75% 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.
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In a strong vote of confidence for physical workplaces, 98% of Indian employees say they see a need for an office by 2030, compared to 93% 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.”
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Indian Workers Spend Less Time in the Office—but Use It Differently
According to the report, Indian workers spend an average of 52% of their weekly hours in the office—10% less than the global average. They are also least likely to work at a dedicated desk (27%) 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.
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% 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%) and the second-highest for full in-office mandates (29%).
Europe continues to lead in hybrid flexibility (65%), with nearly a quarter (23%) of European employees able to choose which days they go in—the highest globally.
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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.
39% of global respondents cited temperature as a key issue, and more than a third (35%) want greater control over their work environment. Additionally, 35% of employees say their workplace does not help attract or retain talent—underscoring the need for change.
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