Gensler’s Global Workplace Survey Marks 20 Years of Insights, Unveils a New Framework for the Future of Work

New Research Finds Incremental Change Isn’t Enough — Flexible, Human-Centric Design in Today’s Offices Is Driving Stronger Employee Performance, Satisfaction, and Retention

SAN FRANCISCO — The Gensler Research Institute has released its 2025 Global Workplace Survey, a landmark report reflecting on 20 years of workplace evolution and offering data-backed insights for what comes next. Drawing on insights from over 16,000 office workers across 15 countries and 10 industries, the findings reveal a decisive shift: design is no longer a backdrop — it’s the engine driving performance, loyalty, and resilience, redefining the workplace as a destination people choose.

“The best workplaces don’t just support work — they reflect what people value most,” said Janet Pogue McLaurin, Global Director of Workplace Research at Gensler. “After two decades of studying how and where people work, one thing is clear: the most effective spaces are those that adapt to people — not the other way around.”

Key Findings and Data Highlights:

• Employees want agency — and the best workplaces deliver it: Today’s workforce is demanding more autonomy over how they work. Employees with a high degree of choice in where and how they work are 2.5x more likely to say their workplace supports both individual and team productivity, and nearly 3x more likely to consider their office a great place to work. Spaces that provide access to private areas, flexible environments, and the ability to control lighting and noise levels are leading the way.

• Workplace experience is now a top driver of retention: In a competitive talent landscape, the physical workplace has become a make-or-break factor in keeping top performers engaged. Gensler’s 2025 Global Workplace Survey shows that employees in great workplaces are nearly 3x more likely to stay with their company, feel their contributions are valued, and believe their environment supports their growth. In fact, 90% of employees who like their workspace say they’re proud to work for their company —compared to just 47% among those who feel disconnected from their environment.

• People still value the office — but not as it is today: Globally, employees spend about 55% of their week in the office, yet say they need to be there closer to 65% to perform at their best. However, availability, noise, and usability remain key challenges. Just 26% of workers strongly agree that their current workplace helps them do their best work — indicating that while presence has returned, performance has not.

• The office is shifting toward natural, calm, and connected spaces: Only 14% of employees want a “corporate” workplace experience. Instead, workers gravitate toward spaces that feel like “nature retreats” and “creative labs” — environments that emphasize natural light, fresh air, and a sense of ease. In fact, 40% of global workers prioritize access to natural light and operable windows, while 36% prefer workspaces enhanced with greenery.

Now in its 20th year, Gensler’s Global Workplace Survey remains one of the world’s most comprehensive studies on how office design impacts people and performance. The 2025 report builds on Gensler’s legacy of data-driven innovation, offering clear, actionable guidance for companies seeking to create workplaces that are as dynamic and human-centered as the people who use them.