Office attendance is on the rise across the Nordic region as companies push to balance hybrid work with collaboration, according to CBRE’s 2025 Nordic Office Occupier Sentiment Survey.
The report, based on responses from more than 50 major Nordic corporations, points to a steady rebound in office use and a growing appetite for adaptable, high-quality workspace.
Finland Sheds Its Remote-Work Reputation
CBRE’s findings show that Finland’s image as a remote-work stronghold is becoming outdated. Office occupancy has increased consistently across all Nordic countries since the pandemic, and Finnish workers are now returning to the office at roughly the same pace as their Scandinavian peers.
Many large Finnish employers are already targeting three in-office days per week as the new standard.
Nordic Office Utilization Climbs To European Levels
The survey reveals that average office occupancy across Nordic firms is now 46%, matching the broader European benchmark. About 20% of companies report peak occupancy above 80%, underscoring a pattern of strong midweek attendance even as Mondays and Fridays remain quiet.
The total occupancy rate for the region stands at 68%, close to Europe’s 71%, suggesting the Nordics have largely caught up in their post-pandemic office recovery.
Half Of Companies Expect Office Use To Rise
Nearly half of all surveyed companies expect office attendance to increase over the coming years as employers tighten attendance policies to promote collaboration and community. This shows a continued rethinking of how offices function rather than a return to pre-pandemic norms.
Flexible Workspaces Expand As Cost Pressures Grow
Flexibility has become a defining feature of the Nordic office market. Twenty-nine percent of respondents anticipate that half of their real estate portfolios will consist of flexible space by 2027, reflecting both a drive for efficiency and a response to unpredictable demand.
Companies are focusing on reducing capital expenditure, optimizing portfolios, and prioritizing sustainability and prime locations.
High-Quality Space In Short Supply
While the appetite for modern, well-equipped offices is strong, availability remains limited. Forty-five percent of companies report concern about the shortage of high-quality business premises that meet requirements for functionality, sustainability, and centrality.
CBRE’s analysts say the Nordic market’s next phase will hinge on adaptability — creating office environments that not only attract employees back but also support productivity, cost control, and long-term competitiveness.
