Nordic Workplaces in Transition: Flexibility, Engagement and the Future of Office Space

As Nordic companies recalibrate their workplace strategies, CBRE’s 2025 survey reveals a region in flux — balancing cost, culture, and collaboration in the face of evolving employee expectations.

“We’re seeing a clear shift: Nordic occupiers are tightening attendance expectations while creating vibrant, amenity-rich spaces that earn the commute. Nordic autonomy works when the office competes and wins on its merits, with places that pull rather than policies that push.

Occupiers want flexibility and better utilisation; investors want stability and cost control. The sweet spot sits in smart design and location — buildings that adapt without losing value.”  
Christer Farstad, Head of Occupier Services, Nordics

Hybrid Work: Still a Balancing Act

Despite a gradual rise in office attendance, a gap remains between employer expectations and employee behaviour. While 59% of companies want staff in the office three or more days per week, only 46% are achieving that target. Mondays and Fridays remain particularly challenging, with low vibrancy discouraging attendance.

• 43% of employees attend less than three days per week
• 54% of occupiers cite lack of vibrancy as a top challenge
• 50% seek better weekday balance to simplify space planning

Flex Space Gains Ground

Flexibility is no longer a perk — it’s a strategic imperative. By 2027, nearly a third of Nordic occupiers expect over half their portfolios to be flexible space, driven by cost control and uncertain demand.

• •    29% aim for >50% flex space by 2027
  •    62% cite reduced capital expenditure as the main driver
  •    Sweden leads with landlords integrating flex into traditional stock

Efficiency and Sustainability in Focus

Space optimisation is accelerating, with unassigned desks now the norm and desk-sharing ratios on the rise. Occupiers are also increasingly measuring workplace effectiveness, with ESG impact gaining traction.

• 58% of occupiers use unassigned desks
• 85% are tracking workplace effectiveness
• 47% measure sustainability impact

Portfolio Shifts and Market Pressures

While downsizing continues, expansion is driven by headcount growth. The ‘flight-to-quality’ trend is tightening supply in prime locations, pushing rental growth across Nordic capitals.

• 61% plan further portfolio reductions
• 45% of occupiers are concerned about space availability
• Prime rents up since 2019: Helsinki +43%, Copenhagen +26%, Oslo +24%, Stockholm +19%
  
  
  

“Demand for premium office space is outpacing supply, and 45% of occupiers are concerned about availability—this is driving rental growth across all Nordic capitals.”
Jussi Niemistö, Head of Research, Nordics

What Occupiers Want

The most desirable office features reflect a blend of practicality and employee-centric design:

• Top priorities: accessibility, sustainability, in-house amenities
• Flex space and vibrant environments help ‘earn the commute’
• Location remains key to talent attraction and retention

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Want to learn more about future strategies for occupiers?

Contact our experts
Christer Farstad, Head of Occupier Services, Nordics
Lise Klevan Dybwad, Head of Workplace Consulting, Nordics
Jussi Niemistö, Head of Research, Nordics