8 Trends Shaping the Future of Workplace Design

But whether this model will continue to dominate the future of work remains uncertain. Humans are social creatures, and the social isolation that accompanies remote working can take its toll. A 2021 survey conducted by Indeed found that 73% of remote workers missed socialising in person and 46% missed work-related conversations. Numerous other reports have testified to the negative social aspects of homeworking and associated mental health impacts.

What’s more, lack of visibility and human contact can affect career development. In-person relationships are key to progression, enabling employees to build understanding, dialogue and trust with their colleagues and bosses. And while companies will not consciously penalise employees who work from home, they are more likely to recognise and reward those they can see, up close and personal, in the physical work environment.

In this way, the office still has a vital role to play, facilitating the human interactions that sustain corporate culture. Indeed, communication and collaboration are essential to the success of any business; and the physical office is key to promoting these components of corporate life. Reassuringly, demand for office space remains strong, with analysis from Savills showing that in 2023 square footage requirements in Central London are already “10% ahead of the 10-year long-term average”.