Employee experience in 2026: key expectations for the workplace

A mature hybrid work market

In 2025, hybrid work continues to reach maturity. Companies and employees have found a relatively stable balance between remote work and time spent on site. According to the latest Leesman study, 29 percent of employees come to the office two to three days per week, while 28 percent have no fixed routine.
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Leesman study The New Rhythms of Work 2025 ©

In this context, expectations are becoming clearer. Employees are looking for autonomy in how they manage their presence at the office. Being able to plan the week ahead, find an available desk or collaboration space, book a desk next to a colleague to work together, all this needs to happen easily and without wasting time. Clarity and accessibility of workspaces are becoming the foundations of the employee experience, while offices are expected to support team efficiency rather than create new constraints.

To make this possible, the role of workplace managers is evolving. They are no longer only responsible for square footage availability. They are becoming key contributors to the day-to-day employee experience, creating a consistent, flexible environment designed for a wide range of use cases.

Diversity and quality of workspaces as an experience driver

Employees need go beyond physical presence. They expect spaces adapted to each type of activity. Focused work, informal exchanges, short meetings, quick calls, creative sessions, each use case requires a specific setting.

This explains the growing number of small collaboration spaces, such as acoustic booths for two, four, or six people. Less expensive and more flexible than traditional meeting rooms, these spaces are perfectly suited to short, ad hoc use throughout the day. They support proximity and agility, but their effectiveness depends on smooth integration and intuitive use.

Without the right tools to access real time occupancy, friction quickly appears. How do you know which booth is available? How do you ensure efficient turnover?

Reducing friction with intuitive workplace technology

The answer to these micro frictions lies in discreet, user centric technology that integrates naturally into employees’ daily routines and simplifies every step, finding an available space, booking a desk, or releasing an unused workstation.

By using automation to release certain spaces, organizations can for example:

• Automatically free up unused meeting rooms to avoid ghost meetings and allow other employees to use them, thanks to occupancy sensors and booking synchronization.
• Optimize the use of small booths or phone boxes by making them available as soon as they are no longer in use.
• Manage larger booths, for four people or more, as mini meeting rooms using booking displays and occupancy sensors, offering more structure while keeping flexibility.

In this way, technology becomes a strategic tool that reduces friction, improves daily workflows, and actively supports collaboration.

Real time visualization: the key to a successful employee experience

As the diversity of spaces increases, it becomes essential for employees to have instant access to information about availability. Depending on office layout, two main approaches stand out:

• Interactive floor plans that provide a global view of spaces, support wayfinding, and make it possible to create zones by team, department, or workstation type to strengthen collaboration.
• Dynamic lists that display the real time status of meeting rooms or acoustic booths, with precise location information, especially effective in multi floor environments.

These tools reduce unnecessary movement and ensure that information is accessible to all teams.
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ROOMZ Workspace Digital Floorplan

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ROOMZ: managing employee experience, not just square footage

In this context, ROOMZ goes far beyond a simple workspace booking solution. Through booking synchronization, intelligent automation of availability statuses, and real time visualization, the solution enables workplace managers to operate offices based on actual usage rather than assumptions.

In 2026, the effectiveness of a workplace is no longer measured only by its size or furniture. It is defined by every interaction, every space choice, and every micro friction removed.

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You might also like:

• Acoustic booths management: boosting productivity and employee experience in open offices (Blog)
• ROOMZ Meeting Room and Huddle Space management solution
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👉 FAQ Common questions about employee experience in 2026

How do hybrid workplaces improve productivity?
Hybrid workplaces boost productivity by allowing employees to choose their work location according to their needs. By combining office presence and remote work, teams can alternate between focused individual work and collaborative tasks. Workspaces are more diverse, and scheduling becomes more efficient and tailored to each activity, enhancing the overall employee experience.

What role does technology play in modern workplaces?
Technology is essential for a modern, flexible workplace. ROOMZ displays, digital floorplans, and occupancy sensors help employees easily book meeting rooms, shared desks and collaboration spaces. These tools reduce friction, provide real-time space visibility, and allow workplace managers to optimize office utilization. Integrated technology enhances employee experience and supports efficient hybrid work.

Why are small collaboration spaces important in offices?
Small spaces such as acoustic booths or huddle rooms support short, ad hoc meetings, focused work, and phone calls. They increase flexibility, promote proximity, and maximize office utilization when integrated with real-time booking and occupancy tools.

How can workplace managers enhance the employee experience?
Workplace managers go beyond managing square footage. By using data-driven tools, real-time visualization and occupancy trends, they create intuitive work environments that support team collaboration, reduce friction, and improve overall employee satisfaction.