MISSING THE POINT?

Despite rising expectations across the Indian sub-continent, outdated workplace design continues to hold office engagement back

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A recent report on workplace behaviour across the Indian subcontinent has shed new light on how employees perceive the modern office; and what they actually need from it. As India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and other neighbouring economies deepen their push toward digital transformation, innovation, and talent competitiveness, these insights reveal an unmistakable truth: while organisations want employees back in the office, the offices themselves are often not designed for the way people work today.

The report, which includes responses from tens of thousands of full-time office workers globally and a significant sample from India and neighbouring countries, outlines a widening disconnect between organisational expectations and design realities. The subcontinent has evolved into one of the world's most dynamic work markets, with companies expanding, cities modernising, and work cultures shifting rapidly. Yet, the physical workplace — supposedly the anchor of collaboration, mentorship, and company culture — frequently falls short of supporting employees in meaningful ways.

High expectations, low enablement

One of the most striking findings is the gap between how important employees believe the office is and how well the space actually enables their work. Across India and its neighbouring regions, workers recognise the value of physical presence for teamwork, problem-solving, learning, and access to leadership. Many report spending a large share of their weekly hours in the workplace—significantly more than global averages.

But this physical presence does not automatically translate to engagement or performance.