Office design: key trends for 2026

Offices are no longer just places where people come to work.

First published in 2025, this article deserved to be updated. In the space of a year, practices have continued to evolve, and in the field, one thing has become clear: rethinking offices is no longer an option, but a real strategic challenge for companies.

In 2026, they are becoming truly strategic professional spaces, designed from the outset to support the evolution of work, attract talent, improve well-being at work, and optimize collective efficiency.

With the rise of remote working, hybrid offices, and new employee expectations, coupled with pressure on real estate costs, the health crisis, sustainable development issues, and carbon footprint reduction: modern office design must now strike a complex balance.

At Deskeo, specialists in office design, we work every day with companies that are rethinking their spaces to align them with their actual practices. Here are the major office design trends for 2026, already well established in the field.

The hybrid office: now standard... but better organized

The hybrid model is no longer an emerging trend: it is establishing itself as a sustainable way of working. In 2026, the question will no longer be whether to adopt the hybrid model, but how to orchestrate it intelligently.

Offices must accommodate:

• full-time teams,
• rotating employees,
• more occasional but higher-quality group time.

As a result, fixed workstations are gradually disappearing in favor of flexible open-plan offices, shared areas, and spaces designed for specific uses (meetings, concentration, collaboration, socializing).

Deskeo tip: Invest in modular office furniture: straight desks, height-adjustable desks, sit-stand desks, benches, flexible meeting tables, and acoustic partition panels. Modularity allows you to quickly adapt spaces without undertaking major construction work.

The office becomes a lever for well-being... and retention

Steelcase statistics reveal that companies that have optimized their work environment see an average increase of 17% in productivity. By 2026, well-being at work will no longer be a “plus,” but a key factor in employee retention. Companies understand that a poorly designed environment is costly in terms of both turnover and engagement.

Office layouts now include:

• quiet spaces for concentration,
• truly comfortable relaxation areas,
• places to unwind, chat, and take a break.

The office is no longer just functional; it must also be pleasant to work in.

Deskeo tip: Clearly designate different spaces: quiet rooms for working without being disturbed, corners with comfortable armchairs or sofas for relaxing, and why not terraces or gardens where people can get some fresh air or chat in a more relaxed atmosphere. Also consider incorporating spaces designed for well-being or biophilia, as well as solutions that allow for alternative postures to the traditional workstation: alcoves, lounge areas, tablets facing the view, etc.

The growing importance of acoustics

The growing importance of acoustics

With the widespread use of open-plan offices and hybrid workspaces, acoustics has become a major issue in 2026.

Ambient noise, video calls, impromptu meetings... without the right solutions, concentration levels quickly plummet.

Companies are now investing in:

• acoustic panels,
• absorbent materials,
• technical carpeting,
• soundproof booths,

and enclosed meeting areas. You should also provide quiet spaces specially designed for tasks that require a high level of concentration.

Deskeo tip: Tailor acoustics to individual needs with insulating walls, sound-absorbing carpets and furniture with separating partitions. Install soundproof booths or enclosed areas in open spaces to provide teams with zones where they can make calls, hold meetings or work in peace and quiet. And for tasks requiring maximum concentration, opt for quiet rooms!

The office as a reflection of corporate culture

In 2025, office design tells the story of a company's history and values. Office design becomes a powerful means of expressing your organization's identity and reinforcing employee commitment. Colors, graphics, artworks and furniture are all elements that create a real art of living at work and reinforce the feeling of belonging.

Deskeo tip: Clearly display your values and vision on dedicated walls to regularly remind teams of what makes up your company's identity and history.That's exactly what we did for Kraken, fitting out their offices to reflect their strong, unique identity in every space.

The influence of color on everyday life

Colors are no longer chosen at random: their impact on mood and productivity is recognized and integrated into the design process. Whether it's soft colors for concentration, bright tones to stimulate creativity or warm shades to enhance conviviality, every space benefits from a carefully considered approach.

Deskeo tip: To take things a step further, consider integrating decorative and graphic elements into these spaces, such as wall murals or posters that reinforce the meaning of the chosen colors. In this way, each space will have its own identity, making it easier to find one's way around and reinforcing employees' attachment to their working environment.

The biophilic trend: integrating nature into the heart of the office

The biophilic trend, which involves integrating natural elements into workspaces, is taking on new importance in 2025. Green plants, green walls, natural materials such as wood and abundant natural light all contribute to creating more serene and stimulating spaces.

Deskeo tip: Design outdoor spaces as real destinations and prioritize quality over quantity. Set up immersive relaxation zones with comfortable benches or armchairs nestled in the heart of the vegetation, to offer rejuvenating breaks throughout the day. Also orient workstations towards natural elements to bring a sense of escape, even in the office.

Community spaces: fostering links and exchanges

In 2025, creating links and facilitating exchanges between employees is becoming an essential part of office design. Community spaces play a key role: welcoming coffee corners, comfortable relaxation areas, convivial break rooms and zones dedicated to informal meetings enable teams to better exchange, collaborate and reinforce their sense of belonging.

Deskeo tip: Regularly organize convivial events in these community spaces, such as team breakfasts, training workshops or original team-building activities. This will naturally strengthen bonds between colleagues, while making office life more dynamic and enjoyable on a daily basis.

Technology serving the user (and not the other way around)

It is worth noting that smart technologies applied to offices could reduce a company's real estate costs by up to 35%. Thanks to smart sensors, connected applications, and predictive analytics, companies can adjust their space requirements in real time, avoid waste, and optimize operating costs.

Deskeo tip: Install smart sensors to automatically manage lighting and temperature based on actual space occupancy. These systems not only deliver significant energy savings, but also provide employees with a personalized and more comfortable working environment.

The office takes its inspiration from the hotel business: comfort and conviviality are the order of the day

In 2025, offices are borrowing the codes of the hotel industry to offer their employees greater comfort and a welcoming atmosphere. Gone are the impersonal spaces, replaced by warm, welcoming places, with comfortable furniture, meticulous design and services worthy of a hotel: welcoming reception, cosy cafeteria, warm meeting rooms or even lounge areas for breaks.

Deskeo tip: don't forget to include practical services such as secure individual lockers, elegant checkrooms, Click&Collect service for parcel delivery, or a snack area accessible throughout the day. That's the challenge we've taken up at La Casa Deskeo, our head office and one of Hopper Collections' emblematic spaces - and it's been a resounding success!

Security and confidentiality: more stringent requirements

With the development of hybrid working, guaranteeing data security and confidentiality becomes essential in 2025. Offices will therefore need to incorporate concrete, effective solutions such as clearly identified dedicated spaces, soundproofed meeting rooms for confidential exchanges, and intelligent access systems based on biometric technologies or personalized badges. This approach enables your teams to work with peace of mind, without fearing for the security of their sensitive information.

Deskeo's tip: Create clearly identified zones to ensure respect for sensitive information, in addition to enhanced cyber security.

In 2026, the office is no longer a cost: it's a lever

Office design trends in 2026 show one thing clearly: the office is becoming a strategic tool, serving performance, well-being, sustainability, and attractiveness.

At Deskeo, we design offices that are aligned with your uses, your teams, and your operational reality.

Spaces that make you want to come... and stay.

How about we start imagining your offices of tomorrow together, today? Contact us now! Contact us today!