Looking ahead: Workplace and technology predictions for 2026

As we move towards 2026, the workplace is changing at a rapid pace. From looking at my previous predictions, much still rings true: hybrid work remains popular, many organisations are still refining their estates, and technology is influencing specific decisions we make on space.

One major thing that has changed is urgency. Businesses want smarter data for better environments that attract colleagues back into the office, and they want these changes now.

Digitalisation and data-led decisions

Digitisation might seem like an age-old concept today, but earlier this year, SFG20, the industry standard for building maintenance, found that 31 per cent of FM professionals keep asset registers in a spreadsheet, and a further five per cent mix software, spreadsheets, and paper-based registers.

That lack of uniformity and centralisation of data creates inefficiency. Organisations are now paying closer attention to how their information is registered, stored, accessed and used. Digitised records reduce the risk of inaccurate registers, and greater accessibility means that, no matter where colleagues are based, they can use and access key information.

The technology itself is also becoming increasingly available. Wi-fi tracking technology, for example, is being used in organisations with diverse estates, like universities. This software tracks user pathways throughout estates, to show where people are choosing to work, which spaces are used more or less throughout the day, and what rooms and resources are in most demand. That insight can feed into decisions on building capacity, layout, and services.

Other technology I anticipate will increase in popularity are sensor-based systems, which can identify workplace conditions by measuring features such as temperature, noise, and air quality. For example, imagine you and a team of 10 others have been working in a smaller meeting room for two hours. You might start yawning, not because of the meeting, but because the carbon dioxide level has increased.

Carbon sensor technology can detect these spikes, and compare them against office space use, to identify why a perfectly “fine” meeting room may be uncomfortable and therefore avoided.

Moving away from communal spaces

Occupancy trends are still uneven. With more organisations pushing colleagues back into the office, many of the communal spaces that were developed after the COVID pandemic are now being removed in favour of greater desk space.

In terms of occupancy, midweek remains the busiest time, with offices significantly quieter on Mondays and Fridays. In London, for example, TfL Tube peak tap-in and tap-out times were highest on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and Friday especially was approximately 20 per cent lower in terms of footfall. These fluctuations create pressure points that affect how spaces are used.

Communal areas are often the first to be repurposed to fit more colleagues for these peak times, but that removal takes away spaces originally created to encourage higher office attendance.

This has knock-on effects on collaborative culture, which were strong reasons for encouraging office attendance in the first place. I expect more organisations to explore rightsizing techniques for managing and encouraging attendance, without removing areas that are in demand.

Better communication, clear expectations and ongoing change support can help to smooth peaks and troughs. With more balanced use, offices can continue to serve their intended purpose: productivity and teamwork.

Making workplaces easier to use

If your colleagues are coming into the office, they want an environment that works for them. Good workplace experience requires comfort: durable furniture and spaces that are their own and don’t require them to relocate depending on the day or their department. That means sitting at a desk that suits their needs, connecting quickly to the internet, booting up their computer and getting started on their workday without disruption.

Previously, I anticipated workplaces to focus more specifically on neurodiverse support and accessibility functions. Now, I think this focus is broadening to prioritise overall comfort and longevity of workspaces.

What we’ll see in 2026

The next year will need to focus on refinement. With the updated Carbon Budget and Growth Delivery Plan released, and the updated budget announced, businesses need to review their 2026 priorities.

Strategic decisions need to be based on a clearer understanding of what their buildings offer and what people need from them. Digital tools, clearer data and adaptable design play a role in making environments work well, from Monday to Friday, for the full workforce.

Support with your strategy

BMG supports organisations to audit asset footprints, implement workplace change and support relocations.

Contact us or fill out a quote enquiry form to explore how we can help you prepare for 2026 workplace expectations.