iO Workspace Survey 2025: Key Insights into the Future of Workspaces
The workplace must adapt to how employees are working today.
Discover what modern employees and businesses expect from office environments in Budapest and major Central & Eastern European cities. The iO Workspace Survey 2025 by iO Partners delivers actionable insights on remote work, office design, generational priorities, and location-based preferences—essential reading for property owners, workplace strategists, and HR leaders.
Download the full iO Workspace Survey 2025 (PDF)
Key Takeaways from the Survey
- Home Office Trends: 33% of organizations rarely permit home office, while most allow 1-4 days weekly under special circumstances. Only a small share outright prohibits remote work—highlighting a shift to hybrid flexibility.
- Demographic Split: 60% of respondents are based in Budapest, with the remainder from other major urban centers.
- Generational Differences: Gen Z places high value on social spaces, Generation Y prioritizes location, and Generation X seeks overall workplace satisfaction. Each generation reports different perceptions of where they are most efficient—office, home, or both.
Office vs. Home: Efficiency and Well-Being
The survey demonstrates that:
- 61% cite proximity to colleagues and social interaction as the greatest benefit of office work. For Gen Z, this rises to 68%.
- 41% find it easier to maintain a daily routine from the office, while 30% report better control over work-life balance when working onsite.
- Offices are favored when they provide multifunctional spaces, ergonomic furniture, quiet rooms, and tailored features to support both teamwork and productivity.
What Makes a Workspace Truly Exceptional?
The features ranked highest include:
- Short commute times (77%) and easy access by public transport (65%) as primary location benefits.
- Good restaurants and nearby shops (40%), safe neighborhoods (37%), and free parking (32%) were important bonuses.
- Critical office attributes encompass location (66%), distraction-free zones (56%), technical infrastructure (56%), thermal comfort (50%), and comfortable furniture (49%).
Designing for Collaboration, Creativity, and Comfort
Modern communal office spaces must:
- Enable effective collaboration and creative work
- Incorporate visually inspiring interiors for well-being and motivation
- Provide focus rooms, collaboration rooms, and flexible meeting spaces, with 34% of respondents wanting dedicated areas for concentration and 24% for online meetings
Adapting for the Future: Generational Priorities
Each age cohort values distinct workspace elements:
- Gen X: Workplace satisfaction
- Gen Y: Location
- Gen Z: Social spaces and collaborative culture
Actionable Advice for Business Leaders
Ready to create a future-proof workspace or optimize your office strategy in Central and Eastern Europe?
Contact the iO Partners Office department today for a custom consultation, tailored recommendations, and access to the full expertise behind the iO Workspace Survey 2025.
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