Recent findings from the Sustainable Urban Environments barometer commissioned by YIT show a notable shift in remote work dynamics.
The survey reveals a slight decline in the freedom employees have to work remotely, with new challenges surfacing around office space allocation, employee preferences, and sustainability. This shift comes as businesses try to balance flexibility with corporate needs.
Remote Work Freedom Faces Growing Restrictions
The latest data shows that while remote work remains popular, companies are starting to scale back on flexibility.
According to the YIT survey, 48% of office employees still work remotely three to five days a week, though this represents a slight decline from the previous year. Restrictions on remote work are becoming more common, with one-third of employees reporting clear limitations imposed by their companies.
Additionally, a quarter of organisations have moved to team-based attendance policies rather than leaving it up to individuals.
The majority of employees—78%—still prioritise autonomy in deciding where and when they work despite these shifts, highlighting the ongoing tension between corporate policies and worker preferences.
Companies Adjust Office Space to Reflect Changing Needs
The continued growth of remote work has prompted significant shifts in office space design. In organisations where in-office attendance is no longer mandatory, desk space is now allocated for fewer than 60% of employees.
Tuula Klemetti, head of Building Construction customer accounts and marketing at YIT, underscores the larger implications of these changes:
“We are still taking steps toward a well-functioning, well-balanced work culture that helps optimise forms of work while also supporting corporate values and strengthening corporate culture, competitiveness and employee engagement.”
“Remote work has not eliminated the need for communality and interaction, which in turn has increased the management of hybrid work that takes into account the needs of organisations and the systematic use of premises.” Klemetti asserts.
Disparity Between Ideal and Actual Office Conditions
Employees still find gaps between their ideal workplace conditions and reality even if there are efforts to optimise office spaces.
Many office workers emphasise the need for better ventilation, temperature control, and affordable lunches, with these factors significantly affecting their comfort and productivity.
Juho Siitonen, VP for Building Systems at YIT, underscores the importance of indoor conditions, stating:
“The indoor conditions and energy efficiency in offices are key factors that affect the comfort, well-being and productivity of employees. Optimal indoor conditions, such as good air quality, the right temperature, and adequate lighting, promote employees’ health and work efficiency.”
Additionally, the demand for adjustable workstations and high-speed internet has grown significantly, increasing by 10 percentage points compared to the previous survey. Employees who work remotely for most of the week also emphasise the need for cozier office spaces, quiet areas for hybrid meetings, and personal office spaces when they do come in.
Declining Interest in Leasable Remote Workspaces
Another noticeable trend is the declining interest in coworking spaces. Since the pandemic, more employees have chosen to work from home rather than rent out remote office spaces.
The survey stated, three-quarters of remote workers now prefer home offices over coworking spaces.
Younger employees—particularly those under 36 years old—and workers dissatisfied with their current office setup show greater interest in apartments with dedicated office rooms. This suggests a shift in how people approach remote work, with many seeking long-term solutions that integrate workspaces into their homes.
Sustainability Becomes a Key Workplace Concern
Sustainability is emerging as a growing concern among employees. One in two office workers now consider their workplace’s environmental impact, with several key factors standing out.
The top three sustainability concerns include:
- Good public transport connections for commuting
- Recycling programmes within office buildings
- Efforts to minimise food waste in workplace cafeterias
A Balancing Act for the Future of Work
The challenge remains: how to balance corporate efficiency with employee satisfaction as companies continue to adjust remote work policies and office spaces.
While many workers still value flexibility, their expectations for better office conditions, sustainability initiatives, and hybrid work environments are shaping the next phase of workplace evolution.
Employers must navigate these changes carefully, ensuring that the modern office supports both productivity and well-being in an increasingly hybrid world.