How iO4Workplace Is Transforming Office Space Planning in Serbia and the Region
From Assumptions to Data: A New Approach to Workplace Planning
Balázs Agócs, Head of Workplace Services CEE & SEE at iO Partners, speaks with eKapija Business Portal about the evolving office market in Serbia and the region, the impact of hybrid work on space planning, and how the iO4Workplace platform supports smarter, data-driven workplace decisions.
How do you view the current state of the commercial real estate market in Serbia and the region, particularly in the office segment?
The office market in Serbia and the wider region continues to adapt to new ways of working, but demand for high-quality space remains strong. Vacancy levels in prime locations are relatively low, and the market remains active, with significant new supply under development. At the same time, companies are becoming more selective, prioritizing quality, location, and workplace experience. Flexible workspace solutions are also gaining traction, increasingly adopted not only by smaller teams but by large organizations as well. Despite hybrid work, offices remain essential for collaboration, culture, and talent attraction.
How has workplace planning changed with hybrid work, and what are the biggest challenges today?
Workplace planning is no longer based on full-time office presence but on understanding how people actually use space. This has led to more flexible, activity-based environments and the decline of traditional space-per-employee models. The key challenge today is determining how much space is truly needed while balancing fluctuating attendance, lease commitments, and employee expectations. As a result, office decisions have become strategic rather than purely operational.
How does the iO4Workplace platform address these challenges?
iO4Workplace enables a structured, data-driven approach to workplace planning by replacing assumptions with scenario-based analysis. It evaluates organizational setup, workplace strategy, and lease commitments to generate multiple planning options. This gives management clear visibility on space requirements, financial implications, and long-term impact, supporting more informed and confident decision-making.
How difficult is it for companies to assess their real space needs today?
It remains one of the biggest challenges. Traditional models often fail to reflect actual usage, while hybrid work introduces fluctuating attendance patterns. Without reliable data, companies tend to rely on assumptions, which can lead to unnecessary costs or limited flexibility for future growth.
What is the logic behind the “five questions” methodology?
The “five questions” framework simplifies a complex planning process into a few critical inputs, such as team size, structure, office setup, lease arrangements, and attendance patterns. Based on this, the platform can quickly estimate optimal workspace requirements, enabling faster, data-driven decisions.
How does the platform support scenario comparison and financial planning?
The platform allows companies to compare different scenarios-such as lease renewal, office redesign, or relocation-in one place. It provides a clear view of financial implications over time, including lease costs, fit-out investments, and operating expenses, helping organizations make well-informed, sustainable decisions.
How important is combining data with market expertise?
Both are essential. Data provides insight into how space is used, while market expertise ensures these insights are translated into practical, effective decisions. The best outcomes come from combining analytics with real-world advisory experience.
How do you see the future of office space management?
Workplace management is becoming increasingly data-driven, with decisions based on actual usage rather than assumptions. Digital platforms like iO4Workplace are expected to become standard tools, helping companies optimize costs and align workplace strategies with business goals. Office space will increasingly be viewed as a strategic asset that supports performance, employee experience, and long-term growth.
Head of Workplace Services CEE & SEE