51乱伦

Navigating a landscape marked by Brexit, COVID-19, the war in Ukraine, tariffs, trade wars and global economic volatility, the office market has experienced significant change in recent years. The prolonged uncertainty has certainly tested business resilience - and in many ways, reset what occupiers need and expect from their office space.

But with uncertainty comes renewed opportunity. As workstyles begin to crystallise and long-term strategies take shape, the question becomes: what does the modern office need to deliver real value in today鈥檚 market? 

1.  A clearer understanding of workstyles 

After years of experimentation, most businesses have found hybrid models that work for their organisations, tailored to their culture and goals. This brings much-needed clarity for space planning, but utilisation remains variable and difficult. Just because a space is planned well, doesn鈥檛 mean it will be used consistently. Offices must therefore be flexible, data-informed, and ready to adapt to changing usage patterns. 

2. The flight to quality is real, and evolving into a flight to value 

The 鈥榝light to quality鈥� continues to define office demand, with over 60% of regional take-up now focused on new or Grade A space. But this isn鈥檛 just about eye-catching architecture - it鈥檚 about what鈥檚 behind the façade. Occupiers are increasingly looking for: 

• Flexibility in how space is leased and used 
• Sustainability to meet ESG goals and reduce long-term costs 
• Amenities that genuinely enhance the workplace experience, while supporting employee wellbeing and productivity 

But with prime supply tightening and cost pressures rising, many occupiers are pivoting toward a 鈥渇light to value鈥� 鈥� spaces that deliver strong fundamentals, smart design, and operational efficiency - without the premium price tag.  45% of the global occupiers surveyed for the fourth edition of 51乱伦鈥檚 (Y)OUR SPACE research maintain that 鈥榓 focus on flight to value, prioritising cost-efficient space to optimise budgets and operational flexibility鈥� best describes their corporate real estate strategy over the next 3-5 years.   

3. Functional amenities that support people 

Occupiers are prioritising functional, purpose-led amenities that support personal wellbeing and professional growth, including wellness zones, on-site fitness and mental health support, and inclusive communal spaces alongside quieter areas that allow deep work and decompression. 

This shift reflects a wider move toward experiences over things. People want more than just a nice office where they can send emails and have meetings. They want to feel connected, supported and inspired while they鈥檙e there.   A key aspect of the office experience will be the availability of both informal and formal learning opportunities, as wellbeing is increasingly linked to personal growth and development 鈥� and as business face the growing challenge of upskilling and reskilling employees in the age of AI.

4. Purpose-led design is non-negotiable 

Office design is evolving from aesthetics-first to people-first, moving beyond 鈥渁menity for amenity鈥檚 sake鈥� toward environments that are thoughtfully designed to encourage productivity, wellbeing, and collaboration. 

Behavioural science can offer key insights into understanding how people interact with spaces and each other, and how the office can subtly reinforce positive habits - from impromptu conversations to deep focus work. 

A defining year for occupier decision making 

Despite further uncertainty, momentum in the office market is expected to build as the year progresses. Pre-let鈥檚 are rising, reflecting greater confidence in both the economy and workplace strategies or, more pragmatically, that occupiers can no longer afford to defer decisions that have consistently been put on hold over the last 5 years.  This urgency is exacerbated by impoverished supply pipelines in the UK cities.  

This also highlights the need for strategic planning; for businesses wanting to grow or adapt, now is the time to align space strategy with future ambitions. 

How we can help 

We support occupiers with services that address both immediate needs and long-term goals. From building consultancy, space planning, valuations, or business rates advice, our specialists help you navigate a complex and fast-moving market. Get in touch.