In a groundbreaking new study, Singapore’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have revealed that employee well-being and productivity are paramount when selecting workspaces. Conducted by Milieu Insight and commissioned by Asia’s leading flexible workspace provider, JustCo, the SME Workspace Preferences Study sheds light on the priorities and challenges faced by SMEs in securing suitable workspaces.
Emphasis on Employee Well-being and Productivity
Despite economic uncertainties, more than half of the respondents identified employee well-being and productivity as top priorities. The study highlights that nearly one-third of SME employees experience a lack of wellness facilities in their current workspaces, making it the most common challenge.
Juda Kanaprach, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Milieu Insight, stated, “Our study reveals a trend: wellness and opportunities for networking are undervalued within workplaces. However, a wealth of research supports the positive effects of such amenities and social interaction on employee well-being. As global awareness of mental health rises and lifestyle expectations shift, businesses and employees are placing greater emphasis on wellness and work-life balance.”
Key Challenges and Preferred Amenities
Apart from the lack of wellness facilities, SMEs face other challenges like space constraints and insufficient networking opportunities. The study found that nearly half of Singapore employees feel burnout from work at least a few times a month. To combat this, popular wellness amenities include well-stocked pantries (47%) and nap rooms or relaxation areas (37%).
Office design also plays a crucial role, with ergonomic-focused furnishings being a top consideration for 59% of respondents. Moreover, the location of the office, which affects commute times, and strong technology infrastructure are significant factors impacting employee well-being.
Shift Towards Flexible Work Arrangements
The study underscores a shift towards hybrid work arrangements, aligning with employees’ preferences for flexible work options. Nearly one-third of SME employees already work remotely or have the option to do so, a number expected to grow with new regulations requiring employers to consider flexible working arrangement requests starting December 2024.
Kong Wan Long, Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of JustCo, emphasized, “SMEs are rethinking what constitutes their ideal workspace. While cost and location remain important, decision-makers are increasingly seeking functional spaces that prioritise employee well-being beyond just productivity. The changing work landscape and economic uncertainties further emphasise the need for flexibility to adapt. Workspace solutions that encompass functionality, wellness, and flexibility will be key for SMEs to thrive in the long run.”
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Future of Workspaces
As SMEs embrace flexible work arrangements, the role of the office is evolving into strategic hubs of collaboration and community-building. The study indicates a strong preference for workspaces that promote positive mental well-being, with 74% of respondents favoring welcoming, vibrant, or collaborative environments over premium or traditional settings.
In conclusion, the SME Workspace Preferences Study, which surveyed 800 SME employees, provides invaluable insights into the evolving needs and preferences of Singaporean SMEs. The findings highlight the critical importance of employee well-being and flexibility in workspace decisions, which are essential for SMEs to thrive in the current and future work landscape.
About JustCo
JustCo is Asia Pacific's leading provider of flexible workspaces for businesses of all sizes seeking flexible work solutions. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Singapore, JustCo leads Singapore's coworking scene with the largest network, offering close to 50 coworking centres across eight gateway cities in the region. JustCo empowers flexible work across our network of high-quality coworking centres in prime locations, seamlessly integrated with technology to enable our members to work from any of our premises. Beyond flexible workspace solutions, we also strive to be the place that works for all individuals and businesses, revolutionising how people work by providing a platform that fosters growth, connections, collaborations and opportunities for our ever-growing JustCo community and beyond.
About Milieu Insight
Milieu Insight is a leading survey software company in Southeast Asia, dedicated to helping brands and businesses build consumer engagement ecosystems that deliver agile and actionable business insights. The company has garnered accolades such as Campaign Asia's Tech MVP and is renowned for its award-winning research expertise. At the core of its offerings is its powerful survey and data analytics software, Canvas, which provides intuitive tools for survey design and distribution, data analysis, visualization, and reporting business insights across various topics and sectors – This empowers businesses to make informed, impactful decisions and develop effective strategies.
