German firms redesign hybrid office space to cut costs and boost use

Hybrid work has become routine in many German companies, with employees alternating between the office, home and other locations. Managers now face the challenge of determining the true amount of office space needed and how to allocate it efficiently. A study by the Future of Work Lab at the University of Konstanz, surveying 1,017 mobile workers, found that 35 % of offices lack adequate meeting and interaction areas, a problem that has persisted since 2022. Companies that continue to demand office presence must answer what the workplace offers that remote work does not, such as collaboration, culture and spontaneous exchange. The research also shows that newer offices tend to have slightly fewer home‑office days desired by staff, suggesting that modern design alone does not resolve the issue. Experts recommend data‑driven analysis of actual desk‑use patterns to avoid overcrowding on peak days while reducing unused space on slower days, enabling cost‑effective leasing and better space planning.