Current Fraunhofer study "Back to the Office": Changing the image of the office - from a classic workplace to an interactive meeting space

Berlin, January 25, 2022 | In a recent survey by the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering (IAO), which was implemented together with Euroboden GmbH and Engel & Völkers Commercial Berlin, 1,000 people were asked about the office of the future. The study "Back to the office" shows what employees want from their workplace of tomorrow and how project developers as well as agents will meet these requirements. The world of work and offices has long been in a state of flux, and the Corona pandemic is reinforcing this rethinking. This was confirmed by 60 percent of respondents who said that their working style will change in the future, both in terms of space and time.

Office of the future: inspiration and sustainability more in demand than ever before

In addition to hard location factors, the importance of soft location factors for the choice of office property is becoming increasingly apparent. Among other things, 24 percent of respondents want a creative environment. In particular, factors such as a digital infrastructure and an inspiring environment are highly valued by the young age group of 18- to 29-year-olds (30%). The desire for more sustainability remains undisputed. The symbiosis between nature and buildings is more in demand than ever. Green roofs and facades and the use of land for food production ("urban farming") as a contribution to an "edible" and biodiverse city are advocated by 25 percent of respondents. This change in thinking is also reflected in the agreement (30 %) to equip office spaces with publicly inaccessible workplaces in green areas in the future and to use them as local recreation areas outside working hours. Climate protection and sustainable, ecological action are the focus of workplace design, especially among younger generations (younger than 30).

The workplace as a meeting and communication zone

The concept of how office space is used is changing. 26 percent of respondents are in favor of office space as a communication and meeting zone in the future. Still and focus work is shifting to the home office. The possibility of so-called third places as an alternative to central company locations is also finding favor. 22 percent welcome the provision of a "working-in-the-city pass," which makes it possible to work in cafés, libraries, etc. for a set period of time. Nevertheless, it is likely that physical exchange and interaction will remain important components in the office and work environment. The office building must reinvent itself.

"Working, living and mobility are changing. This is of particular importance in the Berlin metropolitan area due to the continuously growing economy and the transformation into a diversified service metropolis. The number of employees is rising steadily and highly qualified professionals are moving in, especially in the tech and start-up sectors. As a broker of office space, we want to know the current trends in the office and working world. And we see how the attractiveness of B and C locations is increasing. There, a real trend reversal is emerging in demand. Many well-known companies are settling in peripheral locations, creating future places of work that will also have a formative influence on urban development. Furthermore, we are observing a change in land use concepts. In addition to the large inner-city office complexes, smaller satellite offices in the size range of less than 600 square meters could be increasingly rented in the future," explains Aissatou Frisch-Baldé, Head of Office Space at Engel & Völkers Commercial Berlin. 

"For us, the study results are so exciting because with our current project ,Hammerschmidt' we are completing an office building that already offers an answer to the new trends in its basic architectural structure. Meeting areas that promote creative exchange and thus create an inspiring environment for working in teams. Offerings such as a sports and recreation deck to give people real added value beyond traditional office space. And a strong incorporation of nature through generous outdoor spaces in a location close to nature with good air and views as far as the Alps. Incidentally, the integration of nature and building, including structural communication zones, is also at the heart of another Euroboden project, the 'Billerberg' at Ammersee," adds Dr. Alexander Gutzmer, Director Marketing and Communication at Euroboden GmbH.