Workplace noise and constant distractions remain the top barriers to productivity worldwide, with 75% of office workers citing them as the biggest impediments to doing their best work, according to the Unispace Global Workplace Insights 2025–2026 Report: A Moment of Clarity.

However, Indian employees highlight a different set of concerns. Instead of noise, they point to a lack of supportive physical spaces, unreliable technology, and insufficient focus zones as their main challenges. The report reveals that access to technology and the right people are universal enablers of performance, but for India, infrastructure and friction-free focus areas are emerging as top priorities.

India Most Optimistic About the Office Future

Despite challenges, Indian employees remain the most confident about the role of physical offices. A striking 98% of Indian employees believe offices will remain relevant by 2030, compared with a global average of 93%.

“India is resetting the workplace around performance—not perks,” said Abi Roni Mattom, Country Director of Unispace India. “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.”

How Indian Workers Use the Office

The report notes that Indian employees spend 52% of their weekly hours in the office—10% less than the global average. Unlike their global peers, they are least likely to use dedicated desks (27%), instead preferring meeting rooms, collaboration spaces, and social hubs.

Top reasons for visiting the office include access to tools and technology, learning and mentoring opportunities, and social interaction. Globally, collaboration remains the primary driver.

“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,” said Swatasiddha Majumdar, Principal of Strategy at Unispace India.

Hybrid Work and Global Variations

The report highlights a global decline in office attendance—from 3.7 days per week in 2024 to 2.9 in 2025—with employees expecting this to drop further to 2.6 days by 2030.

• US: 37% of companies now mandate five-day in-office work, following hybrid policy rollbacks.
• Asia (including India): Highest proportion of fixed hybrid policies (25%) and second-highest full-office mandates (29%).
• Europe: Leads in hybrid flexibility, with 23% of employees choosing their office days—the highest globally.

Employees Want Calm, Comfort, and Control

Globally, employees are calling for workplaces that prioritize comfort and customization. Key demands include:

• Better hospitality and wellness programs
• Greater control over temperature, lighting, and noise
• Personalized, supportive environments

Notably, 39% of global respondents cited temperature as a concern, while 35% said their workplace fails to attract or retain talent, reinforcing the need for organizations to rethink workplace strategies.

About the Report

The Global Workplace Insights 2025 Report: A Moment of Clarity draws on a survey of 5,231 full-time employees across 14 markets, including India, the United States, Germany, Singapore, and Australia. Respondents spanned four age groups—from Gen Z to Gen X—and six major industries.

Download the full report here: Unispace Global Workplace Insights 2025