Preferred Office Network’s Take: Flexible Workspace Trends to Watch in 2026

As 2026 kicks off, it’s important to stay in tune with flexible workspace trends the industry can expect to see this year. Awareness of what landlords, occupiers, flexible workspace operators, investors, and real estate tech companies are prioritizing helps everyone shape their business strategy for the upcoming year.

At Preferred Office Network, we work closely with enterprise clients, landlords, and workspace operators every day. Based on the insights observed across our global network, here are the key flexible workspace trends to watch in 2026.

1. Amenity Upgrades Driven by Landlords

Landlords are stepping into a more active role in shaping the tenant experience. In 2026, we expect continued investment in shared amenities that support collaboration, wellness, and convenience.

From conference centers and hospitality-style lounges to wellness rooms and enhanced food & beverage offerings, amenity upgrades are becoming a critical  differentiator, not just for flex space operators, but for entire buildings. These investments help landlords attract higher-quality tenants while giving flexible workspace users access to premium features without long-term commitments. With RTO mandates increasing, it’s important to draw people to an environment that enhances their workday. Enhanced amenity offerings can achieve this.

Companies like MilkMate are working with landlords and flexible workspaces to provide thoughtfully designed spaces for nursing mothers, an often overlooked amenity that is critical to retaining top talent.

2. Coworking Spaces with Industry Specialization

Coworking is no longer simply an incubator for startups or a coffee shop alternative. We’re seeing strong momentum toward industry-specific coworking environments designed to support the unique needs of different sectors.

Cowarehousing for clients who need storage, spaces that cater to healthcare professionals, and amenities and tools that support content creators are all examples of how flexible workspaces are branching out to meet specific industry demands. 

Clients in both legal and financial services will likely continue to prefer a more traditional and professional environment, further solidifying the need for a network of flexible workspaces that provides a variety of spaces to select from as opposed to choosing a single brand across the board.

3. Greater Lease Flexibility

Traditional long-term leases are giving way to shorter, more adaptable agreements. Enterprise companies want the ability to scale rapidly, test new markets, and respond quickly to changing business conditions.

Flexible lease structures including swing space and project-based occupancy are becoming standard expectations.

This applies not only to smaller private offices, but larger team offices and branded custom suites as well. 5- and 10-year lease terms will continue to shorten to 1-3 years to fulfill the demands of companies who are still discovering their workplaces strategy as a new generation with shifting priorities enters the workforce.

4. Human & Hospitality Elements as Key Differentiators

As flexibility becomes the standard expectation, human experience is the new differentiator.

In 2026, successful flexible workspaces will feel more like hospitality environments than traditional offices. Thoughtful design, personalized service, community engagement, and attentive on-site teams will play a major role in how companies evaluate space. Employees want to feel welcomed, supported, and inspired. Companies are prioritizing spaces that deliver on that promise consistently.

As flexible workspaces align themselves more with a hotel hospitality model, the industry is moving with them.

Companies like Flexgrade are conducting assessments to score flexible workspaces on criteria that will allow clients to select from options that deliver the highest standards of quality and service.

5. AI Shortening the Sales Cycle & Site Selection Process

Artificial intelligence is transforming how workspace decisions are made.

AI-driven tools are accelerating everything from site selection and market analysis to pricing comparisons and availability matching.

In 2026, companies searching for space will expect faster turnarounds, better data visibility, and more informed recommendations, significantly shortening the sales cycle and reducing friction in the decision-making process.

6. More Flexibility with Location vs. Central Hub

The concept of a single, centralized headquarters is continuing to evolve. Companies are increasingly prioritizing access to talent and convenience over traditional central business district locations.

This means more flexibility in where offices are located, including suburban hubs, secondary markets, and neighborhood workspaces supported by a broader network of flexible locations. In 2026, distributed workplace strategies will be a core part of how enterprises support hybrid teams.

Companies need a trusted partner to assist them with space procurement in markets where a well-known flexible workspace brand might not be available. Preferred Office Network’s curated network of over 1,300 options takes the guesswork out of site selection in an unfamiliar market.

7. Transparent Pricing Becomes the Standard

As companies evaluate the ROI of transitioning their traditional leases to more flexible ones, clear and transparent pricing up front is critical to the decision-making process.

Enterprise companies want clear, all-in pricing with no hidden fees or unexpected add-ons. In response, flexible workspace providers are moving toward simpler, more transparent pricing models that make it easier for finance and procurement teams to evaluate options and forecast costs accurately.

8. Simplified Procurement for Enterprise Clients

Procurement complexity is one of the biggest barriers to adopting flexible workspaces at scale. In 2026, successful providers will focus on streamlining contracts, simplifying processes, and removing the friction for multi-market companies using flex space.

Centralized agreements, standardized terms, and portfolio-level solutions will make it easier for enterprises to deploy flexible workspace quickly and confidently across multiple markets.

Preferred Office Network delivers all this and more, managing some of the world’s largest and most successful companies’ flex space portfolios. Companies no longer have to choose between a simple procurement strategy and the space they want. With Preferred, clients can access over 280 brands with the same terms and conditions.

Looking Ahead

The flexible workspace industry in 2026 will be defined by choice, clarity, and experience. Companies want spaces that adapt to their needs, support their people, and simplify decision-making, without sacrificing quality or control.

At Preferred Office Network, we’re proud to help enterprises navigate this evolving landscape by connecting them to best-in-class flexible workspace solutions around the world. As flexibility becomes foundational to workplace strategy, we’ll continue to focus on making workspace easier, smarter, and more connected.