Workers in Bangkok are increasingly looking for wellness, comprehensive services and smart building technology in their offices, according to a study by Nielsen Thailand.
The survey polled 400 workers in Bangkok aged 25-45 working for both Thai and international companies. The findings highlighted three major factors that increase workplace satisfaction, such as comprehensive services on the property (43%), good safety and security (42%), and greenery and common areas for relaxation (36%).
Shifting attitudes among office workers show that the presence of a food court, convenience stores, a gym or after-work dining options on-site carry far more weight for today's generation of office workers, being chosen as the top four value-adding services.
Smart technology was another important factor for all ages. While 62% of respondents say security systems are most important for a modern office building, energy management systems came in second at 50%, showing increased concern for the environment. Smart car parking is also in the top three, accounting for 47% of the respondents' choices.
The survey also showed that office workers said good indoor air quality (64%), access to natural light and views (45%), and plants and green spaces (40%) would improve their productivity. More access to fitness and relaxation facilities on site as the choice of 39% is a clear indication of a shift towards wellness-focused trends.
Some 92% of respondents said an office's location was voted as extremely important or important, with location subsequently voted the most significant factor for future Bangkok office satisfaction.
A full 91% of those surveyed ranked proximity of their office to public transport as very important, with access to mass transit gaining the highest score in importance of direct access from office buildings (69%). The average commute time of respondents was one hour.
Overall, 72% of respondents said they would prefer to walk less than 500 metres from their offices to the nearest BTS or MRT station, with the 25-30 year old group almost twice as likely as other age groups to refuse to walk more than 100 metres to public transport.