‘Today’s workforce desires an experience that is intentional, aligned, and purpose-driven,’ says report highlighting importance of appealing office design
Human connection remains vital, but home offices are here to stay, according to a report.
And the latest Global Workplace Survey 2025 from the Gensler Research Institute reveals that Canada is firmly among the world’s leaders when it comes to remote work.
The survey, which captured insights from more than 16,800 full-time office workers across 15 countries and 10 industries, found that in-person collaboration and socialization are increasing.
"Our data shows that in the U.S., time spent working with others in person has increased since the pandemic, while socializing has nearly doubled — a trend observed in most of the 15 countries we surveyed," Gensler notes.
These interactions, the report emphasizes, are crucial for strengthening relationships, embedding cultural values, and building workplace community.
When it comes to work location preferences, Canada stands out. The survey finds that 25.4% of Canadian employees work from home — just behind the UK (26.3%) and slightly ahead of Australia (23.8%).
Meanwhile, 55.1% of Canadians still spend time in the office, with the remainder splitting time across coworking spaces, client sites, and business travel.
In comparison, working from home was significantly less common in several other surveyed countries, reinforcing Canada's prominent place in the global remote work trend.
The survey also underscores that today's employees demand more than just flexible work arrangements. They expect purpose-driven, adaptable workplaces that cater to a variety of work styles.
"The future is here," the report asserts. "Gone are the days of building workplaces in blind anticipation of growth. Today’s workforce desires an experience that is intentional, aligned, and purpose-driven — and one that continuously adapts to their evolving expectations."
Gensler's research, which measures five core work modes — working alone, working with others in person, virtual collaboration, learning and development, and socializing — reveals a critical trend: time spent working alone is steadily declining, while collaborative, in-person work is on the rise.
In Canada specifically, the breakdown shows:
A major insight from the survey is the importance of updated office spaces. Employees in recently remodeled, post-pandemic workplaces report significantly higher satisfaction with factors like lighting, air quality, temperature control, and cleanliness.
Notably, 76% of employees in updated offices say they have greater choice over where they work, compared to 64% in pre-pandemic spaces.
However, the survey warns that availability trumps comfort when employees choose where to collaborate. "Despite these advancements, employees choose where to work with others based primarily on what space is available," Gensler writes.
Moreover, employee involvement in office design remains a missed opportunity. Only 21% of workers in updated spaces felt meaningfully included in the design process, a gap that could significantly impact engagement and retention.
"Great design starts with people in mind," the report concludes. "That means creating a workplace that can help people get work done — both individually and collectively."
