Back to work: office design trends for 2025/2026

In recent years, the Italian labor market has undergone profound transformations . According to ISTAT data, in the third quarter of 2024, there was an increase of 117,000 employed people compared to the previous quarter, a growth of 0.5%.

The need for flexible and adaptable environments has become crucial as companies strive to accommodate a diverse and ever-changing workforce. Furthermore, the rise of freelance professions requires spaces that can be easily reconfigured for different activities and collaborations.

The impact on office design

Office design trends for 2025/2026 focus on flexibility, employee well-being, and seamless technology integration . Modular, open-plan layouts, ergonomic furnishings, and dedicated relaxation and socializing areas are all strategies that have gained traction in recent years and show no signs of slowing down. Furthermore, sustainability and energy efficiency are key factors in choosing materials and technologies.

In short, the evolution of the labor market is profoundly influencing office design choices, with an ever-increasing emphasis on creating adaptable spaces that respond to the changing needs of both companies and workers.

What to expect from office design in 2025/2026?

Workplaces are increasingly resembling luxury hotels. The office, once a necessity, has now become a destination, drawing on the hospitality industry to offer employees curated and personalized experiences tailored to their needs. The term "Workspitality" perfectly embodies this hybrid concept, countering the trend toward remote working and offering employees a space they truly want to return to, designed with a contemporary aesthetic and adaptable spaces for different activities throughout the day.

As workers become accustomed to the comforts of home, offices are adopting interiors that mirror those of hotel rooms: warm, welcoming, and furnished with natural materials. The modern office is evolving into an ecosystem of flexible spaces , moving away from an obsession with productivity and toward human interaction. Traditional office design is being reimagined to remain relevant, emphasizing well-being and socializing. Reception areas are now transformed into cafeteria-style bars with stools and pendant lights , kitchenettes are transformed into bars, and dining rooms are resembling authentic bistros, encouraging a sense of community.