Flex in 2026
School is back, holidays are over, and it’s time to get to work.
In our opinion, flex is going to be one of the main themes of the office industry for 2026.
If you look at the bigger picture of the economy, geopolitics, and technology – uncertainty reigns. This sentiment means flexibility is going to be key. Flexible working is here to stay, and it will continue to evolve.
Flexible lease terms are a tenant’s dream. Lease structures are hard to change, but we are seeing some savvy landlords being a little more accommodating without penalty to either side. They are realising that flexibility and stickiness go hand in hand.
Flex space (coworking, serviced offices, third space, proworking, etc) will continue to evolve and grow. The perception is that flex space is reserved for the smaller tenants. This has been changing as larger (enterprise) tenants continue to see and commit to the benefits.
Flexible office design and fitout play a big part in the overall office lease equation. Space utilisation has changed, so we will see more sharing of workpoints and the continued rise of modular furniture and fitouts. Sharing reduces the amount of space required and lessens empty office syndrome on those quiet days. Modular provides flex on the way in and flex on the way out, for both parties.
It’s not about flexing muscles but flexing work, lease terms, the office, the fitout, and the design. Flex is normal, so we should work with it and aim to perfect it.
Of course, no two organisations are the same, which makes flexibility even more essential.
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