Artificial intelligence has emerged as the workplace innovation most likely to shape the future of business, according to a new global survey released to coincide with the 300th anniversary of the modern office.

The findings form part of “IWG: 300 Years of Office Innovation”, a report commissioned by International Workplace Group (IWG) that examines how workplaces have evolved since the opening of the Old Admiralty Building, the world’s first purpose-built office building, in London in 1726.

Surveying business leaders across multiple markets, the report finds that AI is ranked as the most influential office innovation, selected by 36% of CEOs. Laptops and tablets follow closely behind at 35%, while video conferencing technology, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and hybrid working complete the top five.

The results suggest that many business leaders view the current technological shift as one of the most significant periods of workplace transformation in history, placing developments such as AI alongside major milestones including the typewriter, the internet and smartphones.

While technology dominates the rankings, hybrid working stands out as the highest-ranked change in workplace culture and organisation. More than a quarter of CEOs (26%) have identified hybrid work as one of the most influential developments in modern office life.

More than a third (35%) say technological advances have made it easier for staff to work from almost any location, while many noted that virtual meetings have become a standard feature of day-to-day operations.

The report also highlights how these global trends are reflected in Australia, where hybrid workers report improved productivity, reduced stress, and greater flexibility in how they work.

Hybrid working trends in Australia

A separate study commissioned by IWG** found strong support among Australian workers for flexible working models. Many respondents (77%) indicated a preference for hybrid arrangements, while access to professional workspaces located closer to home was identified by 93% as an important factor when evaluating employment opportunities.

These findings also point to a growing reluctance among workers to undertake lengthy daily commutes, with many citing productivity, mental wellbeing and financial considerations as key reasons for favouring more flexible work patterns.

According to the research, 81% of Australians who have access to local workspaces report benefits including lower commuting costs, improved work-life balance and stronger overall wellbeing.

Transformational decades

The report identifies the 2020s as the most transformative decade in workplace history, driven by the rapid adoption of AI, automation and hybrid models. The 1990s rank second, reflecting the widespread impact of the internet, email and early computing technologies.

Among innovations that have delivered the greatest productivity gains, AI again ranks highest (35%), ahead of laptops and video conferencing technology. Overall, 83% of surveyed CEOs say recent workplace changes have benefited their organisations, while many believe modern workplaces are now better equipped to support collaboration and efficiency.

“For the past 300 years, the office has continually evolved alongside each major wave of tech innovation. Now with the advent and rapid adoption of AI, we are seeing one of the most significant and groundbreaking innovations over this entire period,” comments Mark Dixon, CEO and Founder of IWG.

*The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 4004 office workers (2004 in the UK and 2000 in the US). The data was collected between 19 March and 23 March 2026.

**Australian Local Workspaces & Hybrid Trends 2025 survey – the research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 1,001 Australian hybrid workers from 29 October to early November 2025.

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