51% of employees believe offices could become obsolete: GoTo Research

Workplace change is upon us, with artificial intelligence empowering more flexible work arrangements and many employees questioning the value of a physical office. A recent study conducted by GoTo, a leader in cloud communications and IT, reveals that more than half (51%) of global employees believe traditional office spaces will one day no longer exist because of AI.

The study is called The Pulse of Work in 2025: Trends, Truths and the Practicalities of AI, and is based on research conducted by GoTo with its partner Workplace Intelligence. The report consisted of 2,500 respondents from around the globe, equally divided between IT decision-makers and knowledge workers, from a variety of countries including the US, UK, India, Germany, Mexico, and Brazil.

AI technologies (whether generative applications or virtual assistants and AI-enabled IT support) were specifically identified as enabling the “work from anywhere” model. Not every role can work entirely away from the office, but if given the option between AI-enhanced work away from the office, vs. working in the office, 62% employees overwhelmingly prefer the AI-enhanced remote version.

Employees reported multiple benefits of AI in flexible work settings:

• Work-life balance: 71% say AI allows more flexibility.

• Productivity anywhere: 66% report they can work efficiently from any location.

• Customer service: 65% feel AI helps them serve clients better remotely.

IT leaders were even more bullish on AI, with 90% agreeing that AI will increase positive outcomes for remote work. About all employees (95%) and IT leaders (92%) supported their organization’s investment in AI tools or want to see it expanded.

“AI is transitioning from a useful tool to fundamental to shaping the future of work faster than we realize," said Rich Veldran, CEO of GoTo. "Companies that make AI a core aspect of the employee experience will redefine productivity, connectivity, and collaboration irrespective of where work takes place."

One disconnect in the study was between IT leaders and employees: 91% of IT leaders believe that AI is being utilized effectively to support remote teams, while only 53% of remote and hybrid employees agreed.

Other key findings include:

• Equitable IT access: 88% of IT leaders see AI as a way to provide fair access to technology for distributed teams.

• Prioritising AI over perks: 61% of employees think investing in AI would boost productivity and engagement more than office amenities.

• Generational benefits: AI improves remote productivity for Gen Z (90%), Millennials (84%), Gen X (71%), and Baby Boomers (74%).

Dan Schawbel, Managing Partner at Workplace Intelligence, said: “Flexibility, not location or perks, is now central to effective work. AI bridges time zones, streamlines communication, and gives employees access to critical knowledge—reducing the reliance on physical offices.”