No place like the right workspace

Nov. 13, 2014 - PRLog -- Smart look, smart technology and a smart commute. That’s what people want from their ideal workplace according to a new Regus survey that canvassed the opinions of over 22,000 respondents in 100 countries, including Hong Kong.

Location and appearance topped the list, which is good news for the new Regus centre on the 82nd floor of Hong Kong’s International Commerce Centre (ICC). As well as offering a fantastic view of the ever-changing city, it is also the world’s highest flexible workspace!

Some 63% of respondents wanted their workplace to look the part in terms of smartness, and 55% ranking professional front desk management highly. This was followed closely by highly functional ICT, which is essential for good business (82%).

Almost a quarter of us (23%) want to reduce the commute and improve work-life balance by having our ideal workplace closer to home. A fifth (20%) of respondents also value being close to other firms in their industry, but only 9% to firms of a similar size suggesting that, globally, firms see more value in mixing with dissimilar firms.

Global respondents are not particularly keen to be in up-and-coming locations or based in science parks and would actually rather be close to shops and restaurants.

In Greater China, the respondents have different views on what constitutes an ideal work location. In Hong Kong, respondents believe that fast and reliable IT services (85%) are most important; in China, it is the guarantee of safety for their belongings (78%); while in Taiwan, it is being close to transport links (64%).

Other interesting results:

·    Some 40% of respondents require proximity to transport links (40%) or a car park (48%);

·    Almost a quarter (23%) report that they would prefer to be close to home, reducing their commute and providing them more free time;

·    67% highlight the importance of the safety of their belongings;

·    Only 19% prefer a prestigious location.

"Workers globally agree that the key feature of an ideal work environment is highly functional ICT, highlighting the need to remain productive and connected at all times. But they also require a smart, safe and professional environment that is well served by transport links. In addition, business people also value being close to other firms in their industry, but they are not willing to locate close to a similar size company. This suggest that, firms see more value in mixing with dissimilar firms." said Michael Ormiston, Country Manager, Regus Hong Kong.

"Respondents also highlight that locations that are prestigious or up-and-coming hold less attraction than useful locations that have more services nearby, such as transport links, restaurants and shops. Most of all, workers confirm that they would like to be closer to home, thus cutting the daily commute. The opportunity to work nearer to home at least some of the time would give workers more free time and reduce the productivity drain posed by commuting."

-Ends-

Methodology
Over 22,000 business respondents from 100 countries were interviewed via online survey during July 2014. These were sourced from Regus’ global contacts database of over 1 million business-people worldwide which is highly representative of senior managers and owners in business across the globe. Respondents were also asked to delve deeper into the motivations for some of their preferences explaining the benefits of collaborative workplaces and the downfalls of traditional work arrangements that require lengthy commutes and rarely provide professional drop-in locations for workers traveling or moving to and from meetings.

The survey was managed and administered by the independent organisation, MindMetre Research.

About Regus
Regus is the global workplace provider.

Its network of more than 2,000 business centres in 104 countries provides convenient, high-quality, fully serviced spaces for people to work, whether for a few minutes or a few years. Companies like Google, Toshiba and GlaxoSmithKline choose Regus so that they can work flexibly and make their businesses more successful.

The key to flexible working is convenience and so Regus is opening wherever its 1.8 million members want support - city centres, suburban districts, shopping centres and retail outlets, railway stations, motorway service stations and even community centres.

Founded in Brussels, Belgium, in 1989, Regus is based in Luxembourg and listed on the London Stock Exchange.