The International Workplace Group (IWG), the world’s largest provider of flexible workspace solutions, has unveiled its 2026 workplace trends, highlighting a shift towards multi-office models, hospitality-led office designs, and the emergence of 15-minute cities. As businesses rethink office spaces, the focus is on creating strategic assets that support flexible working.
Companies are moving away from traditional hybrid policies towards structured, multi-location models. Employees will work from convenient locations closer to home, with Microsoft leading the charge by requiring US employees to work from their nearest office at least three days a week by 2026. This policy is expected to extend across its international offices, including in Singapore.
The concept of 15-minute cities, where work, leisure, and living are accessible within a short walk or cycle, is evolving. Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Draft Master Plan 2025 supports this trend with self-contained neighbourhoods designed for work-live-play needs. IWG’s 23 centres across Singapore align with this shift towards decentralised work options.
Offices are also transforming into hospitality-led environments, resembling boutique hotels with concierge services and curated amenities. IWG’s partnership with YOO exemplifies this trend, blending design-led hospitality with flexible workspaces to create lifestyle experiences.
On-demand offices are becoming essential, offering professional spaces without long-term commitments. These developments reflect a broader move towards local, personal, and intelligent work environments, reshaping how businesses operate and employees engage with their workspaces.
