Workthere has released the results of its second ‘Wellbeing within flexible offices’ ranking*, which provides an analysis of the wellbeing offering of flexible offices (serviced offices and coworking spaces) as well as present the top ten ranking spaces in terms of their wellbeing offering, across the countries that Workthere operates in.

In Singapore, Workthere has awarded The Hive Carpenter, Clarke Quay office at 36 Carpenter St, Singapore 059915, as the best serviced/coworking space provider for wellbeing. Workthere have delivered The Hive a trophy as a token of appreciation for the efforts and all the excellent work The Hive have done in supporting occupiers’ wellbeing and making spaces safer in response to Covid-19.

The top ten global providers are in London, Glasgow, Brighton, Cardiff and Liverpool, and are listed below.

1. Fora, Folgate Street (London)
2. The Office Group (TOG), Douglas House (London)
3. Myo, Liverpool Street (London)
4. The Fisheries (London)
5. Clockwise, Savoy Tower (Glasgow)
6. x+why, Chiswick Works (Chiswick)
7. Plus X, Brighton (Brighton)
8. Clockwise Offices, Brunel House (Cardiff)
9. The Ministry (London)
10. Clockwise, Edward Pavillion (Liverpool) 

Following its inaugural wellbeing ranking in 2019, Workthere once again invited providers of serviced and coworking spaces that it works with to take part in the survey that weighted a number of metrics including: indoor area per desk; outdoor area per desk; showers per desk; number of bicycle lock-up spaces; quiet rooms / booths per desk; number of community events per week; gym membership discount; onsite gym; frequency of air measurements, plants and the availability of a wellbeing app. This year the metrics also took into consideration the use of technology to enhance safety and wellbeing following the pandemic.

When comparing responses with 2019, Workthere found that some of the key highlights included the fact that the number of flexible offices continuously monitoring air quality has significantly increased as a result of the pandemic from 25% in 2019 to 42% in 2021. In addition, the proportion of flexible offices offering exercise or meditation classes has increased by almost 10% since 2019 (48% in 2021) and 54% said that they were using touchless solutions to reduce contamination of surfaces to protect those working in their spaces, while 48% are utilising desk booking apps to ensure a smooth service for customers.

Cal Lee, global head of Workthere, comments: “Whilst wellbeing was already an established focus for the flexible office sector, its importance for providers, employers and individuals has accelerated rapidly over the last 18 months, inevitably as a result of the pandemic. We have also seen the scope of wellbeing factors expanding with providers thinking about everything from office configurations, amenities and access to gym facilities to the inclusion of plants and checking air filtration.

“This latest survey has helped give us a deeper insight into the wellbeing initiatives and key areas of concentration for providers in terms of the measures they are taking to support wellbeing across their spaces. This is an area that will only increase in importance as we move forward and will add another element of rivalry for providers as the flight to quality approach from occupiers adds a greater sense of competition to deliver the best in class space. I would like to thank all of the providers who took part in our survey and congratulate those who were featured in the top 10 ranking.”

In response to a rise in demand for outside space, 61% of operators who responded to the survey currently offer some form of outdoor areas that can be used by customers. Workthere also notes that, as part of a wider drive for inclusiveness within flexible offices, providers noted that they have been doing more to create accessible workspaces. In fact some have entirely overhauled their workspaces to make them more accessible for wheelchair users, while others have adjusted the acoustics within their spaces to ensure that they are more accessible for deaf members.

Ashley Swan, Executive Director, Commercial Leasing at Savills Singapore, says: “The pandemic has been a challenge for all of us and the restrictions over the last 18 months have affected employees in many ways, both from a workplace perspective as well as personally. Supporting mental health and the well-being of employees is paramount to all organisations and is especially true for flexible office providers who are now focusing on providing spaces that supports their occupiers’ key needs and objectives. From enhancing safety and cleanliness to adapting space to allow for greater socialisation and engagement, solutions are plentiful. Putting people first and evolving to meet present needs – that is the future of work.”

Read the full report here.