Thai millennials, mothers returning to work, and pensioners are all increasingly seeking more adaptability in the office and home
Thai workers are seeking more flexibility in the workplace in order to achieve a better work-life balance, according to a recent study by Amsterdam-based creative workspace pioneer Spaces.
The study, which interviewed over 100 business people across Thailand to better understand the drivers behind the rising demand for workplace flexibility, found that more than half (58%) of those surveyed said they expected the demand for flexibility to continue to grow throughout 2018.
Other findings included a substantial increase in numbers of consultants (27%) and freelancers (31%) working within a variety of industries, with 1 in 5 business people stating they had noticed a surge in part-time workers in the last year.
Reasons for the increase range from workers simply wishing to achieve a better work-life balance, and spending more time with loved ones or in leisure activities, to mothers returning to work, whilst juggling the demands of their family. Approximately 7% of participants also said they had observed an increase in workers continuing to work beyond pensionable age.
"This distinct shift in Thai working habits can be largely attributed to the changing needs of the global workforce. More business people have increasing expectations of greater freedom and flexibility, which is certainly a contributing factor to the popularity of flexibility in working," said Noelle Coak, Country Head (Thailand, Taiwan, Korea), Spaces.
"Every generation seeks a healthy work-life balance, but it's Thai millennials who most demand it from their employers. In today's employee market, creating work-life balance for millennials is a compelling competitive advantage, which has resulted in a greater demand for co-working spaces like Spaces Summer Hill," added Ms Coak.
Set to open on the 3rd floor of Bangkok's newest retail hub, Summer Hill, in March 2018, Spaces Summer Hill is equipped with a variety of workspaces, from private offices to flexible co-working areas, and meeting rooms for business presentations or workshops, and is ideal for those seeking an optimal work-life balance.
As it is located just steps from BTS Phra Khanong and contains a stimulating mixture of residential and office buildings, Summer Hill's convenient location, open-plan design and ample open space make it the perfect environment for city workers to feel inspired, and get their creative juices flowing.
"The millennial generation are accustomed to being connected all the time, so it is not surprising that they are increasingly looking for more inspiring options when working, such as business lounges, co-working spaces, short term offices or drop-in centres. Worker demand is changing and it is up to Thai businesses to evolve with their changing workforce," said Ms Coak.
Spaces not only provides a lifestyle-driven professional working environment, but the availability of branches worldwide is also a key driving factor that corresponds to the demand of millennials. Recently, Spaces has announced plans to open its 100th location, with 2 new branches in heart of Hong Kong, scheduled for completion in mid-2018.
Spaces Summer Hill is currently accepting applications for new tenants. For more information on Spaces Summer Hill please visit: www.spacesworks.com.
About Spaces
Spaces offers an inspiring work environment for professionals and growing businesses. Next to office space, there are memberships and meeting rooms to help you think, create and interact with like-minded people. Spaces has the goal to offer an inspirational surrounding with an entrepreneurial spirit where ideas are born, a company evolves and valuable relationships are being built. Spaces already has locations in Europe, United States, Latin-America, Australia and Asia. Further expansion is planned in these continents over the coming year.