Open plan office is not so fit for purpose in the hybrid world finds global report

The fully open-plan office, once hailed as the future of collaborative work, is no longer fit for purpose in the hybrid, post-pandemic workplace, according to a new report from Crown Workspace.

The research, which surveyed 1,250 office workers and facilities decision-makers across the UK, US, Singapore, India, New Zealand, and Hong Kong revealed that the majority (91 per cent) of employees say they would return to the office more often if the space better supported their needs. Yet, there’s a noticeable disconnect between attendance and employee preferences, while 59 per cent currently work in the office full-time, only 41 per cent say they prefer to. Nearly half (47 per cent) favour a hybrid model, reflecting the growing demand for greater flexibility.

Despite this shift, the office still holds value. 45 per cent of employees report feeling more productive in the office compared to just 25 per cent at home. Open-plan office spaces may have once been seen as a solution for collaboration, but three quarters (75 per cent) of employees say that the furniture, layout, and flexibility of their office space have a significant impact on their wellbeing and performance, yet fewer than one in four (24 per cent) feel their current setup actually supports those outcomes.

Quiet zones and personalised Workspace are high on the wish-list — 67 per cent say access to quiet areas is essential, while 77 per cent value having a dedicated workspace. A further 70 per cent believe having a designated desk with a personalised setup (rather than hot-desking) is critical to a positive office experience. For businesses looking to boost productivity, creativity, and a meaningful return to the office, designing Workspace that prioritise focus, ownership, and comfort is essential.

While the survey shows collaborative, open spaces can be positive for offices, it also suggests companies and organizations have neglected the role of quiet spaces for some time.

Commenting on the findings from the report, Phil Oram, UKI Regional Director at Crown Workspace, said:

“Since the pandemic, the physical space that an office occupies has come under greater scrutiny. With fewer people in the office, it’s more important than ever to design Workspace around the needs of the workforce. At the same time, organisations must plan for a more sustainable future, aligning with global sustainability goals. As offices downsize, equipment doesn’t need to be discarded—there are real opportunities to upcycle and recycle, giving these items a second life.”