24-hour office access is the most important feature of flexible working spaces, according to a new study.

New research from The Instant Group explores the current expectations of occupiers in flexible working spaces across the APAC region, and what they see as driving real value for their businesses as the market continues to expand.

In a survey of 500 respondents, 19 per cent fewer were over 45 years of age in the APAC region, compared their EU counterparts, indicating how this type of space is favoured more by younger generations working across the Asia-Pacific region, while 52 per cent were from a corporate background.

The research found fewer people are following the route of the ‘traditional’ nine-to-five work day, particularly as the freelancing industry continues to thrive.

As a result, access to the office at all times has become an increasingly important feature, even if it’s a service that is used infrequently.

In fact, research shows respondents place more value in facilities that make things more convenient and make their lives easier at work, instead of novelty amenities such as pet-friendly environments and bars.

According to the study, the top five highly rated amenities for workers included; 24-hour access, bespoke office layout, fitness space, networking events and shower facilities.

While the more desirable features sort after by businesses are those often found in larger conventional office environments, childcare facilities and pet-friendly environments were among the lowest ranking amenities despite these features supposedly appealing to today’s millennial audience.

As businesses pay closer attention to well-being and mental health at work, 80 per cent of occupiers felt a relaxation space added value to their businesses. With the average person spending more than 90,000 hours of their lifetime at work, ‘living’ space at work continues to be a rising trend.

Although this is something that a few, but an increasing number, of locations in the APAC region are providing, with 85 per cent feeling this would be valuable, few occupiers in Europe are demanding this service.

Childcare services are now being offered by a small number of large corporate organisations globally; however, this is still a very niche service offered by flexible office providers. Nonetheless, 80 per cent of respondents with children admitted they would consider such a service should it be offered.

When it comes to health services, over half state the provision of health services, such as on-site drop-in clinics or private healthcare schemes, added value to a workspace.

“Several interesting trends emerged in our latest research on how flexible providers can offer additional value to those using their spaces,” James Rankin, head of research & insight at The Instant Group, said.

“For flex space users, additional services can offer a host of appealing benefits. For SMEs and individuals – a key customer base of flexible space providers – healthcare schemes, in particular, came up as an important potential benefit.

“This is significant because, in addition to driving a more cost-effective solution, a flexible provider with multiple clients could also eliminate the stress and complexity of managing such schemes from their occupiers, many of who already juggle multiple roles within their companies.”

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