Worker Productivity in Asia is Now Being Affected by Workspace Density.

According to a new CBRE study titled Space Utilization: The Next Frontier, companies all over Asia are now under pressure to reduce costs by rising workplace'static density,' or the amount of space per square foot per workstation. In many parts of Asia, more reductions are already having an effect on production, efficiency, and retention. مواضيع نقاش

Over the last decade, the static density of workplaces in some Asian markets has decreased by half. Workplace room has shrunk from 100 sq. ft. per desk to 50-60 sq. ft. per desk in Hong Kong, India, and China. This number is approximately half that of Europe and the United States, where average desk density is about 150-200 square feet. Other countries, such as Australia and New Zealand, have more generous desk requirements, with 90-150 square feet per desk.

Low workplace densities mean less shared collaborative and independent work environments, as well as more confined space, which affects collaboration, decision-making, and ability to concentrate. CBRE considers less than 60 square feet per desk to be a simple productivity danger zone; cutting space below this level jeopardizes employee productivity, efficiency, and retention. Tight desk space causes a loss of privacy, a rise in noise, and increased levels of distraction from neighbors, all of which have a detrimental effect on workers and result in lower productivity. Even with 60-100 square feet per desk, there is a risk that not all aspects of work, especially knowledge-based work, will be fully supported.

There are, however, alternatives that will allow businesses to balance the cost and density pressures.

"They recommend that companies adopt new and dynamic ways of working, such as more oriented and interactive settings that are easily accessible through increased employee mobility within the workplace, in order to drive space utilization and business success. This would reduce costs per employee by maximizing the use of work environments "CBRE Asia's Director of Workplace Strategy, Peter Andrew, comments.

CBRE refers to this method as Activity Based Working (ABW), which allows employees to work flexibly by selecting from a variety of different places to work within the workplace rather than being assigned a set desk as the primary place of work. As a result, "dynamic density" (space per person) becomes a much more significant metric than "static density" (space per desk). Giving people options allows them to function more efficiently.

Benchmarking Metrics are important, but misusing them can be dangerous.

"Once staff become more dynamic in their usage of space, it becomes much easier to reclaim underutilized space, which is often referred to as 'desk sharing.' Poorly implemented desk sharing, on the other hand, is a very real business risk posed by those who are only concerned with cost reduction and have a limited understanding of the implications for organizational success. When properly implemented, this strategy boosts real estate profits while also improving employee efficiency, morale, and engagement, resulting in higher-quality work environments "Mr. Andrew adds.

Benchmarking indicators including workplace density and room usage are becoming increasingly important in assisting corporate occupiers in making informed workplace and real estate decisions and managing their real estate as a strategic asset; however, this must be done correctly.

"CBRE has seen companies conduct utilization analyses, make erroneous decisions based on improperly collected and interpreted data, and implement policies that are ostensibly intended to reduce costs but, in practice, trigger organizational chaos. Companies can increase static and dynamic workplace density at the cost of productivity and worker satisfaction due to a lack of understanding of this data "CBRE Asia Pacific's Head of Research, Dr. Henry Chin, said.

"Corporate occupiers must gain a thorough understanding of how their employees operate, as well as their organization's goals and objectives. Companies will only execute a workplace plan capable of achieving cost-effective organizational change if these two basic viewpoints are aligned "Dr. Chin continued.