As we step into 2026, workplaces are entering a new era defined by flexibility, wellness and sustainability. The office is no longer just a place to work – it’s a tool for culture and collaboration. It gives you the advantage over your competitors and makes sure that you’re ahead of the game.
Companies that refresh their spaces in the new year are looking for designs that reflect employee expectations, respond rapidly to global technology, adapt to environmental responsibility and improve employee morale and wellbeing. With this in mind, here are the top office fit-out trends that aim to shape the modern workplace in 2026:
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1. Hybrid-ready workspaces will be the norm
According to Finder, an estimated 41% of the working British population works from home at least some of the time, which is nearly half of Britain’s workforce. Compare this to just 5.7% of British workers who worked from home ten years ago, and it’s clear to see why hybrid workspaces need to be more prevalent in every industry.
As such, it’s clear that the number of employees working from home isn’t lessening, which means great things in 2026. It’s unlikely that those who have worked from home since the COVID-19 lockdown will want to come back to the office full-time, so it’s in your best interest to cater for this level of flexibility.
When looking into making provisions for your hybrid workspace as part of your office fit-out in Nottingham and beyond, there are a few key considerations you’ll need to take into account. These include the following:
- Multi-purpose rooms with advanced audio and video integration
- Acoustic zoning for focused calls
- Personalised touchdown stations instead of traditional assigned desks
- More phone booths and small meeting pods for seamless virtual collaboration
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2. Biophilic office design will make waves
The term ‘biophilic’ derives from the Greek words “bios”, meaning ‘life’, and “philia”, meaning ‘love of’. When they come together, they create the word ‘biophilic’, which is when someone has an innate love of life and the natural world. This is a trend that’s set to take the office world by storm in 2026, possibly taking over our love for plant life. It’s become less about just putting a potted plant on a desk and more about crafting a multisensory connection to nature. Some of the sophisticated biophilic elements that we’re expecting to see emerge in 2026 are as follows:
- Natural soundscapes integrated into workzones
- Materials that mimic natural textures, including stone, sand and raw timber
- Variable lighting systems that simulate the sun’s daily rhythms
- Indoor gardens that double as informal meeting and collaboration spaces
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3. ESG data will be used more regularly to drive design choices
ESG, or environmental, social and governance, as it’s also referred to, is something that’s ever changing. The parameters change with new technologies, climate change, workforces and customer bases. This is why it’s such an important trend to touch upon for 2026. Sustainability is shifting from a marketing buzzword to a measure and data-driven requirement. As such, organisations will lean on real-time environmental data in order to guide office fit-out decisions. In 2026, we expect offices to be greener, smarter and fully measurable. With this in mind, the following is expected to become more prevalent in offices in 2026:
- High-efficiency HVAC systems that are tied to occupancy sensors
- Materials with verified low-carbon footprints
- Modular designs that rescue waste and extend lifecycles
- Smart dashboards that track energy usage, indoor air quality and water consumption
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4. Wellness-centric layouts will take centre stage
It’s never been more important to consider how your employees feel while they’re in their professional roles. This includes their mental well-being, their morale and their overall comfortability on the job. The more you can do for them, the happier they will feel – especially if they’ve come back to the office after working from home full-time. The least you can do is to ensure that their mental and physical health is at the forefront of your priorities. Top design moves for 2026 include the following:
- Dedicated recharge zones with sensory-friendly lighting
- Ergonomic furniture with biometric adjustment features
- Movement-focused layouts encouraging walking routes and stretchable areas
- On-site wellness rooms for meditation or quiet decompression
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5. Design choices will begin to be experience-led
The office is ever-changing, mainly because the brand and voice are fluid. Businesses need to move with the times, and that can often mean undergoing rebrands every now and again. In 2026, organisations are investing in office fit-outs that communicate brand identity, purpose and culture.
When you have an office that’s been designed based purely on experience, then this trend emphasises a curated arrival experience, art installations reflecting company values, immersive digital signage and bespoke furniture and finishes aligned with brand aesthetics. Companies will often want their brand and office to tell a story, so make an impression.
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6. Workspaces will incorporate AI tools more readily
According to Forbes, 2026 will “mark a turning point in the development of edge AI, neuromorphic computing and biologically inspired computers”. With this in mind, it’s clear to see that AI will continue to reshape the design and operation of the office, in leaps and bounds no less. Office fit-outs in Nottingham throughout 2026 will look to incorporate AI to get jobs done throughout the renovation at every stage, from planning to daily use. Some of the applications that can be used by way of AI include the following:
- AI modelling that simulates team workflows and optimises office layouts
- Predictive maintenance for office equipment and building systems
- Personalised environmental controls, such as light and temperature controls, using AI-driven user profiles
- Smart scheduling for meeting rooms and resources
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7. Office amenities will make a comeback
As companies aim to bring people back together in an office environment, office amenities are far more important than you might have otherwise thought. They can boost morale, increase productivity and boost overall comfort. The more inviting and convenient a workspace is, the more likely that your employees are going to stick around and do a good job. When undergoing an office fit-out in Nottingham, there are loads of areas and spaces you can create to give your workers a sense of community and relaxation while on their breaks. You can include things like:
- Breakout areas
- Comfortable coffee lounges
- Wellness-focused food stations
- Concierge-style support desks
- Refurbished commercial washrooms
- Updated kitchenettes with all of the mod cons
- Increased car park capacity
- The addition of more electric car charging stations
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Here at FIT Interiors, we have a wide range of office fit-out and office refurbishment services available to clients throughout Nottingham and the surrounding areas. We can also offer services such as suspended ceilings, office furniture, commercial washrooms, office partitioning, office design and more. If you’d like further information, get in touch with a member of our friendly, knowledgeable team today – we’re always happy to hear from you.