JLL (NYSE: 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 practice flexible work, including flexible hours and work-from-home, in comparison to only 34 percent 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 percent) and young professionals aged 25 to 34 (37 percent) 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 percent) 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,” said James Taylor, head of Corporate Solutions Research, JLL Asia Pacific. “It is becoming clearer that organizations must find ways to enable employees to conduct work effectively and maximize 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 0-100 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 percent 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. “While workplace capacity restrictions are still in place in the Philippines due to the pandemic, the future of work will truly be centered on an environment that nourishes creativity, innovation, and a sense of community among employees,” said Rommel Agoncillo, JLL Philippines’ executive director for Corporate Solutions.