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

According to a new CBRE analysis titled Space Utilization: The Next Frontier, companies all over Asia are now under pressure to reduce expenses by increasing workplace'static density,' or the amount of space per square foot per workstation. In many regions of Asia, further reductions are already having an impact on productivity, performance, and retention. Directory

Over the previous decade, the static density of workplaces in several Asian marketplaces has decreased by half. Workplace area has dropped from 100 sq. ft. per desk to 50-60 sq. ft. per desk in Hong Kong, India, and China. This figure is approximately half that of Europe and the United States, where average desk density is around 150-200 square feet. Other countries, such as Australia and New Zealand, have more large workstation standards, with 90-150 square feet per desk.

Low workplace density mean fewer shared collaborative and solitary work situations, as well as more restricted space, which affects teamwork, decision-making, and capacity to focus. CBRE considers less than 60 square feet per desk to be a clear productivity danger zone; cutting space below this level jeopardizes employee productivity, performance, and retention. Tight desk space causes a loss of privacy, an increase in noise, and increased levels of attention from neighbors, all of which have a negative influence on employees and result in lower productivity. Even with 60-100 square feet per workstation, there is a concern that not all types of work, particularly knowledge-based work, will be completely supported.

There are, however, alternatives that will help businesses to balance the cost and density constraints.

"We advise that enterprises embrace innovative and dynamic methods of working, such as more concentrated and collaborative settings that are easily available through greater employee mobility inside the office, in order to drive space efficiency and business performance. This will reduce expenditures per worker by maximizing the use of work environments "CBRE Asia's Director of Workplace Strategy, Peter Andrew, comments.

CBRE refers to this technique as Activity Based Working (ABW), which allows employees to work flexibly by choosing from a variety of various places to work within the office rather than being assigned a set desk as the principal place of work. As a result, "dynamic density" (space per person) becomes a far more essential parameter than "static density" (space per desk). Giving people options allows them to operate more efficiently.

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

"Once workers become more dynamic in their use of space, it becomes much easier to reclaim unused space, which is commonly referred to as 'desk sharing.' Poorly implemented desk sharing, on the other hand, is a very real business risk caused by individuals who are solely concerned with cost savings and have a limited knowledge of the implications for organizational success. When properly implemented, this strategy boosts real estate profits while also improving employee productivity, performance, and engagement, resulting in higher-quality work environments "Mr. Andrew says.

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

"CBRE has seen organizations conduct utilization studies, make erroneous conclusions based on poorly obtained and interpreted data, and implement initiatives that are ostensibly intended to reduce costs but, in reality, generate organizational upheaval. Companies may increase static and dynamic workplace density at the expense of productivity and worker happiness due to a lack of knowledge of this data "CBRE Asia Pacific's Head of Research, Dr. Henry Chin, stated.

"Corporate occupiers must gain a thorough awareness of how their employees work, as well as their organization's goals and objectives. Companies can only implement a workplace strategy capable of accomplishing cost-effective business transformation if these two fundamental perspectives are aligned "Dr. Chin continued.