Nordic office space trends 2025: Emphasis on community in offices – Finlands reputation as a remote work-oriented society is changing

Helsinki, October 28, 2025 — CBRE has released  the results of the annual Nordic Office Occupier Sentiment Survey, which reveals what more than 50 Nordic global companies think about using and returning to offices. CBRE's study shows that office occupancy rates have consistently increased in the Nordic countries since the pandemic, and Finland's reputation as a remote work-centric society is at least partially outdated.

The results of the 2025 survey highlight the growing pressure for adaptable spaces, while almost half of Nordic companies expect the occupancy rate of offices to increase. However, employers' expectations and employees' activities are still very separate, which is emphasised on working days with a low attendance rate, on Mondays and Fridays.

"The change in working methods is strongly reflected in the business premises market. While hybrid work is well established, companies are still looking for a balance between remote and in-office work. Monitoring the utilisation rate alone is not enough. The weekly average occupancy rate is low in many companies, but the peak days are high. Companies need to create a vibrant office environment that supports collaboration and productivity," comments Niko Penttinen, Head of Leasing, CBRE Finland.

"Despite the fact that the occupancy rate of offices has increased throughout the Nordic countries, Finland has unduly borne most of the post-pandemic speculation related to remote work and the challenges it brings. After the pandemic, the personnel of Finnish companies have returned to the office at the same pace as in the other Nordic countries, and a large number of large Finnish companies are aiming for at least three office days a week. It is also good to remember that we have only one full calendar year behind us after the exceptional circumstances of the pandemic," says Jussi Niemistö, Head of Research, CBRE Nordics.

The survey shows that the popularity of flexible workspaces is increasing, with 29% of respondents estimating that by 2027, half of their property portfolios will be flexible spaces. This change is based on a desire to reduce capital expenditure and respond to uncertain demand. 

"Companies are looking for space efficiency and cost savings, which is reflected in the growing demand for flexible workspaces and the optimisation of real estate portfolios. Location, costs and sustainability are key decision-making criteria. In this economic environment, the ability to make well-founded investment decisions in high-quality premises is emphasized," says Niko Penttinen. "The successful people of the future are those who understand that flexible working methods and optimised functionality of workspaces are part of strategy, competitive advantage and profitability."

The report also highlights the importance of adaptability in the business premises strategy.

Other key findings

• The average office occupancy rate for Nordic companies is 46%, which is equivalent to the European control group. 
• 20% of Nordic companies see over 80% peak occupancy rates in their offices – this is also close to the European level (Total occupancy rate in the Nordic countries 68% vs. the rest of Europe 71%).
• Almost half of Nordic companies expect office use to increase. This highlights the tightened attendance guidelines, with which companies aim above all to increase the sense of community and interaction.
• High quality, excellent functionality and sustainable choices continue to be priorities in the selection of properties, in addition to the central location. It is difficult to find business premises that meet all the criteria, and 45% of companies are concerned about the availability of high-quality business premises.

The full report is available from CBRE Finland.

For more information and interview requests, please contact:

Virpi Purola
Communications Specialist
[email protected]
+358 50 339 0944
CBRE Finland