Too Connected to Concentrate: 2026 Workplace Futures Survey

We’re navigating a workplace of sharp contradictions. The office market looks stable, but beneath that calm surface, high-velocity digital disruption is taking hold — turning focus into an individual fight few of us are winning. Download the report.

Now in its seventh year, Hassell’s latest Workplace Futures Survey, Too Connected to Concentrate: Surface stability, digital turmoil, and the individual fight for focus, reveals that the office is dealing with two different kinds of change at once: a slow physical reset, and a fast digital disturbance. Occupancy patterns may look steady, but the purpose of the office is being fundamentally redefined. 

As AI makes work even more portable, desks and chairs are no longer the default place of work. Dr Daniel Davis, Hassell’s Head of Research and author of Too Connected to Concentrate, says workplace patterns look more settled than they did a few years ago – but that stability is deceptive. 

“AI is changing where people work. Tasks that once required two monitors and a chair are now frequently happening on-the-go, in-between other moments. Workplaces need to respond by offering people something they can’t get through a screen – space to concentrate, learn from others, build trust, and feel part of something larger.” 

— Dr Daniel Davis, Head of Research, Hassell

THE COLLABORATION CORRECTION 

According to the survey findings, employees are seeking quieter, more controlled spaces where they can focus without interruption.

Organisations however want energetic, social environments where people can collaborate, mentor, learn and build culture face-to-face. Davis describes this tension as a collaboration correction: a shift away from workplaces designed primarily around teamwork, towards more balanced environments that support both individual focus and high-value human interaction. 

“The best workplaces provide choice. That’s the foundation – so basic it’s often overlooked. The most competitive workplaces will be those that feel generous, are easy to use and create space for the dichotomy of the world we’re working in.” 

Among the report’s key findings: 

• AI is changing the floor plan: 55% of employees have used AI to work from a non-traditional workplace – such as from bed, while commuting, or even the bathroom. This was higher among young employees and heavy AI users. 
• The collaboration correction: 63% of employees want their future workplace to favour individual work over collaboration. 
• Make the lobby visitor-worthy: 88% of people who were proud of their lobby described their building overall as premium. A strong lobby experience can lift perceived value across the whole building — meaning owners may get more return on entrance investment than on equivalent spend elsewhere in the building. 
• The office must offer what remote work cannot: 49% said face-to-face mentorship, learning, culture or social connection would help them use AI more effectively. 

For a copy of the full report, Too Connected to Concentrate: 2026 Workplace Futures Survey, register below to access now.