Hybrid working has become an established feature of modern workplaces worldwide. This is revealed by a global survey conducted by Manova Partners among 73 office tenants. According to the survey, 70 per cent of companies continue to rely on hybrid working models that combine office-based and home-based work. At the same time, demand for office space remains largely stable: 59 per cent of companies state that their office space requirements have not changed. Whilst 14 per cent will need less space in future, 15 per cent report that their demand is actually increasing.

“The findings highlight a structural shift in the office market: hybrid working is no longer just a passing trend, but the new foundation for workplace strategy. At the same time, however, companies are not turning their backs on the office – rather, they are becoming more selective,” says Dimitri Maillard, Co-Head of Asset Management Europe at Manova Partners. “In European markets, demand is increasingly focused on well-located, high-quality and flexible spaces that promote collaboration and employee satisfaction and meet the latest ESG requirements. For owners and investors, this underscores the importance of adaptable space concepts that can respond to changing user needs.”

Hybrid working remains widespread internationally

Compared with the 2021 survey (69 per cent), the overall trend therefore remains stable. At the same time, however, regional differences are evident. Whilst the prevalence of hybrid working models has risen significantly in Latin America, from 74 to 93 per cent, and in Western Europe, from 74 to 80 per cent, the CEE region has seen a decline from 74 to 61 per cent. Only 19 per cent of respondents work entirely without a hybrid model.

Companies are sticking to their work-from-home policies

According to the survey, there are currently few signs of a return to significantly stricter office attendance requirements. 76 per cent of companies with hybrid working models have no plans to reduce the number of days worked from home. This attitude is particularly pronounced in the CEE region and in Western Europe.

The findings show that companies have increasingly adopted long-term and flexible working models designed to meet both the needs of employees and the requirements of the business.

Demand for office space remains largely stable

Despite the ongoing trend towards hybrid working arrangements, demand for office space remains stable overall. The majority of respondents (59 per cent) currently see no reason to make significant adjustments to their space requirements. At the same time, a proportion of companies (15 per cent) continue to report a need for additional space.

In Latin America, 71 per cent of companies report no change in their space requirements, whilst 21 per cent report an increase in demand. In the CEE region, 61 per cent report no change in their requirements, with only 11 per cent requiring less space. In Western Europe, however, half of the companies surveyed state that they will require less office space in future.

Source: DEAL Magazine