India stands out among the top ‘office advocates’ globally, as an overwhelming 90% of Indian organizations require employees to be present in the office for at least three days per week, surpassing the global average of 85%. This trend is expected to strengthen, with 54% of organizations in India (43% globally) anticipating an increase in office days by 2030, according to the findings of the Future of Work Survey 2024 – India Insights which offers a comprehensive look at the evolving workplace landscape in India.
The survey, part of a global study encompassing over 2,300 Corporate Real Estate (CRE) and business decision-makers, highlights India’s strong commitment to office-based work, even as global trends shift towards hybrid models.
“Our Future of Work 2024 survey reveals India’s leadership in office advocacy, highlighting a strategic shift in workplace design and management. Seventy-seven percent of the respondents project increased sustainability spending with 1 in 2 willing to pay a premium for occupying only green-certified spaces and choosing climate-resilient buildings.
As 94% of businesses anticipate AI reshaping operations, CRE’s role becomes pivotal in balancing flexibility, productivity, and growth. India’s approach to the future of work will keep offices central while accommodating individual preferences, creating an inclusive environment that fosters innovation and efficiency. Corporate Real Estate must adapt to changing dynamics while aligning with corporate objectives to shape the workplace of tomorrow,” said Radha Dhir, CEO and Country Head, India, JLL.
The survey also sheds light on the rapid adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Indian workplaces. A staggering 94% of businesses foresee AI changing their workforce operations, with 95% planning to accelerate AI investments over the next five years. This technological shift is reshaping not only how work is done but also how workspaces are designed and managed.
“As India’s workplace continues to evolve, there is always a need for a strategic, flexible approach to workplace planning, one that balances the enduring importance of physical office spaces with the growing demand for technology-enabled, sustainable, and employee-centric work environments. While embracing some aspects of hybrid work, Indian businesses clearly value the benefits of inperson collaboration and physical presence in the office. The role of CRE is evolving rapidly in this changing landscape.
As we navigate the future of work, CRE will need to keep pace with corporate News release – continued – objectives while adapting to changing workplace dynamics. By 2030, 86% of CRE leaders in India anticipate increased spending on CRE technology, significantly above the global (68%) and APAC (66%) averages. This investment is seen as crucial for enhancing workplace experiences, improving efficiency, and supporting overall business growth,” said Dr Samantak Das, Chief Economist and Head of Research and REIS, India, JLL.
Sustainability remains a key focus for Indian corporations.
The report indicates that 77% of respondents project increased spending on sustainability initiatives, with 70% having well-defined programs to reduce their environmental footprint. This commitment extends to real estate decisions, with half of the organizations willing to pay a premium for buildings with leading green credentials by 2030.However, the path forward is not without challenges.
The survey reveals that 44% of CRE leaders find it difficult to plan for the long term given the rapidly changing organizational landscape. Additionally, 46% identify limited integration with other business units as a major factor limiting their ability to deliver maximum value. CRE decision-makers have the unenviable task of working in a shifting, complex environment to evolve an office programme that supports their organization’s chosen workplace strategy.
A partnership approach towards achieving corporate goals and aligning them to CRE goals of overall portfolio efficiency and utilization will go a long way in making a future ready CRE function.