AI and flexibility reshape office markets in Chile and Manhattan

WeWork’s 2025 Member Year in Review report shows that companies in Chile are moving away from traditional square‑meter calculations toward flexible, experience‑focused workspaces that support hybrid teams and incorporate artificial‑intelligence tools. Claudio Hidalgo, WeWork Latin America president, said that “the market no longer responds to a purely real‑estate logic; today companies need spaces that accompany their operation and improve team experience.” The study found that 43% of Chilean professionals believe 11‑30% of their workload could be automated, and office absorption reached 77,815 m² in 2025 with vacancy falling to 9.67%.

In Manhattan, a Colliers report noted a historic rebound in office leasing during the second quarter of 2026, with 11.02 million sq ft signed—29.4% above the five‑year average and the strongest demand in over two decades. AI‑related leases rose to 800,000 sq ft, driven by growth in technology, media and finance. The surge benefits both premium Class A buildings and mid‑tier Class B properties, while older inventories remain largely vacant.

Both regions illustrate a broader shift toward flexible, tech‑enabled office environments as businesses adapt to hybrid work models and AI integration.