have’ to non-negotiable
As organisations push toward net-zero goals, sustainability is becoming a decisive factor in workplace procurement – a trend set to intensify in 2026. Businesses will prioritise energy-efficient buildings, low-carbon fit-outs, ethical supply chains and flexible solutions that minimise the environmental impact of underused long-term leases. Operators able to demonstrate measurable ESG performance will gain the trust of increasingly climate-conscious occupiers.