A new global study commissioned by our Crown Workspace brand has revealed a growing disconnect between traditional office design and the evolving needs of employees. The report: “Is it Time to Kill the Open Office?” surveyed 1,250 professionals across six countries, uncovering key insights into how workspace design impacts productivity, wellbeing, and hybrid work preferences.
An increasing chorus of demand for “quieter, more focused office spaces”
The findings indicate that while office attendance is still quite high (although hybridity is now normality in my places), many employees feel their work environments do not support their needs. A staggering 91% of respondents stated they would return to the office more often if the space was designed to provide them with things like more quiet working areas.
Despite the rise of hybrid work, 45% of employees report being more productive in-office, suggesting there is still significant value in physical workspaces for some, provided they are fit for purpose.
Is it time for a full-scale rethink of how office design works?
The study suggests a big shift in workspace expectations. Employees increasingly seek quiet zones, dedicated workspaces, and personalized desk setups over traditional open-plan layouts. While collaboration is and will remain important, the absence of well-designed focus areas has led many workers to feel like they can’t put their head down and work hard.
What are we looking at for the future?
Looking ahead, 76% of facilities managers expect to redesign office spaces to better support flexibility and engagement. A notable trend in downsizing offices and repurposing space for hybrid work models is emerging, with organizations re-assessing space utilization in general. The shift toward sustainability is also a key consideration, with businesses exploring innovative ways to upcycle and repurpose office equipment rather than discarding it, and we’ll be exploring this research later in the year.
Crown Workspace’s latest research makes a strong case for reimagining office environments. As the workplace continues to evolve, businesses must take bold steps to guarantee that their offices are places employees actually want to inhabit, empowering employees to thrive in a setting that truly supports their productivity and wellbeing.
Click through to download our full report: “Is it time to kill the open office, for good?”