A new report from Cushman & Wakefield, in partnership with CoreNet Global, claims to highlight how corporate occupiers are adjusting their real estate and workplace strategies in response to ongoing cost pressures and shifting organisational priorities. The What Occupiers Want 2025 survey is based on responses from over 230 senior real estate leaders across global markets. While cost remains the primary driver of decision-making, the findings suggest that occupiers are placing increased emphasis on performance, employee experience and long-term value. More →

Bigger and better than ever, the digital edition of the new issue of Works magazine is available for you to read for free. Print copies will be in the post soon. In this issue: we speak with Jonathan Hindle and Craig Jones, two stalwarts of the UK office design scene who continue to pioneer new ideas; our round table considers the challenges that arise when projects seem to cross the lines of professional demarcation and what happens when high profile examples such as The Elizabeth Line win awards outside of their supposed domain; we profile two projects that prove there is life in business districts yet; we showcase the latest winners of the Design Guild Mark; look at office trends in the thriving Polish economy; Rob Kirkbride reports from Chicago Design Week, as its two competing centres threaten to tear it apart; look back on Clerkenwell Design Week now the dust has settled; and there are all the regular features, news and commentary you need.

A new independent review has sharply criticised the Office for National Statistics (ONS), warning that widespread working from home is undermining the quality of UK economic data, according to a report in The Daily Telegraph. The review, led by Sir Robert Devereux, a former senior civil servant, highlights how current working practices are weakening the agency’s ability to deliver accurate and timely statistics. Despite mounting concerns, many ONS staff continue to work from home full-time, with internal resistance to returning to office-based routines. More →

A new study published in the journal Nature: Scientific Reports offers a cautiously optimistic view of how artificial intelligence is affecting workers’ wellbeing. Contrary to common fears, the research finds no clear evidence that AI exposure is harming workers’ mental health or job satisfaction. In some cases, it may even be contributing to small improvements in physical health, particularly among workers without a college degree. More →

Office-based businesses across Central London could face a steep increase in business rates from April 2026, according to new research by property consultancy Colliers. The analysis suggests that occupiers of prime office space may collectively see bills rise by £432 million, bringing total business rates liabilities to £5.23 billion—a 9 percent increase on current levels. Colliers examined 27 Central London areas, focusing on Grade A office spaces over 10,000 sq ft, to assess the expected financial impact of the 2026 Rating Revaluation. The forecast draws on changes in rental values between April 2021 and April 2024 and anticipates a higher business rates multiplier for properties with rateable values (RVs) above £500,000. More →