Office feature trends in 2024: A comparison of Global vs. APAC priorities

With workplaces evolving at a rapid pace, facilities management (FM) has emerged as a key enabler in transforming office spaces into hubs of productivity, well-being, and sustainability.

A recent webinar featuring industry leaders Heinrich Serfontein, Damien Nicholls from MRI Software, and Dominic de Leon from CBRE shed light on the differences between global and Asia-Pacific (APAC) trends from the 2024 CoreNet Global and MRI Software Office trends report. By contrasting priorities such as air quality, accessibility, and energy efficiency, the discussion highlighted how workplace strategies are adapting to meet regional nuances while aligning with global benchmarks. You can watch the recording of the webinar below.

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Air Quality as a Universal Priority

Across all regions, air quality consistently ranks as the top priority in workplace management. Globally, it has been spotlighted as a critical factor for employee health and well-being, with 89% of respondents from the global survey agreeing on its importance. Similarly, APAC aligns with this priority, ranking air quality in first position for both importance and implementation.

Damien added context from the APAC perspective, noting specific regional challenges.

A couple of years ago, during bushfires out west, the smoke infiltrating the Sydney CBD made offices uninhabitable. This highlights the critical need for effective air quality solutions, he explained.

APAC organisations have responded by adopting advanced filtration systems and UV light technology in HVAC systems.

Globally, emphasis on air quality was exacerbated a couple of years ago due to COVID-19 and ensuring workplaces meet heightened health standards.

Accessibility gaps between importance and action in APAC

Globally, workplace accessibility is another high-ranking priority, coming in at #2 across all regions. For EMEA, accessibility even takes the top spot in importance. However, the APAC perspective reveals a significant challenge—while accessibility ranks #2 in importance, it is only #9 in actioned improvements, indicating a significant lag in implementation.

Heinrich elaborated on this disparity, citing logistical challenges.

Retrofitting older buildings is expensive and complex. This is why we often see accessibility implementation lagging behind even when it’s a recognised priority, he noted.

Though APAC companies acknowledge the importance of inclusive spaces, their efforts may be overshadowed by more urgent upgrades, as Damien pointed out.

While newer offices in APAC increasingly incorporate inclusive design from the outset, this shift is largely driven by stringent accessibility build requirements, ensuring spaces meet modern regulatory standards for diverse employee needs.

Energy efficiency and ESG goals

Energy efficiency is a universal concern shaped heavily by ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) priorities. Globally, the focus on energy management is robust, ranking #3 overall. EMEA leads the charge in implementation, with energy efficiency ranking #1 in action in the region. APAC, however, ranks it #5 in importance and #6 in action, potentially revealing a slower pace of adoption.

Damien explained how APAC’s adoption is often tempered by cost barriers. While larger enterprises see the value of state-of-the-art energy monitoring tools like MRI Energy, smaller firms in the region struggle to make similar investments. Instead, they may prioritise incremental upgrades that offer visible results, such as LED lighting or basic energy optimisation tools.

Dominic shared a forward-looking approach, informed by NABERS.

When we conducted the NABERS evaluation at 333 George Street, we realised how much of the building’s energy footprint belonged to the tenants, he explained. That’s why we encouraged our tenants to participate in NABERS Co-Assess, equipping them to monitor their energy usage and contribute to collective sustainability goals.

This initiative highlights how joint efforts optimise energy consumption through detailed data insights and shared responsibility.

Insights on employee experience

Interestingly, 50% of the top-ranked office features in APAC are tied to employee experience. Features like mental well-being initiatives, biophilia (integrating greenery into office design), and community-based designs resonate strongly in the Asia-Pacific region. Damien noted this as a reflection of cultural values in the region, where workplaces are increasingly expected to cater to both the emotional and physical well-being of employees.

Globally, while employee experience remains crucial, there is also a strong focus on data-centric technologies. Both APAC and global workplaces are evolving to create environments that are both human-centered and technologically advanced, with 50% of office features in both regions relating to employee experience.

Dominic mentioned that his team’s goal is for people to feel welcomed the moment they walk through the door.

It’s not just about personal desks or meeting rooms anymore—it’s ensuring the entire building fosters engagement and comfort, he shared.

Bridging regional and global trends

While priorities differ, the overarching goals in global and APAC office features share strong alignment. Healthier environments, accessible spaces, and sustainable operations are universally sought after, but their execution varies based on regional conditions and resources.

Globally, robust regulatory structures and partnerships between tenant and landlords are shaping faster implementation. The message is clear—facilities management teams worldwide are navigating their own paths to align with broader cultural and environmental contexts.

Contact MRI Software

Want to find out more about how our software can help you with facilities management? Contact MRI Software today on 1300 657 700.