Businesses focus on ‘destination offices’ as workplace strategies evolve

Businesses are focusing on improving existing workplaces rather than expanding their office footprint, according to new research from commercial law firm Irwin Mitchell.

The firm's latest Destination Office report suggests occupiers are placing greater emphasis on creating workplaces that encourage collaboration, support employee wellbeing and provide a stronger reason for staff to spend time in the office.

While a third of occupiers still intend to increase their office space over the next 12 months, this figure has fallen from 45% a year ago to 33% in 2026. Meanwhile, 28% expect to remain in their current premises, compared with 18% in 2025.

Instead of relocating or expanding, many organisations are focusing on adapting existing space. The research found that 43% of occupiers plan to reconfigure their offices during the next 12 to 18 months.

The report also points to a continuing increase in workplace attendance. Around 78% of business decision-makers expect office attendance to rise during the coming year, while almost a quarter identified accommodating changing work patterns as their primary reason for reviewing office space requirements.

Occupiers are increasingly viewing workplace design as a strategic business tool. The research found that 78% are either incorporating workplace design into wider employee engagement strategies or actively considering doing so. Human resources teams are also playing a growing role in workplace decisions, with 90% of respondents reporting HR involvement in space planning.

Environmental performance remains another major priority. According to the report, 87% of occupiers are either pursuing or considering ESG and green financing options as alternatives to traditional debt funding.

Technology is also playing a growing role in sustainability strategies. More than a quarter of businesses surveyed said they intend to use proptech solutions to monitor and manage energy consumption as part of efforts to meet environmental targets.

The findings suggest that navigating sustainability requirements remains a challenge for many occupiers. Twenty-seven per cent said they plan to engage external advisers, including consultants, lawyers and accountants, to help manage increasingly complex ESG obligations and decision-making processes.

The report also highlights continued interest in lease reform, with 70% of occupiers aware of proposed legislation to ban upwards-only rent reviews and believing such changes would benefit their businesses if introduced.

Overall, the research points to a market where occupiers are becoming more focused on extracting greater value from existing space, aligning workplace strategies with wider business objectives, and creating offices that serve as destinations rather than simply places to work.