4 bold predictions for the workplace in 2025

The year is 2025 and the return-to-office conversation has become a distant memory as the world leaves behind any traces of its post-pandemic blues. The office will be markedly different from how it’s designed and used to how employees embrace the workplace.

This inevitable evolution of the workplace, along with its emerging trends, is already in motion, as companies worldwide implement office-return mandates.

Earlier this year, Wall Street giant JPMorgan Chase called its senior leaders back to the office permanently and urged its hybrid employees to show up three days a week. Meanwhile, companies like tech giant Meta slammed the door on remote work in favour of in-person work in the office.

They are part of over 70% of employers globally that have already adopted similar strategies encouraging a return to the office.

This transition suggests that we’re on the cusp of a new era for the workplace. So, what are the key trends that could dominate and define the workplace in the years ahead? Here are some of my top predictions:

Fostering the right culture and environment will make the office a compelling destination that will draw employees back.

Key to that is a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), which will likely leapfrog to the top of the agenda. This is largely influenced by the increased diversity of the younger generations, who are now making informed choices as consumers and as employees.

Research from consulting firm Gallup shows that Gen Z and young millennials, in particular, seek leaders who support a diverse and inclusive workplace and value their unique contributions.

Companies will also look at prioritising the physical and emotional wellbeing of employees, which has gained prominence due to social isolation during the pandemic.

If employees are expected to work in the office for the majority of the workweek, companies should actively roll out wellness initiatives and provide convenient access to amenities to keep employees happy and engaged.

A bare-bones office simply won’t cut it anymore in The Imagination Age, where the economy is dominated by Artificial Intelligence, virtual technology, cloud services, and other emerging technologies.

The increasing need for sophisticated office equipment and tools, such as environmental sensors, standing desks, and video conferencing equipment, to create a conducive workplace environment could spark a wave of refits to transform existing offices into one that adequately supports employees’ needs and preferences.

To undergo a successful design transformation, however, understanding employees’ working habits is essential.

A recent neuroscience study by JLL and bioinformatics firm EMOTIV revealed an unprecedented level of detail into employees’ wellbeing and productivity at work. For instance, employees performed better on individual tasks when working around peers and are more engaged in the morning compared to the afternoon.

Having comprehensive insights — powered by technology — will be a game-changer for office design, especially when making decisions on types of spaces, be it creative spaces for collaboration or focus spaces for individuals.

Regardless, technologies in different forms will play a significant role in offices in The Imagination Age as companies strive to gain a competitive advantage in the talent war.

The adoption of green leases, or leasing agreements that incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) clauses, is another trend that will soon become the new normal for companies leasing office spaces.

Currently, over four in 10 companies have already committed to green leases with another 43% expecting to do so by 2025, according to our data.

The sense of urgency stems from the mounting pressure faced by companies on multiple fronts to prioritise ESG. Investors and shareholders are demanding ESG accountability, while employees have heightened expectations for sustainability efforts and ESG goals of their company.

Besides green leases, more companies will also consider integrating ESG elements in the office including indoor plants, smart windows, or AI tools for energy conservation.

In the coming years, the momentum towards creating greener workplaces will only accelerate since companies can’t afford to overlook the impact of ESG, which wields a growing influence on talent attraction and retention.

Office spaces will eventually have to adapt to evolving workplace habits underpinned by flexibility. Employees value work-life balance and appreciate the freedom to decide when to work in the office and which tasks to focus on while there.

For instance, in the office-first model, flexibility can be achieved by allowing employees to choose their preferred start and end times, accommodating their individual preferences.

Companies may also decide against providing on-site amenities since flexible working arrangements will allow employees to use these facilities closer to home. This frees up the office space to be effectively redesigned for different purposes including connection and collaboration.

Understanding how new workplace habits may impact your organisation will determine how you design your offices, and how you shape your workplace and leasing strategy.

Are you ready for the workplace of the future? Speak with a JLL leasing expert to explore the right office for your organisation.