NEW feature! Listen to this article as a podcast
According to the new annual trend report titled "The Future of Work," published by Castellum, the largest real estate company in the Nordic region, the main drawback of modern offices is that employees find it difficult to concentrate on their daily work tasks.
About one-third of the 4,030 office workers surveyed reported challenges in working undisturbed in their daily office environment.
Castellum's 2025 report also shows that Nordic office employees´ working from home continues to decline, and the majority even declare themselves receptive to mandatory office attendance.
More and more companies are prioritizing activity-based office solutions with floating desks. Employers that prioritizes opportunities for exercise and fitness in the office have the most satisfied employees.
Preferably alone
"It is interesting to see that the majority of office workers in the Nordic countries would prefer their own or possibly shared office space if they had to choose. Those who work in their own space are more satisfied and spend more time in the office.
We can also see that many have difficulty concentrating in open spaces or activity-based offices. Being able to work without distractions in the office is a hygiene factor.
In general, we need to become better at understanding and meeting the individual needs of employees," workplace strategist at Castellum, Heléne Lidström comments.
![]() ![]() Castellum's trend report confirms that many people find it difficult to concentrate in open spaces or activity-based offices. Being able to work without distractions in your office is a crucial factor for productivity. Photos: StockCake |
Today, the majority of office employees work in open-plan offices and environments. Of these, a third have their private desk, while around a fifth work in an activity-based office with flexible seating.
Castellum’s trend study shows that those who have separate workspaces are generally more satisfied with and spend more time in their office compared to those who work in open-plan environments or activity-based offices.
More time at the office
After five years of hybrid and home working, nine out of 10 office workers in Nordic workplaces now recognize that a close connection to the office is essential for the company's culture and cohesion..
The physical office environment is most important for the well-being of younger office workers in the 25-34 age group. 86% of them believe that the office has a positive impact on their mental well-being. 82% find that it also strengthens their physical health.
![]() ![]() The physical office environment is most important for the well-being of younger office workers in the 25-34 age group - 86% believe that the office has a positive impact on their mental well-being. |
According to the new trend report, office workers seem set to spend more time in the office in the future. On average, office workers in the Nordics currently want to work 2.83 days a week in the office, compared to 2.75 days last year and 2.63 days in 2023.
Swedish office workers spend the most days in the office - an average of 3.45 days a week - while Danes work 3.38 days and Finns 3.13 days.
Location
However, the option to work from home occasionally or at selected times continues to be an appreciated factor among most office workers.
44% indicate that the possibility of hybrid work is a decisive factor when choosing an employer. 39% think it is partly a factor, which is roughly the same number as last year. Just 14% indicate that the possibility of hybrid work is not crucial to them.
![]() ![]() The option to work from home occasionally or at selected times continues to be an appreciated factor among most office workers. |
As more office workers spend increasing hours in their employer's physical office, the company locations become essential. For job seekers, the office location is a decisive factor in their decision-making.
When asked what makes a location desirable, nearly half of the office workers prioritize accessibility via public transport, followed by other factors such as accessibility by car, bicycle, and on foot.
Castellum's trend report 2025 is based on the positive responses from 2,013 office workers in Sweden, 1,011 in Finland, and 1,006 in Denmark. ●
Read more:
Castellum.se: The Future of Work 2025
Lokalguiden.se: The majority want their own room in the office
Cnbc.com: The return-to-office push is stronger than ever - here is why
Forbes.com: How should leaders handle the return to office without losing talent