The future of work in 2026... Technology, talent and quality of life are redefining the workplace
With the evolution of business concepts around the world, companies in various fields are preparing to adapt to the expected changes in 2026, especially with the doubly focus of organizations on their employees and employees as their largest assets and their most important investments. Therefore, organizations are keen to provide their teams with training, technology-driven learning opportunities, and well-being. Organizations of all sizes adopt flexible work models to attract and retain the best talent, realizing that productivity depends on how and timing to collaborate, not just the workplace.
In preparation for 2026, International Workplace Group (IWG), the world's largest provider of flexible work solutions and owner of the Regus and Spaces brands, revealed the top 10 trends that will shape the international business landscape in 2026:
1. Expanding the use of artificial intelligence as a “personal assistant”
In 2026, flexible task forces will integrate AI Copilots into their daily operations on a regular basis. These systems will contribute to reducing the time and effort spent on simple tasks such as management and scheduling, giving employees more time for creativity and real production. This shift is driving a new wave of “intergenerational collaboration”; with IWG research indicating that 62% of Generation Z employees are already training their older colleagues in the use of artificial intelligence.
2. Back to Multiple Offices
Companies will move away from undefined flexible working policies, towards multi-site organizational models. Instead of insisting on “going back to a central office,” the motto would become “go back to multiple offices,” allowing employees to work from a network of co-working spaces close to their homes, reducing expensive commutes.
Microsoft is the most prominent example of the implementation of this policy, as it informs its employees in the United States that they need to come to work for the offices closest to their homes three days a week.
3. Mini-certificates as a skills currency
Employees with a flexible work system will rely on stacking “Micro Certifications” that focus on specific skills, rather than relying holistically on traditional certificates or annual performance reviews. Employers will support this orientation by funding on-demand learning platforms, with the possibility of learning from anywhere.
4. Facing the Quiet Cracking
Unlike “Quiet Quitting”, the term “silent crack” appears to describe employees who work but feel mentally and emotionally detached, leading to exhaustion. Companies will turn to “Wellness Technology” tools and services, such as wearable devices to track stress, mental health challenges supported by artificial intelligence, and motivational activities of a recreational nature, to promote integration and improve productivity.
5. Executive leaderships in the "partial contracting" system
Under prevailing economic prudent policies, companies will expand ways to hire partial contract executives (Fractional C-Suite) to obtain focused expertise without incurring full recruitment costs. This system allows more flexibility for companies to secure world-class strategic insights when needed.
This is in line with the findings of IWG research, which indicated that with nine in ten (87%) CEOs and CFOs concerned about the ongoing instability in the global economy, and two-thirds (67%) of them already reducing operating costs, companies are currently looking for more careful leadership models.
6. The cities of 15 minutes
During the livestock years, many companies began to implement work systems that are compatible with the concept of the "15-minute city", where all work and leisure needs are available in a short distance of no exceeding 15 minutes for all its members. Expectations indicate that this concept will enter a new phase in 2026, in which entire cities are built specifically designed to promote communication and sustainability in accordance with the principles of "15 minutes cities". Flexible work is the main driver of the feasibility of these urban systems.
7. Loyalty to the local community
Flexible working systems will promote deep communication with local communities. Companies may encourage employees to integrate volunteering and local partnerships into their workweek, improving the image of companies and business owners.
8. Hotel-themed offices
Workplaces will increasingly look like small luxury hotels (Boutique Hotels), where they will include concierge services to serve employees and visitors, and outstanding dining options. The IWG's partnership with the global hospitality experience design bureau stands out, which blends hospitality expertise with flexible workspaces and redefines the workplace experience in a sophisticated way.
9. High demand for daily offices
Day Offices will become an essential part of the new work landscape, providing professional spaces on demand, both for quiet individual work and team meetings, without the need for long-term commitments.
10. Generation Z requirements
Generation Z continues to influence work rules and norms, as Generation Z enters the labor market with expectations that exceed salary, prioritizing mental health and resilience. Companies that embrace flexibility and purposeful work will be able to attract the next generation of leaders better.
Commenting on these expectations, Mark Dixon, founder and CEO of IWG, said: “Continuous improvements in technology such as artificial intelligence will be key drivers of productivity and engagement, enabling companies to build forward-ready teams. We will see a radical shift in the geography of work for a long time over the coming years, as the center of gravity moves towards communities. The growing demand for local work has led to the opening of the majority of new IWG centres in local communities and suburbs.