The future of flexible work will not be decided by floor plans or badge swipes. It will be decided by who gets to build the tools.

Fresh evidence from a new global survey shows the shift in plain numbers. GoTo and Workplace Intelligence asked 2,500 people about AI and work in 2025. More than half say that AI will eventually make physical offices obsolete. A similar share prefer AI-enhanced remote work over being in the office, and strong majorities believe AI boosts balance, anywhere-productivity, and remote customer service.

A Microsoft global survey on AI at work found widespread adoption across roles and countries, with power users redesigning workflows and saving time every day. When employees can shape solutions themselves, adoption accelerates and the benefits compound.

According to the GoTo findings, most workers say AI gives them more flexibility and balance, allows them to work anywhere without losing productivity, and helps them serve customers remotely. Employees also say organizations should prioritize AI at least as much as amenities, reinforcing that flexibility is about empowerment rather than office perks.

Leaders do not need another debate about where people sit. They need a practical way to unlock performance across distributed teams, giving people the flexibility to work where they are most effective. Empowering employees to build their own AI tools delivers that........

© The Hill