As businesses navigate the shift back to office life in 2025, the debate continues, driven by the government’s push to bring workers back to the office while companies like Citigroup double down on hybrid working. Workplace expectations are evolving fast.

With companies rethinking how their teams work, the push for in-person collaboration is more paramount than ever. At Alberts, these shifting trends have prompted us to look inward to ensure we continue to meet the market where it’s at.

What Today’s Workforce Seeks

Perks

Attracting and retaining talent has never been more competitive. With reports of a ‘brain drain’ and increasingly flexible working arrangements, companies are offering more incentives to keep their teams engaged. Think complimentary breakfasts and snacks, discounted products, wardrobe allowances, exclusive event invites and more.

Benefits

Benefits, like perks, have become more crucial (and competitive!) than ever for employee retention. Standard benefits like 20 days of annual leave no longer hold the same appeal. Employees now look for unlimited sick leave, summer Fridays, professional development budgets and covered expenses.

Hybrid Working

Flexible work is the norm, and businesses are adapting. Instead of multiple meeting rooms and rows of desks, offices are shifting to collaborative spaces, private phone booths and adaptable layouts. It’s less about square metres and more about agility, giving businesses the ability to scale up or down as needed.

Wellbeing

Well-being has taken centre stage in workplace culture. Employers are recognising the need to integrate balance into the workday, with on-site wellness facilities, yoga and meditation memberships, access to counselling services and even subsidised holiday expenses becoming key employee benefits.

Is your company keeping up with evolving workplace expectations? If not, now is the perfect time to reflect on the impact and explore new ways to adapt.

Read part two next week to discover what we’re doing to make the office a place people genuinely want to be.