Asia Pacific workers seek flexible hours & wellbeing over pay
JLL's latest research has found a shift in workforce attitudes toward office attendance in Asia Pacific, highlighting the growing importance of flexible working hours, wellbeing and skills development alongside salary considerations.
The 2025 Workforce Preference Barometer report surveyed 3,100 office workers across nine markets in Asia Pacific, encompassing industries such as finance, technology, manufacturing, and public services, all from organisations with more than 1,000 staff members. The findings indicate that hybrid work is settling into a more established pattern, with 71 percent of employees now subject to mandated office attendance.
The study revealed that 75 percent of the workforce now view return to office (RTO) policies positively. Despite this acceptance, a majority of employees expect increased flexibility, especially regarding control over working hours, in exchange for mandated time spent in the office.
Redefining flexibility
The report documents a key movement in how employees prioritise flexibility. In contrast to previous emphasis on location, workers now identify flexibility with control over their schedules. According to the research, 59 percent believe having flexible hours would enhance their quality of life, and 54 percent stated they would choose a new employer based solely on flexible working arrangements.
Many companies, however, are yet to fully accommodate these preferences. The report points to a discrepancy between employee demand for flexible hours and the persistence of rigid schedules in many workplaces.
Wellbeing and burnout
Employee wellbeing is highlighted as an area of concern, with six in ten workers across Asia Pacific reporting moderate to high levels of burnout-a rate consistent with global findings. Burnout is linked to a greater likelihood of employees seeking to leave their jobs, driven by various factors including high workloads, lack of flexibility, and limited opportunities for career development.
JLL's analysis underscores that addressing work-life balance and wellbeing should be seen by employers as a strategic imperative rather than a discretionary benefit.
"The conversation in Asia Pacific has shifted from where people work to how work fits into their lives," said Susheel Koul, CEO, Real Estate Management Services, Asia Pacific, JLL. In 2025, the organisations that will win the talent race are those that balance structure with autonomy, prevent burnout, and prepare their people for the opportunities and challenges of the future."
AI skills and confidence
Another key finding relates to artificial intelligence skills. While 46 percent of employees across the region have received some form of AI training-a figure above the global average-only a third report that they feel confident applying AI tools effectively in their roles. Confidence in using AI is substantially lower among workers aged 50 and above, with only 15 percent feeling sufficiently trained.
The report notes disparities in AI skills development both across age groups and between regions, suggesting that without inclusive upskilling efforts, significant parts of the workforce may be left behind.
Value of the physical workplace
The physical office environment remains a significant aspect of employee experience. Workers are generally satisfied with fundamental features such as cleanliness, desk availability, lighting, and suitable collaboration spaces. However, the demand for workplace enhancements is increasing. Employees express growing interest in features such as outdoor areas, wellness and recharge zones, and environments designed to foster creativity and innovation.
Additionally, the opportunity to engage with company culture and values is cited as increasingly important, especially as hybrid work models become more entrenched.
"Employers that wish to attract and retain top performers must move beyond simply mandating office attendance. Instead, they should focus on creating workplaces that employees actively want to be part of, offering flexibility that genuinely improves quality of life, addressing burnout through sustainable work practices, and investing in inclusive, future-focused skills development," said Kamya Miglani, Head of Work Dynamics Research, Asia Pacific, JLL.
The findings from the 2025 Workforce Preference Barometer underscore the interconnectedness of flexibility, wellbeing, and skills readiness as organisations in Asia Pacific adapt their workplace strategies for the future.
