Real Estate Cost Impacts Flexible Working Schedules in Hong Kong and Singapore: A Study by Jianhan Qiu

Wednesday, 9 October 2024, 07:34

Jianhan Qiu's study reveals that real estate cost is a significant barrier to flexible working schedules in Singapore and Hong Kong. Employers in these regions are notable laggards, offering flexible work arrangements to only 36% of staff compared to a global average of 48%. High real estate expenses and utilization needs are contributing factors, as business leaders prioritize efficiency over flexibility.
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Real Estate Cost Impacts Flexible Working Schedules in Hong Kong and Singapore: A Study by Jianhan Qiu

Real Estate Costs and Flexible Working Schedules

According to a recent study by Jianhan Qiu of Unispace, Hong Kong and Singapore rank among the lowest regions in offering flexible working schedules. The real estate cost in these cities significantly impacts employer decisions, with only 36% of companies in Hong Kong and 36.4% in Singapore providing flexible schedules, compared to the global average of 48%.

Key Findings of the Study

  • High Rent Pressures: Employees in Hong Kong and Singapore express strong demand for flexible work schedules, yet employers are constrained by the high cost of office space.
  • Low Employer Adoption: The findings indicate that many firms prefer to maximize the use of expensive real estate over offering flexibility.
  • Comparison with Other Regions: The study highlights that Malaysia leads with 59% of employers offering flexibility, while New Zealand and Ireland follow.

Qiu emphasizes the need for organizations to reassess their operational strategies to better accommodate flexible schedules, which could help attract and retain talent in a competitive job market.

Implications for Business Leaders

As flexibility in work patterns gains traction globally, business leaders in Hong Kong and Singapore are urged to explore options like staggered hours and fewer work-from-home days. Adapting to these pressures can enhance employee satisfaction and potentially improve productivity.


This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.


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