The Evolution of Office Space in Europe: 2020-2025

In 2019, only 5.4% of workers living in the EU worked mainly from home, but in 2020¹ The share of people working from home rose to 12.3%, i.e. more than doubled. The lockdowns implemented in 2020 forced employers and employees to adapt quickly to remote work.

In September 2020, we conducted a survey in six European countries to find out how employees felt when planning a possible return to the office in 2021. Hundreds of responses were received to the survey. You can read our report on the study, Office Waits: Preparing Workplaces for the Post-Pandemic Era.

We asked respondents in the UK, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Sweden about the impact of remote work in 2020. We looked into the mental shock caused by the upheaval. We are working to find out what would be needed to get European workers back to shared office space.

Office occupancy rate in 2020: the immediate impact

of the coronavirus pandemic At the beginning of the pandemic, coronavirus lockdowns were implemented in various countries, which changed the way of working in an unprecedented way. According to our 2020 survey, 70%² of all employees worked from home at least partly.

Employers were forced to adopt remote work practices, and many companies began to rethink their long-term office space strategy.

Post-pandemic transition

After the restrictions were lifted, companies began to encourage their staff to return to offices. Many organizations switched to a hybrid model, where work was done both from home and in the office.

Interestingly, in a 2020 survey, 64% of respondents living in the UK said they believe the upheavals caused by the pandemic would lead to an abandonment of open-plan office environments. However, in Finland (77%), Spain (57%), Sweden (80%) and Norway (86%), the majority believed that open-plan offices are a permanent part of working life.

In March 2023, the occupancy rate of the European offices had increased slightly from the previous level, to an average of 55%³, but it was still well below pre-pandemic levels. In some companies, staff were ordered to return to the offices. However, many employees were reluctant to work in the office, saying they preferred remote work because of work-life balance, savings on commuting costs, and improved productivity.

In our survey, 90% of respondents felt that face-to-face meetings and collaboration were either a very important or sometimes important part of their working life, and hybrid work became increasingly popular. This view was a sign of a change in work culture: employees wanted flexibility, but did not want to give up working in person with others completely.

Offices in 2025 and in the future
The
European office market had recovered further in 2025, albeit partially. In a survey conducted in 2024, 61% of companies said that the occupancy rate of their office space was between 41% and 80%, which is slightly higher than in previous years. In addition, 43% of employees went to the office at least three days a week, an increase of 6% from 2023⁴.

Physical office spaces are still an important part of working life. However, attracting employees back to the office requires companies to embrace a new era of work that is all about flexibility and adaptability. Almost three out of four (72%)²) would like employers to offer office spaces with a more relaxed design and style. This is an understandable reaction if employees believe that their productivity has improved when working remotely precisely because of the relaxed work environment. It's also important for designers to think about what kind of office environments can best support neurodiverse employees. Read Designing Neuro-Inclusive Office Spaces: Supporting Employee Well-Being and Productivity.

Key factors in

office design In every new construction or renovation of office spaces, designers and architects have to think about how to restore employees' trust in the offices. Companies that invest in their office space can become very attractive and are likely to attract more qualified talent. The following key factors should be taken into account in the design of the premises:

1. Hybrid working and flexibility

• The offices will be designed to support both in-person and remote work with hot desks and shared workspaces instead of designated workstations.
• Collaboration areas for team meetings and quiet work areas for work that requires concentration.

2. Technology Integration

• Advanced video conferencing equipment supports hybrid meetings.
• High-speed internet and seamless connections between different workstations.

3. Employee well-being and mental health

• Biophilic design (green plants, natural light and open spaces) relieves stress. Read more about the case study on biophilic design in offices.
• Hygienic materials in interior design and furniture, as well as ventilation systems that promote air quality and health.

4. Work-life balance and comfort

• Lounges for informal meetings and relaxation.
• Fitness facilities and standing desks.

5. Company Culture and Branding

• The tailored look of the office reflects the company's identity, culture and values.
• An open floor plan promotes cooperation and inclusion.

In light of current developments, it seems that hybrid working is here to stay. Although the occupancy rate of office premises has increased from the low of 2020, it has not yet risen to the pre-pandemic level. In most industries, a return to a full five-day office week seems unlikely. This provides companies with the opportunity to transform their office spaces into flexible and collaborative environments that attract both new and existing employees.

See how designers can create Formica Collection^® With the help of hygienic and sustainable materials in the collection, office spaces with a uniform look that win employees over.

   

 

Sources:
1. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1239995/working-from-home-europe/
2. The Office Awaits: Reinventing the workplace for a post-pandemic future
3. https://www.rics.org/news-insights/wbef/the-outlook-for-office-markets-towards-a-two-tiered-system
4. https://www.hr-brew.com/stories/2024/07/25/world-of-hr-office-occupancy-in-europe-is-rising-report-finds