Where we work
This week we look at the latest workplace insights drawn from Pulse, our bi-annual global survey of consumer behaviours, and their implications for mixed-use development. These insights will be of interest to anyone involved in the design, development, operation, or management of mixed-use spaces around the world.
Shift towards hybrid work
Only 40% of workers worldwide work exclusively in offices, with 30% adopting a hybrid approach, dividing their time between remote work and the office, and 18% working entirely remotely. The transition towards more flexible work arrangements is most pronounced in the UK and the US, with the UK leading the way.
This shift is likely to reduce demand for conventional office spaces, in turn opening opportunities for repurposing existing office buildings into dynamic and innovative mixed-use spaces.
Variations in Office/Workplace Usage
On average, workers globally spend 3.6 days a week in the office, ranging from an average of 3 days in the UK and 4.2 days in China. Excluding China, office usage in most countries declines during the second half of the week.
This underscores the potential for Central Business Districts (CBDs) to integrate mixed-use features to support varied activities throughout the week, with a focus on enhancing work-life balance and attracting footfall beyond traditional working hours.
Drivers of office attendance
The main factors, across all regions, encouraging workers to the office include the opportunity for collaboration and focus, followed by the prospect of increased productivity. Notably, the offer of complimentary food is a significant draw for office attendance in all regions, indicating a strategic opportunity for businesses to incentivise office visits.
The survey also reveals regional variations, for example, workers in China, the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), and India, highly value focus and collaboration spaces. While workers in the UK and US are more likely to regard amenities, both on-site and nearby, equally, or slightly more attractive than work-related elements.
Additionally, childcare amenities are particularly appealing to office workers in India, compared to other countries.
These insights underline a need for mixed-use spaces to integrate dedicated working areas, aiding both collaboration and focus. Furthermore, a focus on flexibility, to allow for spaces to be reconfigured to support different uses and modes of working, is key.
Food options, whether complimentary or not, are an important draw, and must be considered carefully within mixed-use developments. For example, placing amenities in central locations will encourage movement through space, and foster the collaboration and community sought by workers.
Lastly, it is also vital to adapt mixed-use schemes to local requirements, emphasising specific features. For example, in regions where amenities are highly sought, creating a rich ecosystem of offices, retail units, fitness centres, and entertainment options, is likely to appeal to a broad base of people. However, adding features such as childcare facilities, in India for example, will support local expectations of key demographics, in this case working age parents.
Increased shopping near workplaces
Our findings also show a high tendency for workers to shop in areas close to their workplaces for items such as fashion and toiletries, when compared to their general offline shopping behaviours.
This indicates that, despite the shift towards hybrid working models, shopping opportunities close to workplaces remain important.
By repurposing buildings and adding diverse elements including selected retail outlets and amenities, developers can accommodate flexible working schedules and breathe new life into declining CBDs.
Understanding the varied behaviours and working patterns of people in different regions is essential to design spaces that meet their needs.
Pragma has extensive experience in understanding these changing needs and developing strategies for repurposed commercial spaces.
Emily Lin