Nearly 90% of companies plan to increase daily office attendance requirements this year, according to new research from Savills global network. Generation Z employees are leading this shift, spending 12% more time in offices than older colleagues. But they also prioritize workplace wellness initiatives more highly.
Prague mirrors this global pattern with average physical occupancy now exceeding 60% and continuing to climb. Monday through Thursday remain the busiest office days, but employers are more open to remote arrangements on Friday.
“Hybrid work is evolving, but the office remains a critical tool for collaboration and company culture,“ says Pavel Novák, Head of Office Agency at Savills. He says the demographic shift driving this change is significant. Baby Boomers and Generation X made up 60% of the global workforce in 2019, but by 2034, Millennials, Gen Z and Gen Alpha will represent about 80% of workers in advanced economies. These younger generations view office environments as essential for learning, mentorship and career advancement.
This focus on wellbeing shows up in building certifications. Globally, buildings enrolled in WELL Building Standards programmes have increased roughly 300% since 2020. In Prague, WELL certification remains limited to premium new properties like Visionary and Nová Waltrovka, though it’s becoming standard for new developments.
The emphasis on workplace quality and sustainability drives higher construction standards but also increases costs reflected in rental rates. “The trend is clear: tenants are placing more emphasis on workplace quality, user comfort and sustainability. While this shift drives higher standards, it also comes with increased costs, which are gradually being reflected in rental levels,” says Novak.
The point seems to be that shifting corporate priorities are redefining what standards offices need to meet in order to charge prime rents. As important as the number of square meters on offer is whether the office functions well as a collaboration hub that can drive company culture. Good transport access is obviously still important. But much now depends on the amenities on offer, both within buildings and in surrounding neighborhoods. A cool urban location is a crucial recruitment and retention tool.
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