FOLLOWING the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, real estate consultancy firm JLL Philippines said workspaces will need to transform to enable hybrid work.
The firm noted the rise in office vacancy was due to continuous move-outs, pre-terminations, downsizing, and softening of demand.
But despite the pandemic-induced business environment, JJL remains optimistic that the office will remain relevant, and the net impact on space usage and real estate footprint will be relatively minor.
Dr. Marie Puybaraud, JLL’s Global Head of Research, said while the current demand for office space has softened, the new purpose of the office has transformed to support the working life of employees to preserve their engagement, emotional well-being and mental health.
“More than ever, offices will now have a starring role in the future of work as they attract talent and help define and exemplify company brand and purpose,” she explained during a webinar. “The office will remain the center of the work ecosystem. A physical office reinforces culture, drives collaboration and innovation, enables professional growth and brings a company’s best to its clients and employees.”
JLL’s survey has found that many employees globally want to be given flexibility in choosing when and where they do their jobs, as working from home for an extended period makes them feel disenchanted.
Data revealed that nearly 48 percent feel under pressure and exhausted by a massive workload, and 49 percent are overwhelmed by a huge mental load.
“Employees need a minimum of three days per week of working from the office to feel engaged, empowered and fulfilled,” explained Puybaraud.
The survey further showed that if employees work from home for more than two days a week, engagement starts to taper off, and anxiety about the future can start to rise.
“There is a profound need to return to a social hub—the office will play a crucial role in driving social interaction. It is becoming a hub for collaboration, problem solving and career development,” she said.
The study also showed that only 10 percent want to work exclusively from home, 24 percent exclusively from an office, 40 percent from a third-party space (such as in a café, co-working facility), and 66 percent hybrid. Eighty-eight percent of the workforce would like more flexible working hours in the future, compared with 71 percent a year ago.