Growth markets such as India and China present a host of special challenges for global enterprises and local firms alike. A new research by Steelcase shows that the type of work many companies perform in these countries is becoming increasingly more sophisticated, putting a premium on creating workspaces that can help keep valued employees happy and productive. Steelcase's research shows that offices that facilitate collaboration, provide employees with a sense of personal space and offer a pleasant respite from hectic city life can make a big difference in retaining employees and building a productive and positive company culture.
Companies that once saw the developing world as primarily a source of low-cost labour are now shifting to higher-skilled work in places like India and China. As a result, businesses in growth markets have limited space for large employee populations. Steelcase suggests that enhancing employee wellbeing even in a very high-density workplace begins with offering a"palette" of different types of spaces that can spur creativity and foster teamwork, and a "modular" approach to office design can assure resiliency in the context of constant change.