Indian Employees Troubled Most by Lack of Supportive Physical Space, Reliable Tech

New Delhi, September 17, 2025: Three-fourths of office workers worldwide say workplace noise, frequent distractions, or lack of quiet spaces are the biggest barriers to doing their best work, according to the Unispace Global Workplace Insights 2025-2026 report: A Moment of Clarity. However, employees in India point to a different set of pain points—highlighting lack of supportive physical spaces, reliable tech, and focus zones as bigger concerns than noise.

Access to technology and the right people remains a universal enabler of performance, the report reveals. Yet, the data shows that Indian workplaces must prioritize infrastructure, tech reliability, and friction-free focus zones to meet employee expectations.

In a strong vote of confidence for physical workplaces, 98 per cent of Indian employees say they see a need for an office by 2030, compared to 93 per cent globally—making India the most optimistic country about the office’s future.

These insights are based on a survey of 5,231 full-time employees across 14 markets, including India, the United States, Singapore, Germany, and Australia.

India Is Resetting the Office Around Performance, Not Perks

“Aside from the fact that Indian employees are near-unanimous in expecting to need an office in 2030, this year’s report offers a clear roadmap for the future office,” said Abi Roni Mattom, Country Director of Unispace India. “India is resetting the workplace around performance—not perks. Employees are asking for better-fitted spaces, rock-solid tech, and frictionless focus. Get the basics right, and India’s talent will do the rest.”

Indian Workers Spend Less Time in the Office—but Use It Differently

According to the report, Indian workers spend an average of 52 per cent of their weekly hours in the office—10 per cent less than the global average. They are also least likely to work at a dedicated desk (27 per cent) compared to their global peers, instead favoring meeting rooms, collaboration zones, and social hubs.

The top three reasons Indians go to the office are access to tools and technology, learning and mentoring opportunities, and socializing. Globally, collaboration emerges as the primary reason for returning to the workplace.

“The data underscores that the future of Indian workplaces will be less about rows of desks and more about spaces for training, mentoring, and social connection. Employers who get this right will not only attract top talent but also future-proof their workplace strategies,” said Swatasiddha Majumdar, Principal of Strategy at Unispace India.

Hybrid Working Gets Mixed Reviews

The report notes that average office attendance dropped from 3.7 days per week in 2024 to 2.9 in 2025, and employees expect this to fall further to 2.6 days by 2030.

Globally, more than a quarter of full-time employees are now required to be in the office five days a week. The US leads with 37 per cent of businesses mandating full in-office work, driven by a shift from failed hybrid policies to stricter rules.

Asia—including India—shows the highest proportion of fixed hybrid policies (25 per cent) and the second-highest for full in-office mandates (29 per cent).

Europe continues to lead in hybrid flexibility (65 per cent), with nearly a quarter (23 per cent) of European employees able to choose which days they go in—the highest globally.

Calm, Comfort, and Customization the New Workplace Fundamentals

Employees worldwide are clear about what they want from a supportive workplace. Better hospitality, personalized control over environmental factors like lighting, temperature, and noise, and access to wellness programs are now considered essentials—not perks.

Almost two-fifths of global respondents cited temperature as a key issue, and more than a third (35 per cent) want greater control over their work environment. Additionally, 35 per cent of employees say their workplace does not help attract or retain talent—underscoring the need for change.

About the Report

The Global Workplace Insights 2025 Report: A Moment of Clarity by Unispace offering actionable insights for organizations navigating hybrid work, talent retention, and the evolution of office spaces by drawing on a survey of 5,231 full-time employees, working in organisations employing 50 or more employees, across 14 markets (Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, US, UK). The respondents were divided into four age cohorts of Mid-Gen Z (24 years or younger), Late Gen Z or Young Millennials (25-29 years), Core Millennials (30-39 years), and Older Millennials and Gen X (40 years and older). They represented six major industries: Legal, Professional services, Financial services, Information technology, Heavy industry, and Life sciences.