According to a Savills global network research, almost 90 percent of respondents anticipate that companies will increase daily office attendance requirements this year. One of the main drivers of this change is Generation Z, which spends 12 percent more time working from the office than older cohorts and is strongly focused on wellbeing. By 2034, Millennials, Gen Z and Gen Alpha will make up about 80 percent of the workforce in advanced economies.
“In Prague, we are seeing a similar trend. Average physical occupancy has already exceeded 60 percent and continues to rise. The busiest office days remain Monday through Thursday, while Friday tends to be more flexible. Hybrid work is evolving, but the office remains a critical tool for collaboration and company culture,“ says Pavel Novák, Head of Office Agency at Savills.
This generation tends to view the opportunities for learning, connection and mentorship that the office provides as essential to career progression.
In 2019, Baby Boomers and Generation X comprised about 60 percent of the global workforce. But by 2034, Millennials, Gen Z and Gen Alpha will make up about 80 percent in advanced economies. As these younger generations join the workforce, they are prioritising their health and mental wellbeing – and they expect their workplace to support it.
The focus on wellbeing is reflected by the number of buildings seeking accreditation from the WELL Building Standards programme, which was developed by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) and focuses on enhancing human health and well-being in buildings by evaluating factors such as air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind. Since 2020, there has been around a 300 percent increase in real estate enrolled in one or more WELL programmes. “WELL certification is currently limited to a select number of top-tier buildings in Prague, such as Visionary or the recently completed Nová Waltrovka. However, it is becoming increasingly common across new and planned developments. The trend is clear: tenants are placing more emphasis on workplace quality, user comfort and sustainability. While this shift drives higher standards, it also comes with increased costs, which are gradually being reflected in rental levels”, adds Pavel Novák.
Occupiers shift to a new concept of prime office
Companies are rethinking what a “prime” office means. Today’s workplaces must offer more than just a physical space – businesses demand premium workplaces that get the best from their people and drive company culture. These spaces need to provide a hub for collaboration and connection, while also supporting diverse workforces.
Key to the success of the modern prime office is amenity, both in the building and the immediate local area. Vibrant offices in attractive urban centres are increasingly important to broader human resource strategy, helping organisations to create workplaces that foster satisfaction, productivity and loyalty.
Hybrid work is here to stay, but it continues to evolve
Hybrid working policies have evolved significantly in the past five years and are still changing. While many businesses have embraced flexible working models, the balance of in-office and remote work varies according to factors such as local-market preferences, infrastructure and housing affordability.
