Three in four employees are already using AI tools, yet fewer than one-third have received formal training, new figures reveal. Analysts warn that the gap between adoption and understanding could affect productivity, collaboration, and security in the years ahead.
At the same time, hybrid work remains a fixture — with 28% of UK adults working both remotely and in-office — and sustainability pressures are pushing companies toward energy-efficient building technologies. From predictive AI to sensor-driven office systems, these shifts are already reshaping the workplace in 2025 and are set to accelerate in 2026.
Here are five trends experts say will define the future of work in the year ahead.
The workplace is evolving fast. Today, 78% of UK organisations are boosting tech investment, and AI pilots and rollouts in revenue functions are becoming the norm. Yet while 75% of employees are using workplace AI, less than a third have formal training, highlighting a widening gap between adoption and understanding.
By 2026, 78% of companies in the UK will use AI in at least one business function. This shift shows how companies are embracing innovation to simplify tasks and succeed.
We are exploring five technology trends that will impact the workplace in 2026 and beyond.
Key Workplace Tech Advancements to Watch in 2026
Here are the five key workplace tech advancements to watch in 2026:
-
AI-Powered Workflow Automation
As AI technology improves, more workspaces are using it to automate repetitive tasks and transform their business operations. By 2026, 78% of UK organisations are expected to have AI in at least one business function, with two-thirds of early adopters already seeing ROI within a year. This next phase of AI will go beyond repetitive task automation: predictive systems that anticipate needs, generate insights in real time, and guide decision-making.
This will speed up operations and make them smarter. As a result, workers will spend less time on manual tasks and be able to focus on more critical activities, bringing in a strategic approach to work. For leadership, it means faster, more informed responses to shifting market conditions.
-
Seamless Collaboration Technology
Hybrid work is now standard, 28% of UK adults were working in a hybrid setup in early 2025, according to the ONS. But the focus is shifting from simply enabling remote access to making hybrid work frictionless.
Many organisations still operate with a patchwork of tools that do not communicate well, creating delays and manual work. Heading into 2026, businesses are investing in systems where data and workflows connect seamlessly. The future of work depends on how well people, data, and systems connect, regardless of location. Businesses are investing in unified platforms where communication tools, project management, and data sharing live in one environment.
The transition to integrated systems is expected to speed up as we near 2026. Firms are investing in technology that brings together data and workflows into a single system. These systems will communicate easily, reducing the need for manual work and leading to faster operations and quicker decisions. Partners like Bridgehampton help companies align tools so collaboration is smooth, whether a colleague is across the desk or across the globe. As companies move toward a completely integrated future, choosing the right technology partners will be crucial for staying competitive.
-
Data Security and Privacy by Design
As data breaches become more common and damaging, companies are focusing more on data security and privacy in their technology plans. In the fourth quarter of 2025, we saw a rise in security solutions that are built into business processes rather than treated as an additional step.
By 2026, data protection will be more advanced. Encryption and secure data sharing techniques will be common practice. Firms will work on creating systems that prioritise privacy to meet stricter data privacy laws. Therefore, protecting data will involve meeting legal requirements and it will be key to building trust and loyalty to customers.
The impact of technology on employee well-being is now a crucial topic. Companies are using tools like mental health apps and wearables to monitor stress levels. By the end of 2025, we will see a rise in the usage of these tools as businesses spot the connection between employee well-being and overall productivity.
As we head into 2026, we expect to see even more advanced solutions that focus on health and employee wellness. With tools like mindfulness app, AI health suggestions, and real-time stress tracking, companies can create a more supportive and productive workplace. Prioritising employee well-being will be essential for organisations that want to attract and retain top talent in the future.
-
Environmental & Energy-Efficient Workplace Tech
Sustainability has moved from optional to essential—driven by cost pressures, regulatory change, and stakeholder expectations. Smart workplace technologies are delivering results and aligning with ESG mandates.
Lenovo’s AI-driven IoT system cut HVAC energy costs by 30%, while Arcadis’s London workplace achieved 21% HVAC and 70% lighting savings using sensor-based building intelligence.
London’s new offices employ underfloor cooling, automated windows, and daylight-rich layouts, boosting energy efficiency and occupant wellbeing. AIoT and Digital Twin technology can reduce building operating emissions by 7–15%, reinforcing green transformation. With UK ESG and sustainability reporting regulations tightening, workplaces must deliver measurable impact. These technologies ease compliance while demonstrating real environmental leadership.
Conclusion
The workplace of 2026 will be defined by smarter automation, connected collaboration, embedded security, proactive wellbeing support, and sustainable operations. These are not distant predictions—they’re trends already taking shape.
Organisations that act early—integrating new tools, streamlining systems, and aligning with sustainability and security standards—will be best placed to thrive in the years ahead. The future of work is here. The question is whether your business is ready to lead it.
#Workplace #Technology #Trends #Set #Redefine #Business #Daily #Business