Around 96% of Central European companies operate in a hybrid model, and nearly 90% have redesigned or rethought their office layout, according to a report by ThinkCo and Skanska. The research shows that concentration-supporting environments, flexible space usage and sustainability considerations increasingly influence employee decisions.
Hybrid working's most significant consequence is the revaluation of focus. When working from home offers a preferred alternative, offices provide real attraction only when supporting concentration. The report shows employee performance is most influenced by proper work-life balance (65%), customisable work environments (63%) and undisturbed focus opportunities (62%). Concentration conditions now measurably affect efficiency and employee satisfaction.
Acoustic environment plays a key role: the ideal noise level for mental work falls between 25-48 decibels, roughly equivalent to quiet conversation or soft background noise. Large, homogeneous open offices often struggle to ensure this, reducing concentration and increasing mental strain. Companies increasingly emphasise quiet zones, acoustic solutions and function-specific space design.
Meanwhile, 89% of surveyed companies modified their office layouts, significantly transforming the open office model. The previous "one person - one desk" logic gives way to a more flexible system with dedicated spaces for deep work, separate areas for meetings, and zones for easy conversation.
The report shows over half of Generation Z actively expects climate protection measures from employers, with more considering company environmental performance when choosing jobs. For instance, renovating 100 sqm of office space can generate over 5 tonnes of waste during demolition and construction.
Interior elements like furniture, partitions and coverings can produce carbon emissions comparable to building structure emissions. More sustainable solutions, reusable elements and longer-term space planning represent both environmental and business considerations.
