Remote work has become the norm — but not the solution
While most teams work remotely, they struggle with burnout, declining engagement, and a challenging onboarding process for new employees.
The office of the future: what IT teams really need
HR survey results and key business takeaways
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What will the office of the future look like, and do we even need it at all?
When designing offices, we strive to understand the real needs of modern IT companies. The TENGO team conducted a survey among HR specialists to find out how they envision the office of the future and to what extent it is needed today. We analyzed the responses and gathered key takeaways, observations, and insights.
Key takeaways
Key takeaways
62.5%
BURNOUT VS. BALANCE
Remote work is the new normal, but it’s fueling burnout—62.5% of respondents point to difficulties in maintaining a work-life balance.
100%
HUMAN CONNECTION
The office is still needed—not for working, but for building relationships. 100% of respondents come in for face-to-face interaction.
71%
MOTIVATION
People don’t return to the office "on command." 71% of companies do not offer any incentives to encourage employees to come back.
1
KEY EXPECTATIONS
Design is not the top priority; functionality is. Employees want comfortable meeting rooms, quiet spaces, and overall work comfort.
01 — Work model
How do you currently work?
02 — Remote work challenges
What difficulties do you face when the team works remotely?
03 — The office as a magnet
If employees come to the office, what is their purpose?
04 — The ideal office
What should an office offer to make employees want to come in?
SURVEY RESULTS — PART 1
The office is no longer just a workplace — it is a space for interaction
The main reason for returning to the office: face-to-face interaction, idea sharing, and a sense of team belonging.
People don’t return to the office "just because"
You can’t "buy" a return to the office — you have to design it as a value proposition.
The main goal — comfort and functionality
People don’t want a "pretty office" — they want a comfortable environment tailored to various work scenarios.
05 — The Need for Privacy
Do you notice a growing need for quiet workspaces (individual or team focus rooms) in the office?
06 — The Office in the War for Talent
Does office design and comfort influence a candidate’s decision to join a company?
07 — The Home Office
Does providing home office equipment influence employee loyalty?
08 — Hybrid Transformation
Do you experience tension in your company between management’s expectations for a return to the office and resistance from the team?
SURVEY RESULTS — PART 2
There is a growing need for privacy
Open spaces no longer accommodate all work scenarios. Employees require dedicated spaces for concentration and quiet work.
The hybrid model generates new tensions
Companies are searching for a balance between business requirements and employee expectations. This equilibrium is directly linked to the quality of the office environment. The hybrid model is not just a work format, but primarily a managerial and spatial challenge.
The office impacts recruitment — but differently than commonly believed
The office is a deciding factor, but choices are driven by convenience rather than the "wow" effect. Workstation comfort and daily functionality take precedence over pure visual aesthetics.
The work environment extends beyond the office boundaries
Home workstation equipment is becoming a driver of employee loyalty and an integral part of the overall work ecosystem.
09 — MOTIVATION TO RETURN TO THE OFFICE
How did your company motivate employees to come in and work from the office?
10 — Challenges associated with the HYBRID OFFICE
What challenges did you have to face during the transition to a hybrid work model?
11 — Workshops
Which topic of TENGO's practical workshops would you find interesting?
12 — Looking into the future
Personal forecast: will the office be needed in the future?
SURVEY RESULTS — PART 3
What does this mean for offices today?
What does this mean for offices today?
Remote work has changed the game: the office is no longer mandatory, but has become a tool for talent retention.
Spaces that respond to the team’s real needs are the ones that win. Today, the office is not a place employees "have to come to," but a space that helps strengthen the team, support culture, and create conditions for various work scenarios.
Companies no longer compete on workstation count, but on environmental quality.
The office of the future is not a point on a city map, but a thoughtfully designed environment you want to return to!
At TENGO, we design offices based on real team work scenarios — taking into account both business objectives and employee needs.
At TENGO, we believe the best designs are born over a cup of coffee and an honest dialogue. To us, you are not just a client, but a co-creator and a guest who is always welcome.
Drop by our office — we will talk about your ideas, share our experience, and simply get to know each other better. We love what we do, and we look forward to your visit!
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