A new formula to elevate human performance in the workplace

The JLL Human Performance Indicator (HPI) reveals the equation for high performance, which is a mix of outstanding offices and flexible work 

JLL recently revealed the Human Performance Indicator (HPI), a new formula that unveils the secret to high-performing workplaces, giving a comprehensive view on how to combine various aspects of the workplace namely technology, spaces, and culture to elevate human performance.

According to the Asia Pacific HPI results that evaluated 1,500 employees in five countries across the region, “High Performers” – those that have access to high impact work environment – thrive in a hybrid work model empowered by a variety of sophisticated spaces, technology tools, and work practices.  

Seven in 10 High Performers adopt flexible work arrangements, compared to 34 percent of Low Performers. Low performers indicated themselves as not having access to a work environment with sophisticated technology, collaborative spaces, or an inclusive culture.

The majority of High Performers are comprised of technology workers (53 percent) and young professionals aged 25 to 34 (37 percent). Despite their appreciation for flexible work, the office was still believed to be a critical factor for performance. More than eight in 10 (84 percent) of them mentioned missing the office during the lockdown as it enabled them to be productive and collaborative via a range of spaces and technologies.

James Taylor, head of corporate solutions research at JLL Asia Pacific, said, “The expectations of work today have changed because of the pandemic. Work is no longer where you go, but what you do. It is becoming clearer that organisations must find ways to enable employees to conduct work effectively and maximise their performance for business success. There is no single way to do so, and our research shows that the new formula for performance is one that incorporates the pivotal role of physical offices, combined with corporate culture and workplace technologies.” 

The final HPI was calculated by the scores provided by employees on the availability and impact of their workspaces, technology tools, and cultural aspects. The HPI score can lie between 0-100 and reveals working environment and conditions that boost the performance of employees.  

Moreover, the research found that only one-third of Asia Pacific workplaces have an environment that elevates employee performance, and the way to improve is to provide more varied and innovative spaces and technologies to increase employee satisfaction.  

Social hubs will be key to the success of offices in the future, as 96 percent of High Performers emphasised that they have access to spaces that encourage informal interactions, such as game rooms and outdoor terraces. Physical offices satisfy the need for a cohesive community, and the availability of social spaces strengthens social bonds among colleagues, positively influencing their collective performance.  

More: Demand for co-working spaces shift amid COVID-induced flexible work arrangements

Kamya Miglani, director of corporate solutions research at JLL Asia Pacific, added, “As organisations embrace the future of work, employers should be looking to bring out the best performance in employees. This could be allowing them the flexibility to work in the way that suits them best, designing the ideal setting for creativity and innovation, creating a human work environment that promotes open and caring relationships, and cultivating a sense of community with common purpose and vision. The workplace of the future will need to be employee-centric and offer fulfilment, freedom, and choice.”  

In Thailand, JLL is developing a new high-performance designed workplace at The PARQ, a prime office development by TCC Assets, managed by Frasers Property. 

Michael Glancy, country head of JLL in Thailand, said, “We are excited to be creating a new way of working that we believe will empower our team to perform to their best. This new office environment will incorporate the findings from the studies conducted across Asia Pacific, including workplace technology, quiet zones to concentrate, recharge areas, and collaboration space. This significant investment will empower our people to work more efficiently for the task at hand.”