Considering how workplace real estate and leases have adapted to support hybrid workforces and what lies ahead with the resurgence of five-day office mandates.
Speakers:
Orla Wilson, Director at Eaton Wood Architects
Billy Griffin, Owner of Artisan
Caroline Shannon, Senior Manager of Workplace Innovation at Indeed
Alison Redmond, Interior Designer at Savills
Evolving Workspaces: Navigating the Future of Workplace Design
Current Trends in Workplace Real Estate
As we approach 2025, workplace real estate is shaped by a mix of market changes, economic factors, and shifts in how companies use space.
Demand fluctuates between flexible, short-term “pop-up” offices and traditional, full-time workspaces, driven by a blend of employee preferences and organizational strategies.
Moving forward, the market may see a balance of hybrid models and fixed office setups, responding to diverse tenant demands and economic conditions.
Tenant Profiles and Workspace Demand
A divergence in tenant needs exists between companies opting for flexible spaces and those investing in long-term office environments.
Companies downsizing seek adaptability, while those with in-office teams aim to create attractive spaces for employee retention.
These profiles drive demand for both multi-functional, adaptable workspaces and more traditional office designs that support stable, five-day work schedules.
Hybrid Work and Workplace Culture
Hybrid work introduces challenges, especially for early-career employees who benefit from in-office mentorship while senior staff may prefer remote work.
This shift impacts workplace culture by creating generational divides in work preferences, pushing employers to create spaces that accommodate mentorship and collaboration.
Balancing remote flexibility with in-person development is key to maintaining a cohesive and supportive work environment.
Balancing Employer and Employee Needs in Workplace Design
Market Trends: Employer vs. Employee Priorities
The current business landscape is evolving, with workplace design balancing both employer and employee needs to attract talent and increase productivity.
Employers focus on cost-efficiency and operational effectiveness, while employees seek spaces that prioritize well-being, flexibility, and collaboration.
Design can bridge these needs by creating adaptable environments that support a range of work styles, from quiet zones to collaborative spaces.
The Impact of Office Mandates on Hybrid Models
High-profile mandates for full-time office presence, like Amazon’s, reflect a broader debate on remote vs. in-office work.
While some organizations may adopt a five-day office model, many are likely to standardize a hybrid approach with flexible attendance.
A balanced model offers employees autonomy while meeting organizational goals, potentially setting the standard for future workplace structures.
Demand for Flexible Space Categories and Office Fit-Outs
With Dublin’s high vacancy rate, demand varies between Cat A, Cat A+, and Cat B spaces, each catering to different tenant requirements.
Cat A+ spaces with amenities and a degree of customization are popular for businesses looking for a blend of flexibility and professionalism.
As companies navigate economic shifts, these different categories allow them to choose spaces that best fit their budget and functional needs.
Redefining Office Space for the Hybrid Era
Repurposing Vacant Desks and Collaborative Spaces
To optimize empty workspaces, companies are creating communal and event spaces within multi-tenant buildings.
These amenity-rich areas mimic Built-to-Rent developments, fostering collaboration and offering shared resources within the office environment.
This model aligns well with hybrid work, providing employees with social and collaborative hubs that add value to in-office time.
Human-Centric Design and Employee Engagement
Design that meets employees’ needs is essential for maintaining engagement, reducing the risk of employee disengagement and turnover.
Human-centric design tools, like surveys, focus groups, and workplace analytics, help align design with specific employee preferences.
By focusing on wellness and usability, businesses can create environments that feel inviting, functional, and supportive.
The Influence of City Infrastructure on Workplace Attendance
A city’s infrastructure, especially commuting ease, significantly impacts employee willingness to work on-site.
In Dublin, commute challenges affect the local business community’s return to office, with convenience being a key factor in attendance.
Improved infrastructure and accessible transport options could encourage more employees to embrace in-office work.
Designing for Flexibility and Building Workplace Community
Adaptable Furniture and Modular Design Elements
The demand for flexible leasing has spurred interest in modular furnishings and adaptable layouts that can be easily reconfigured.
Businesses favor movable furniture, partitions, and modular office systems that allow for frequent space adjustments.
This approach supports companies’ needs to scale up or down, aligning with fluctuating workplace trends and hybrid work demands.
Creating Community Through Social Initiatives
A sense of community is vital for workplace success, often fostered through social activities and team-building events.
While “mandated fun” initiatives can bring people together, they must be balanced with authentic, inclusive events that genuinely engage employees.
Well-designed social spaces and organic community activities help cultivate an environment where employees feel connected and motivated.
Defining a Successful Workplace in 2024
A successful workplace balances design innovation with practical considerations, encouraging employees back to the office despite commute issues.
Modern workspaces must provide a mix of social, collaborative, and quiet zones that support a range of work styles.
Ultimately, design alone is not enough; fostering community and aligning workplace amenities with employee expectations are key to workplace success in 2024.