5 Workplace Shifts for the Year of the Fire Horse

Steelcase research shows 96% of leaders plan to update their workplaces in the next two years, and the Year of the Fire Horse may be exactly the moment to act.

Singapore, 26 February 2026 – Steelcase, a global design and thought leader in the world of work, published a new article revealing five shifts redefining the office in 2026. Coinciding with the Lunar New Year of the Fire Horse, a symbol of boldness, momentum and forward motion, the article signals the era of workplace hesitation is over.

The article “Charge Forward: 5 workplace shifts for the Year of the Fire Horse” draws on insights from nearly 500 US-based business decision-makers to examine how stabilizing work patterns, the rise of AI, flight to quality real estate, dynamic desking and human-centered design are collectively redefining the future of work.

“We’re seeing more organizations shaking off residual inertia and taking significant steps in shaping their workplace to meet their employees’ current and emerging needs. The more forward-thinking companies understand that space shapes behavior and are making decisions accordingly,” said Amber Matthews, Global Director of WorkSpace Futures, for Steelcase.

The arrival of the Fire Horse year comes at an inflection point for leaders. After years of pandemic disruption and cautious investment, organizations are ready to act. Steelcase’s latest research provides the data behind this renewed momentum and a clear roadmap for what comes next.

Key Research Findings
(from Steelcase Leader Research 2025 and Steelcase WSF Futures 2025 AI Chooser Research)

  • 96% of leaders plan to update their workspace in the next two years
  • 46% of employees are expected to work in the office five days a week
  • ~70% of employees expected in-office at least three days per week, consistent across two years
  • 70% of organizations have moved or plan to move to higher-tier office properties
  • Most organizations now plan for 2:1 or higher workstation-sharing ratios
  • Most companies plan to redesign their offices specifically to accommodate AI

About Steelcase 

Steelcase is a global design and thought leader in the world of work. Our purpose is to help the world work better. Along with more than 25 creative and technology partner brands, we research, design and manufacture furnishings and solutions for many of the places where work happens — including office, learning and health environments. Together with our 11,300 employees, we’re working toward better futures for the wellbeing of people and the planet. Our solutions come to life through our global community of expert Steelcase dealers in approximately 790 locations, store.steelcase.com and other retail partners. For more information, visit Steelcase.com.