The way we use offices is changing, and businesses are rethinking how their workspaces look, feel and function.
JLL’s Global Office Fit-Out Cost Guide 2025 cites its Future of Work 2024 survey, in which 59% of surveyed organisations planned to increase investment in office fit-outs over the five years following the survey. This suggests that these businesses continued to see the office as an important part of their future.
But what is driving this investment, and what does it mean for the future of the workplace?
Creating Better Workspaces for Employees
One of the main reasons for increased investment is the growing focus on employee experience. As more businesses encourage employees to spend time in the office, they need spaces that offer more than just desks and meeting rooms.
Modern offices are being designed to support teamwork, individual focus and employee wellbeing. This includes comfortable breakout areas, quiet spaces for focused work, flexible meeting rooms and layouts that allow teams to work together more easily.
According to Joe Gillam, co-founder of office design agency, Soul Spaces: “a well-designed office can help employees feel more comfortable and productive. It can also help businesses attract and retain talented people in a competitive job market.”
“Some companies become known for their office headquarters because of the amenities or location and it becomes a big part of the brand and culture. Think of Google, Nike or Facebook as examples.”
Flexibility in Office Design Is Key
The traditional office layout is changing. Businesses increasingly need spaces that support different working styles, including hybrid working.
Rather than providing the same type of workspace for everyone, companies are looking at more flexible designs. These may include shared desks, open-plan areas, private rooms and spaces that can be used for different purposes throughout the day.
The aim is to make better use of available space while giving employees the right environment for each task.
For businesses planning an office fit-out, understanding how employees use the workplace is an important first step. This helps ensure that investment meets real needs rather than simply changing the appearance of the office.
Office Sustainability Matters More Than Ever
Sustainability is another important factor shaping office fit-outs. The 2025 guide also cites JLL’s Future of Work 2024 survey finding that 66% of surveyed organisations planned to increase investment in sustainability performance over the five years following the survey.
Businesses are looking for ways to reduce energy use, lower carbon emissions and make their buildings more efficient. This could include upgrading lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, as well as choosing more sustainable materials and reusing existing furniture.
Improving an existing office can also help reduce waste and the environmental impact of creating a new workspace from scratch.
Although sustainable improvements may require greater upfront investment, they can help reduce running costs over time.
Balancing Office Quality with Cost
While businesses are keen to improve their offices, cost remains a key consideration. JLL’s 2025 guide reports a global office fit-out cost benchmark of around US$1,950 per square metre, although costs vary significantly depending on location, design and the quality of the finish. This is a historical benchmark rather than a current quotation for an individual project.
Rising material prices, labour costs and construction challenges can make planning more difficult. This means businesses need to think carefully about where their money will have the greatest impact.
Setting clear goals, planning ahead and choosing the right improvements can help organisations manage budgets while creating workspaces that meet their needs.
Looking Ahead: Investing in the Future
Offices are no longer simply places to work; they are spaces that support collaboration, wellbeing, business performance and sustainability.
For businesses, the challenge is to create workplaces that are practical, flexible and ready for future changes.
By focusing on employee needs, making smarter use of space and investing in sustainable solutions, organisations can create offices that deliver lasting value.