As we look ahead to 2026, the workplace continues to evolve—shaped by advances in technology, the ongoing refinement of hybrid models, and a greater emphasis on intelligent, connected spaces. To explore how organisations are preparing for this next phase, we spoke with Giulia Marcolina, Managing Director of Align London, about what she’s seeing in the market and how companies can future-proof their workplace environments.
Q: How have you seen the workplace change from the beginning of COVID to now?
Clients are asking for IoT and occupancy sensors to monitor how spaces are used, touchless interfaces for physical security, and integrated audiovisual systems that can adapt to multiple room types. We’re also seeing strong interest in hotelling and room-booking systems that make hybrid work more seamless.
Q: What technologies have become most important in enabling this new way of working?
Giulia: While Smart Office and IoT technologies have certainly been on the rise lately, connectivity has become the real foundation of the modern office. High-performance, reliable networks underpin everything, whether it’s supporting video conferencing or managing smart building systems. The technology conversation now always starts with connectivity.
Aside from the rise of smart technology, hybrid work has driven demand for agile, cloud-based infrastructures. Data and applications are now more centralised, with cloud services improving access and resilience. At the same time, network performance and reliability are paramount, making high bandwidth, low latency, and seamless connectivity non-negotiable.
Q: As technology advances so quickly, how can organisations ensure their infrastructure keeps pace?
Giulia: It starts with investing in the right foundations and design – we recommend higher category cabling, designed for scalability and performance. We encourage clients to plan for the next ten years, not just today, since most leases run that long. Designing with a long-term view avoids costly upgrades later and ensures the workplace can support emerging technologies like Wi-Fi 7 or advanced AI applications.
Q: Security continues to be a top concern. How are physical and digital security strategies evolving?
Giulia: The biggest shift is towards proactive, integrated security. On the digital side, we’re seeing advanced threat detection and verification tools that prevent issues before they occur. Physically, there’s a growing move towards biometrics, smart locks, and IoT-integrated surveillance that provides a holistic view of workplace safety.
Looking Ahead: The Connected, Intelligent Workplace
As technology continues to evolve, the workplace does so in tandem. Organisations that invest in their spaces by implementing flexible infrastructure, secure connectivity, and intelligent systems will be best positioned to thrive in the years ahead.
At Align, we help our clients navigate this transformation by creating workplaces that are scalable and collaborative to support long-term growth. The future of work isn’t coming—it’s already here, and it’s connected.
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