Read the second part of the report here.
B. Changes in Office Layout and Design
Pre-pandemic, there was a growing trend of elevating collaboration in the workplace by adopting office configuration that encourages so. The concept of social distancing, however, took the centerstage as one of the non-negotiables in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
The Q2 2024 run of Knight Frank’s Global Corporate Real Estate Sentiment Index showed continuously improving global sentiment towards de-densification, wherein occupiers are expected to deliver both “me space” or private space and “we space” or collaborative space.
In the Philippines, the occupier sentiment survey showed that adopting a more collaborative work design is the top choice among Philippine-based office locators who plan to make changes to their office layout and design at 95%. Only 14% of qualified respondents plans to adopt more private workplace design.
The Global Corporate Real Estate Sentiment Index also mentioned that there seems to subdued sentiment towards enhancing office services or amenities. In the Philippines, that might not be the case as 71% of qualified respondents foresee adding new on-site amenities. When asked for what general type of amenities employees have been asking for, or is expected to be asked for, food & refreshments and amenities supporting work productivity emerge as the top answers with 71% of respondents having selected them. Physical well-being and mental well-being follow at 62% and 57%. There are only 33% of respondents have employees requesting for transportation-related amenities.
In response to this, employers are looking at adding the following amenities in their offices, wherein free or subsidized food & refreshments and gym, sports, and other facilities emerge as top choices:
With hybrid generally seen as the way forward for progressive work arrangements, the office must be designed in such a way that it entices employees to travel to the office. Having a workplace that encourages productivity and offers amenities that usually can’t be enjoyed at home can serve as a step in the right direction.
Read the next part of the report here.
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