Looking ahead to 2075, will the way we work look completely different from today. Office jobs, which currently make up a huge chunk of the UK workforce, are set to decline massively. Not only will AI and automation replace many of the routine desk-based roles, but remote work, changing business models, and even shifts in population trends will reshape how and where people work. The traditional office as we know it may become a thing of the past.

How Many People Will Still Work in Offices?

Right now, around 24 million people in the UK work in service-based jobs, many of them office-based. But in 50 years, that number is likely to shrink dramatically. My prediction is that:

  • Less than 50% of the UK workforce will work in offices – possibly as low as 30-40%.
  • Routine office jobs like administration, finance, and customer service will be mostly automated, meaning fewer people will need to be in an office setting.
  • Remote work and advanced virtual technology will replace the need for physical offices in many industries.

Why Will Offices Decline?

  1. AI and Automation Will Replace Many Office Jobs
        • AI will handle tasks like data processing, accounting, and even customer service. Instead of a full office team, businesses may only need a small group of human workers managing AI systems.
        • Virtual assistants and AI-driven project management tools will replace the need for many support staff roles.

        2. Remote Work Will Be the Norm

          • By 2075, high-speed global internet, AI-powered workspaces, and even holographic meetings will make remote work more seamless than ever.
          • Companies won’t need to rent big offices when employees can work just as efficiently from home or shared spaces.

          3. Global Outsourcing Will Increase

            • Businesses will have fewer office-based employees in the UK as companies outsource work to cheaper international markets.
            • Some roles may even shift to entirely AI-driven services, making traditional office employment unnecessary.

            4. The Structure of Work Will Change

              • The standard 9-to-5 workday could disappear, replaced by project-based, freelance, or gig-style employment.
              • Instead of having permanent office jobs, many people may work across different industries on short-term contracts, reducing the need for long-term office space.

              What Will Happen to All the Office Buildings?

              If businesses don’t need as much office space, the big question is: what happens to all the empty buildings? Right now, major UK cities – especially London, Manchester, and Birmingham – are packed with office blocks. But if demand drops, these spaces will need to be repurposed. Some possibilities include:

              • Housing Conversions – With the UK facing a housing crisis, many office buildings will likely be transformed into residential apartments. We’ve already seen this happening post-pandemic, and it will probably accelerate in the coming decades.
              • Flexible Workspaces & Co-Living Hubs – Instead of full-time offices, some buildings could become shared work/live spaces, blending homes, co-working areas, and social hubs into one.
              • Entertainment & Leisure Spaces – Some office blocks might be turned into gyms, hotels, event spaces, or cultural centers, adding more life to city centers.
              • Vertical Farming & Green Spaces – With sustainability becoming a bigger focus, abandoned office towers could be transformed into urban farms or indoor green spaces.

              The Wider Impact on the UK

              1. Job Market Shifts
                  • Millions of traditional office jobs will disappear, meaning the workforce will need to adapt. More people will move into AI management, technology, and creative roles.
                  • Schools and universities will have to completely rethink education, focusing on skills that AI can’t replace, like problem-solving, creativity, and leadership.

                  2. The Economy Will Change

                    • Office real estate prices will crash, forcing landlords to find new ways to use their buildings.
                    • Public transport could be impacted – with fewer commuters, the need for trains, buses, and underground services may drop, which could mean major cuts to transport infrastructure.

                    3. Social & Cultural Shifts

                      • If fewer people commute, city centers will feel very different. Fewer office workers mean fewer people spending money on coffee shops, lunches, and after-work drinks, which could affect hospitality businesses.
                      • At the same time, more people might move out of cities if they don’t need to live close to work, leading to a rise in suburban and rural communities.

                      Final Thoughts

                      By 2075, the traditional office job are likely to be nowhere near as common as it is today. AI, automation, remote work, and new business models will reduce the need for full-time office spaces, and many of today’s office buildings will be repurposed for other uses. While this shift will bring challenges, especially in terms of job displacement and economic restructuring, it could also lead to new opportunities, with people having more flexibility in where and how they work. The key question is whether the UK will adapt fast enough to keep up with these changes.