New JLL Formula Reveals the Secret of High-Performing Workplaces in Asia Pacific
JLL has unveiled the Human Performance Indicator (HPI), a new formula that gives a comprehensive view of how different aspects of the workplace such as spaces, technology and culture combine to elevate human performance. The Asia Pacific HPI results, based on a study of 1,500 employees in five countries across the region, found that ‘high performers’ – meaning those that have access to high impact work environment – thrive in a hybrid work model enabled by a wide range of sophisticated spaces, technology tools and work practices.
Seven in 10 high performers practise flexible work, including flexible hours and work-from-home, in comparison to only 34% of low performers. Low performers are those who felt that they did not have access to a work environment with collaborative spaces, sophisticated technology or an inclusive culture. Technology workers (53%) and young professionals aged 25 to 34 (37%) make up the majority of high performers. As much as high performers were champions of flexible work, they felt that the office was a critical factor to performance. At least eight in 10 (84%) of them said they missed the office during lockdown, as it allowed them access to a range of spaces and technologies for productivity and collaboration.
“The expectations of work today have changed because of the pandemic. Work is no longer where you go, but what you do,” says James Taylor, Head of Corporate Solutions Research, JLL Asia Pacific. “It is becoming clearer that organisations must find ways to enable employees to conduct work effectively and maximise their performance for business success. There is no single way to do so, and our research shows that the new formula for performance is one that incorporates the pivotal role of physical offices, combined with corporate culture and workplace technologies.”
Surveyed employees provided scores on the availability and impact of their workspaces, technology tools and cultural aspects. Using the scores, a final HPI was calculated. The HPI score can vary between 0 and 100 and helps identify working environment and conditions that improve the performance of employees. The research found that only one-third of Asia Pacific workplaces have an environment that elevates employee performance.
One way to improve performance is by increasing access to a wider range of sophisticated workplaces and technologies – the HPI found that the more varied and innovative the spaces and technologies provided, the higher the workplace satisfaction of employees. Acting and thriving as a social hub will be key to the success of the office in the future: 96% of high performers highlighted that they have access to spaces that promote informal interactions among colleagues such as outdoor terraces, game rooms and on-site coffee shops and baristas.
Working remotely can feel very isolating and technology has not been able to fully compensate for the lack of personal contact. This need for a cohesive community is where the physical office can make all the difference. Availability of social spaces creates stronger social bonds among colleagues, which positively influence their collective performance.
“As organisations embrace the future of work, employers should be looking to bring out the best performance in employees. This could be allowing them the flexibility to work in the way that suits them best, designing the ideal setting for creativity and innovation, creating a human work environment that promotes open and caring relationships, and cultivating a sense of community with common purpose and vision. The workplace of the future will need to be employee-centric and offer fulfilment, freedom and choice,” adds Kamya Miglani, Director, Corporate Solutions Research, JLL Asia Pacific.
Other key insights on high performers in Asia Pacific include:
- 95% of high performers said they were tech ready to work remotely when the world went into lockdown, thanks to flexible work made available to them
- 98% of high performers agreed that their leadership enabled them to achieve their full potential professionally
- At least seven in 10 (70%) high performers have found a confidential space to have a difficult conversation and 61% have a mentor at work
The HPI Asia Pacific results are based on an online study covering Australia, China, India, Japan and Singapore. You can download the ‘Decoding Human Performance’ report here.