AI Training, Hybrid Work: Mexican Talent Sets New Demands

WeWork and PageGroup released the findings of their study, AI and Presentiality: The New Labor Landscape, revealing that 90% of Mexican professionals seek formal training in AI as hybrid work models become the norm. Based on more than 5,000 surveys and 150 interviews across Latin America, the study offers insights specific to Mexico’s evolving workplace.

The research shows a notable shift since 2023: fully in-person work rose from 18% to 48% in 2025, while 55% of respondents prefer a hybrid model with one to two days in the office weekly. Fully remote work remains a minority at 9%, mainly in technology sectors. Gender differences emerge, with 61% of women and non-binary respondents favoring hybrid work compared to 39% of men, highlighting the need for inclusive policies.

A major challenge remains the daily commute. Mexico City ranks globally as the city with the highest average time lost to commuting at 152 hours per year, significantly impacting worker well-being and productivity. The predominant use of cars (79% of commuters) adds to the burden, with 60% of respondents citing transport costs and 44% citing lost personal time as key disincentives for in-office work. This highlights the value of flexible, multi-location workspace solutions that bring work closer to employees’ homes.

Workplace infrastructure presents additional hurdles. Though 62% of companies have implemented return-to-office plans, many struggle with insufficient space, unsuitable layouts, and lack of amenities. Vacancy rates in Mexico City offices have fallen from 30% to 20%, yet much of the available space remains unfinished and unready for immediate use. Flexible coworking models offer viable alternatives by enabling companies to scale space dynamically and provide modern, user-centric environments.

WeWork’s value proposition plays a central role in addressing these workplace shifts. “We are a community first and real estate space second. Our members and their employees are at the center of everything we do. Each location is designed around people and their needs; square meters come only afterward,” Claudio Hidalgo, General Manager, WeWork Latin America, stated for MBN. Unlike traditional offices, where interactions are often siloed within a single company, WeWork fosters a daily cross-pollination of ideas among diverse industries, creating an unmatched networking ecosystem.

Decentralization trends, accelerated by the pandemic, have transformed workplace expectations, Hidalgo observes. “Today, over 64% of workers operate under hybrid models, with 84% reporting increased productivity and 76% improved mental health thanks to flexibility. Large, underutilized offices no longer make sense. WeWork’s flexible network lets companies provide workspace closer to employees’ homes, often saving them 2-3 hours of commute daily.” With 22 buildings across Mexico’s key cities and an 83% occupancy rate, WeWork supports businesses in scaling space efficiently while enhancing employee well-being.

The role of AI in the workforce is expanding but remains uneven. While 70% of Mexican professionals report using AI tools such as ChatGPT for tasks ranging from problem-solving to information search, only 6% are supported by formal company programs for AI training or governance. An overwhelming 90% of professionals express a desire for structured AI training, reflecting a gap in organizational readiness to integrate AI strategically.

Regarding regulation, Javier Torre, Managing Director of PageGroup Mexico and Central America, notes a distinction between internal company policies and government oversight: "Companies need clear policies on approved AI tools, their uses, and data safeguards. Governments must regulate ethically without hindering innovation. This dual approach is key to Mexico’s AI future."

The study concludes that the hybrid work model is preferred but not a one-size-fits-all solution. Organizations need to build flexible ecosystems that reflect their culture and employee needs through active listening. Addressing commute challenges via multi-location models can reduce time lost and improve well-being. AI must evolve from informal trends to formal institutional strategies, supported by investment, training, and clear processes. Lastly, physical workspaces should prioritize collaboration, well-being, and innovation within flexible work models.

Looking ahead, the future organizational strategy must blend productivity with well-being, and technology with empathy, states the report. Companies are encouraged to rethink work environments and recognize that today’s workforce expects to be heard and included in shaping their organizations’ paths.