The flexible office sector has experienced remarkable growth over the past year, with trends continuing to shape the way businesses and landlords approach workspaces. Cushman & Wakefield’s 2025 Flexible Office Outlook highlights significant advancements in the U.S. market, offering valuable insights that also resonate with Canadian trends.
Key U.S. Trends and Canadian Comparisons
1. Growth in Suburban and Tertiary Markets
In the U.S., suburban coworking spaces expanded by 36% year-over-year (YOY), while tertiary markets like Indianapolis and Nashville saw inventory growth of 40% and 35%, respectively. This reflects a growing preference for shorter commutes and local office options.
In Canada, a similar trend has emerged as suburban markets in areas like Waterloo Region and secondary cities gain popularity. Businesses and employees alike are embracing localized coworking options to reduce commuting time and enhance work-life balance.
2. Hybrid Work Driving Demand
The U.S. flexible office market thrives on the hybrid work model, with research showing that employees value flexibility more than higher pay. This sentiment is mirrored in Canada, where hybrid models are becoming the standard. Flexible office spaces in suburban and urban centres offer businesses the opportunity to attract and retain talent while supporting employee wellbeing.
3. Landlords Leveraging Flexible Solutions
In the U.S., landlords are integrating flexible office spaces into their portfolios to attract tenants and boost occupancy rates. Canadian landlords are also adopting these strategies, especially in urban centres like Toronto and Vancouver, where prime office space is adapting to meet evolving tenant needs.
4. Reimagining Urban Spaces
Cushman & Wakefield’s Reimagining Cities study highlights the importance of integrating live-work-play environments. While U.S. cities are focusing on visitor-driven foot traffic (which accounts for nearly 70% of activity), Canadian cities are also exploring ways to diversify their urban landscapes, with flexible offices leading the way in creating dynamic, multi-use spaces.
Learn More
To explore these trends in detail and understand their implications for your business, read Cushman & Wakefield’s full 2025 Flexible Office Outlook.
Cushman & Wakefield Waterloo Region: Your Flexible Office Experts
As Canadian markets follow global trends, the demand for flexible office spaces continues to grow. At Cushman & Wakefield Waterloo Region, we combine local expertise with global insights to help businesses and landlords navigate this dynamic landscape. Whether you’re looking to expand your footprint or reposition your property, we’re here to provide tailored solutions.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your flexible office needs.
