Spotlight: Impact of AI on European offices

Overview of the Research Spotlight

Savills, a leading global real‑estate services firm, presents this research spotlight authored by senior experts Mike Barnes (Director‑European Research, Offices), Christina Sigliano (EMEA Head of Global Occupier Services & UK Board Director, Business Space) and Andrew Barnes (Director, Central London Leasing). The authors bring extensive market intelligence on European office environments and AI’s influence on workplace dynamics.

AI’s Short‑Term Impact on Office Jobs

In the near term, AI adoption has led to a temporary slowdown in new office‑based job openings, mirroring the dot‑com boom pattern. While tech sectors see higher displacement, overall Eurostat and Oxford Economics data show a positive correlation between AI uptake and job growth in office‑related industries since 2020. Entry‑level vacancies in the UK fell from 29 % to 22 % of total openings between 2022 and 2025, reflecting a shift toward more experienced staff who can leverage AI tools.

Key Investment and Funding Figures

During 2025‑2026, major tech firms (Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta) will invest approximately $750 billion in AI infrastructure. European AI‑focused venture capital reached €16 billion in Q1‑Q3 2025, with significant allocations to defence, drug discovery and financial services. M&A activity toward AI firms is rising, driving demand for larger consolidated office spaces across European cities.

Productivity Gains and Sustainable Growth

Oxford Economics projects a 10 % productivity boost from generative AI over the next decade, forecasting a modest 0.4 % annual increase in EU office‑based employment. This efficiency can support more sustainable office utilisation, potentially lowering per‑employee energy consumption as AI automates routine tasks and frees staff for higher‑value activities.

Long‑Term Office Design and Energy Implications

AI’s growing energy requirements are reshaping building design. Communication rooms now account for 30‑40 % of a building’s operational load; data‑centre power use is expected to increase sixfold in the next ten years. Landlords are encouraging off‑site server locations, reducing on‑site cooling demands and enabling greener retrofits of office spaces.

European Cities Leading AI Resilience

Savills’ AI Resilience Index ranks six cities as most resilient: London, Berlin, Munich, Paris, Dublin and Stockholm. These hubs combine strong talent pools (e.g., London’s ~120 000 software engineers), substantial AI/ML VC funding (London €26.5 billion, Berlin €250 million public support), and business‑friendly regulatory environments, positioning them to attract sustainable office development.

Regulatory Landscape Shaping Sustainability

The EU AI Act, effective 2024, imposes strict compliance standards, including fines up to 7 % of annual sales for violations. This regulatory framework encourages responsible AI deployment, which can align with sustainability goals by mandating transparent, energy‑efficient AI practices. The RICS professional standard for AI use in surveying, effective 2026, further embeds ethical and environmental considerations into built‑environment projects.

Workforce Evolution and Skills Needs

Future office work will emphasize collaborative, people‑focused roles. Forecasts indicate rising demand for AI‑skilled professions—engineers, data scientists, AI ethics officers—and soft skills such as analytical thinking, resilience and creativity. Upskilling initiatives are essential to maintain a sustainable talent pipeline and to ensure that AI augments rather than replaces human labour.

Implications for Sustainable Housing Stakeholders

For a pan‑European audience interested in sustainable housing, the report highlights how AI can drive more efficient office spaces, reduce energy footprints, and stimulate economic activity in urban centres. Investment in AI‑ready infrastructure and compliance with emerging regulations can support greener building standards, while the identified resilient cities offer promising locations for integrated live‑work‑play developments that align housing with future‑proofed office environments.