Identifying Key Trends in The Workplace REPORT CBRE RESEARCHAPRIL 2026 Contents 0102030405060708Key HighlightsWorkspace Culture & DesignWorkforce Composition & DynamicsSkills & Talent StrategySustainability & WellbeingMobility & Commute TrendsTechnology & Future-ReadinessActions for Landlords & Investors Key Highlights Transport Habits are Shifting Technology Outpacing People Systems Collaborative Spaces & Social Zones •47%of respondents claimed that they arealready experiencing a significant impact tooperations from AI, with another32%believingthat it will have an impact in the next 1-3 years. •92%of respondents mentioned in our surveythat the workspace features that mostenhances culture, morale and productivitymost includes collaborative spaces and socialzones. •More than50%of respondents confirmedthat they use a motorcycle to travel to work. •A total of42%of respondents believe thatcommuting changes will influence theirworkplace location strategy. Such changesinclude greater use of public transport,environmental considerationsandthepreference for shorter commutes. •When asked which areas of operations aremost expected to be impacted by AI,79%answered Data Analysis & Decision-Making.While63%answered Customer Service &Support. •64%agreed that Green Design, as well asNatural Lighting & Ventilation, are the mostimportant features to enhance culture, moraleand productivity. WorkspaceCulture & Design Companies are activelyrethinking workplaces as toolsfor culture, collaboration, andwellbeing-but currently manyoffices underperform. Workforce models arecollaboration-heavy anddigitally enabled, yet stilloffice-centric. Skills transformation is wellunderstood but underfunded,especially inleadership, digitalfluency, and adaptability. Sustainability is present,but not yet strategic–focused more on wellnessthan resilience or climate risk. AI is already impacting coreoperations, with significantuntapped potential in HR andworkforce strategy. Commutability and mobilitypressures are emergingbut not yet decisive. From Space to Experience:Workplaces as Culture,Collaboration, and Wellbeing Engines Companies areaspirationallyaligned around experience-led, human-centric workplaces but execution remains uneven. Culture is no longer driven by branding or image alone-employeeexperience is the dominant decision driver (84%). Reframing WorkplaceInvestment:Health,Security, and ReliabilityLead Demand Companies place the highest value on landlord-provided amenities that ensure operational stability,safety, and employee health, rather than premiumor experiential features. Air quality monitoring, 24/7security, and backup power infrastructure emergeas top priorities, reflecting a strong focus on riskmanagement and business continuity. Wellbeing isperceived more through everyday convenience andaccess to green spaces than through formalwellness facilities. Overall, the findings suggest a shift towards afundamentals-first workplace approach, wherereliability and resilience form the foundation prior toenhancing employee experience. A Young, Collaborative WorkforceDriving New Ways of Working Digital, Leadership,and Adaptive SkillsDefining the NextTalent Frontier High Awareness, Low Readiness:The Growing Skills Execution Gap Companies know where skills are heading but lack execution muscle.The biggest gap is not awareness—it’s investment, speed, andintegration with workplace and culture. Skills strategy must be tied tolearning-enabled workplaces, mentorship models, and digitalinfrastructure—not just L&D programs. Wellbeing Takes Priority, WhileSustainability Remains Emerging Sustainability is currently framed as wellbeing and workplacequality, not as risk, resilience, or core strategy. There is anopportunity to reframe sustainability from “nice-to-have” totalent attraction, resilience, and cost efficiency-especially inreal estate decisions. Figure 11. On a scale from 1-10, How concerned are yourworkforce with sustainability or climate change? Mobility Pressures Are EmergingWithout Forcing Strategic Change Mobility pressures are recognized but not urgent yet. Organizationsremain reactive rather than proactive in transport-led locationstrategy. As fuel costs, congestion, and sustainability requirementsrise, commute efficiency may quickly become a decisive factor,especially for younger talent. Technology OutpacesPeople Systemsin the Race to Future-Readiness The impact of AI is already taking place. 47% of respondents havereported already experiencing significant AI impact, with another 32%expecting to feel the impact of AI within the next 3 years. AI is beingadopted operationally first, not yet strategically or holistically. Withoutintegrating AI into HR, learning, and workforce planning, companiesrisk productivity gains without capability maturity. Survey Profile This survey draws insights from a carefullyselected group of prominent office occupiers,including many large enterprises and multinationalcorpor