Corporate real estate executives foresee a workplace where, by 2010, over a quarter of highly skilled knowledge employees are in flexible work arrangements - whether working at home, co-located with clients or in airline lounges.

Nearly 40% of the 314 respondents say that 25% or more of their company´s knowledge workers — defined as employees whose primary work roles are white collar, technical or administrative in nature, rather than physical — will be working remotely, such as from home, a client office or a
Starbucks, in 2010. Moreover, the amount of assigned space for workers will decrease.

Their belief in this workplace trend is reflected in their long term real estate planning:

About 46% of the respondents said they are currently willing to pay a premium for flexible workplace designs, while 67% of the respondents said they would be willing to pay such a premium in 2010. And 60% of the respondents said they are willing to pay a premium for flexible leasing terms, while 65% said they would be willing to pay such a premium in 2010. (WSJ)

Does this mean we can expect less cubicle walls, more exposed ductwork, rough brick walls, and outsized ferns in our workspace? Probably not. A third of our lives will still be spent in products by Steelcase and Teknion. At least the trend towards hotelling seems to be losing traction with office managers and property consultants.

Speaking of hoteling, here’s a wonderful explanation of its virtues - in horrible business-speak.