Latvia is strategically positioned to provide accessibility to the lucrative Nordic markets which is one of its key draws in attracting new business. Boasting a highly educated and multilingual workforce, its workers are also rated top 5 in the world in terms of university students per capita², which combined with the cost of labour being one of the more competitive in Europe, makes it a hot bed for growth and development in that region.

As growing businesses and international companies are attracted to the area, the capital city of Riga is strategically positioned to meet the increasing demand for local business hubs where start-ups and established businesses can enjoy the opportunities and benefits of a flexible workplace to suit their needs and support their business goals in a thriving economic back-drop.

Mark Dixon, Chief Executive of Regus, said: “Following on from the success of the ‘Regus Riga Esplanade’ centre that we opened back in February this year, this is our third centre in the heart of the Latvian capital and triples our presence in the local market as we meet the increasing demand from local businesses to work when they want, where they want and how they want as part of the Regus business community.

As the Latvian markets thrive, I am excited that modern and dynamic companies working there can join our 2.3 million customers and benefit from access to our global network and experience the opportunities of flexible working for themselves”

The new ‘Riga Opera’ centre opens in an impressive historical building in the main square in Riga in August 2016.

¹ B2Baltic https://b2baltic.eu/2015/05/14/doing-business-in-latvia-import-export-trading-real-estate-startup-funding/

² B2Baltic https://b2baltic.eu/2015/05/14/doing-business-in-latvia-import-export-trading-real-estate-startup-funding/

More commonly associated with beaches, warm weather, good seafood and a drop of rum, one could be forgiven for not immediately thinking ‘business hub’ when thinking of Barbados. In fact it is now the 53^rd richest country in the world boasting a high standard of education, outstanding healthcare system, affordable housing and world class telecommunications making it a fertile soil for companies looking for lower overheads combined with fresh and exciting opportunities in a growing market.

In response to this growing demand, Regus, the global workspaces leader, has partnered with two of the Caribbean’s leading business operators in an exciting new venture - Ralph ‘Bizzy’ Williams, Chairman of Williams Industries Inc. and Mark Linehan, a former CEO of Digicel in a number of markets in the region - together have establishing Williams Offices (Caribbean) Limited to bring the Regus franchise to the region.

On a tour of the facility, Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development, Hon. Donville Innis, said: “It is great to see Regus coming to Barbados. To be the country of choice in the Caribbean for Regus speaks volumes about Barbados’ appeal as a hub for business. Equally it will be hugely beneficial for businesses operating in Barbados - both local and international - who will find Regus’ state of the art business centre, an excellent environment from which to grow their business in Barbados.”

Mark Dixon, Chief Executive of Regus, said: “Barbados is a really exciting addition to our expanding network as we see more and more business travellers embracing the opportunities and benefits that flexible working brings them. Modern, dynamic businesses need to be able to work where they want and when they want: that is just as much the case in Barbados, as anywhere else.

“Whether you are multi-national or a start-up: more than ever before you need flexibility, agility and the right location to succeed. Now firms in Barbados – our 107^th country – or visitors can join over two million Regus customers who enjoy those benefits as part of our international network.”

Regus offering in Barbados, located at One Welches in St Thomas, will serve as a new hub of innovation and inspiration where businesses can interact as part of a growing professional community and enjoy modern surroundings and high levels of service, the centre will be a great addition to the wider Warrens area of Barbados and will be opening in early June.

¹ Source Barbados Tourism Investment http://www.barbadostourisminvestment.com/tourism-profile/

² Source Barbados Statistical Service

是次調查訪問了全球近40,000名商務人士，當中有294位來自香港。受訪者列出了多項傑出領袖應具備的特質和條件，結果發現除了意志堅定外，領導者還必須充滿自信以及擁有激勵他人的能力。

企業領袖具備卓越的溝通能力固然重要，可是這並不足夠。他們還須勇於承擔，並且本著無畏無懼的精神，迎難而上。雷格斯在是次調查中得出一個有趣的結果，就是胸懷大志、良好的財務能力以及豐富的技術和產品知識這些條件在排行榜上僅佔次要位置。

全球以及亞太區商務人士列出的五大重要領導才能：

(資料來源：2015年雷格斯)

雷格斯香港區總裁王潔華表示：「大部分商務人士均渴望成為傑出領袖，不論是帶領小團隊逐步發展的管理人員，還是矢志實現雄心壯志的深謀遠慮企業家皆是如此。全球商務人士均認為，成功的領導者應身懷多種技能並在各方面均衡發展。」

她總結道：「傑出領袖不但能夠與員工和外界保持良好的溝通以分享其願景，還可團結及激勵員工。不過，領導者徒具慷慨激情並不足夠，他們必須具備實質的才能。是次調查報告還指出，誠實及勇於承擔也是企業領袖成功的關鍵。領導者充滿自信的積極態度亦是致勝之道，有助他們應對業務營運上的高低起伏。」

Almost 40,000 business people globally, including 294 Hong Kong professionals, rated a variety of qualities and traits to help sketch out the portrait of a good leader. The results show that, as well as a strong moral fibre, business leaders need be naturally confident and able to motivate people.

But having the gift of the gab is not enough. Successful bosses also need to show commitment and not shy away from hard graft. Interestingly, ambition, financial competence and technical product knowledge ranked much lower on the list.

Top 5 leadership skills professionals globally and in Asia-Pacific region deem important:

(Regus survey: 2015)

“Being a good leader is something that most workers aspire to, whether they are dealing with a small team and making their way up the ladder one rung at a time, or they are visionary entrepreneurs hoping to make it big. Global business people report that the most successful leaders have a number of strings to their bow and are very well rounded,” said Natina Wong, Country Manager at Regus Hong Kong.

“Not only are good leaders able to communicate well with employees and the outside world so they can share their vision, but they are also able to rally groups of people and motivate them. But being an impassioned speaker is clearly not enough, as business people expect real substance behind the mask and report that honesty and commitment are also key traits of success. A good dose of confidence also does no harm and presumably helps leaders deal with both the ups and downs of businesses.”

是次調查共訪問了全球100個國家近40,000位商務人士，當中有349位來自香港。研究結果揭示了以下職場衣著的新趨勢：

• 全球約74%的商務人士表示在現代化辦公室裡，穿西裝和打領帶會予人過於正規的感覺
• 有近五分之四 (79%) 的受訪者認為牛仔褲適合辦公，有過半數 (51%) 則指T恤是合適的職場裝束
• 居家辦公人士的穿著往往過於隨便，有43%指出他們有時會穿睡衣辦公，有20%則僅穿內衣辦公。不過，有五分之四的 (82%) 的居家辦公人士承認，他們在進行視像會議前會匆忙換上正式的辦公裝束

與全球受訪者相比，亞洲的受訪者更傾向在工作時穿得休閒一點。這當然不包括以嚴肅的企業文化和階級制度著稱的日本，當地受訪者仍然認為正式的辦公裝束能夠體現對別人的尊重和誠意。

對於穿人字拖鞋辦公，各地職場人士意見不一。全球僅14%的受訪者認為可以在辦公室穿著人字拖鞋，而韓國竟有逾75%的職場人士完全接受在辦公場所穿人字拖鞋。在香港，持這一觀點的比率 (28%) 是全球平均值 (14%) 的兩倍。

上班族對穿著涼鞋的接受程度也存在地域性差別。全球約有三分之一的受訪者 (35%) 接受穿涼鞋辦公，亞洲的情況卻截然不同。有61%的韓國受訪者和58%的中國大陸受訪者認為穿涼鞋辦公是很正常的，而香港受訪者持這一觀點的比率則較少 (45%)。

運動服是在健身室的合適裝束。全球少於18%的受訪者認為運動服可當作辦公衣著， 而亞洲的調查結果再次迥然不同。 有72%的中國大陸受訪者和45%的香港受訪者認為可以穿運動服辦公。

亞洲的居家辦公人士也比全球其他地區的居家辦公者更能接受以休閒服辦公。在香港，有逾32%的受訪者承認有時候在家僅穿內衣辦公，超過62%則穿睡衣辦公，而相應的全球平均值分別僅為20%和43%。印度 (78%) 和中國大陸 (68%) 的受訪者對於在家穿著睡衣辦公的接受程度更高。

幸而，亞洲居家辦公人士在進行視像會議前會更願意換上正式的辦公裝束，香港的比率為91%，中國大陸則達98%，兩者均高於全球平均值 (82%)。

詳細調查結果如下：

 (資料來源：2015年雷格斯)

雷格斯香港區總裁王潔華表示：「現今的辦公室在許多方面都出現了翻天覆地的變化。企業不但採用更先進的技術，其階級制度也不再如以往般嚴格。在這個瞬息萬變的社會裡，上班族改變對商務衣著規範的觀念實在不足為奇。」

她總結道：「目前，穿西裝、打領帶只屬少數行業的標準裝束。除了創意產業外，牛仔褲和商務休閒裝還成為了一般工作場合常見的打扮。職場人士也許受到矽谷人對待工作服裝不拘小節而又侃侃而談的態度所影響，因而希望以較輕鬆的衣著辦公。即使如此，上班族仍須注意各國許多重要的文化差異，例如大多數國家的商務人士絕不接受以人字拖鞋和運動服辦公。」

Canvassing the opinions of almost 40,000 respondents from 100 countries, including 349 professionals in Hong Kong, the research revealed a host of new trends in business attire, including:

• Some 74% of business professionals worldwide agree that a suit and tie are too formal for the modern office.
• Nearly four out of five people (79%) feel that jeans and over half (51%) believe that t-shirts are now suitable office attire
• Home workers generally conform to the stereotype, with 43% saying they sometimes work in pyjamas and 20% sometimes work in their underwear. However, four-fifths (82%) admitted that they will rush to smarten up before a video call.

Among Asian respondents, the inclination to dress-down in the workplace is generally higher than the global average. Japan, which is renowned for its strict corporate culture and hierarchy, is an exception. Japanese respondents still believe that dressing-up in a business environment is a way of showing respects and sincerity.

Opinion differs wildly when it comes to flip-flops. While globally only 14% respondents agree they are acceptable in the office,” in South Korea over 75% workers think wearing flip-flops in a work environment is totally fine. In Hong Kong, the figure is twice the global average (28%).

Sandals are also a cause for concern in some geographies. Globally, about a third of respondents (35%) are comfortable wearing sandals to work. The picture is different in Asia, where 61% in South Korea and 58% in Mainland China are OK with sandals at work. In Hong Kong the sandal-wearing community is smaller (45%).

While track suits are ideal for the gym, around the world less than 18% of respondents gave them a thumbs up in the office. Again, Asia differs, with 72% of people in Mainland China and 45% in Hong Kong ticking track suits as office-appropriate garments.

Home workers in Asia also adopt a much looser dress code than their international counterparts. Over 32% of Hong Kong respondents confessed that they sometimes work in underwear at home and over 62% are likely to wear pyjamas, compared to global figures which were 20% and 43% respectively. People in India (78%) and Mainland China (68%) expressed an even higher acceptance of wearing pyjamas at home while dealing business matters.

The good news is Asian home-workers with likes of Hong Kong (91%) and Mainland Chinese (98%) are more willing to smarten themselves up before video-call than their global peers (82%).

Full findings below for further reference:

(Regus survey, 2015)

“Today’s office is radically different in many respects. Not only is the technology we use much more advanced, but less rigidly vertical hierarchies are in place. It’s hardly surprising that in this rapidly changing environment, people’s views on business dress codes have also changed, “said Natina Wong, Country Manager at Regus Hong Kong.

“While a suit and tie remain standard in only a few areas of businesses, jeans and smart-casual attire are now common well beyond the creative industries. Perhaps also influenced by Silicon Valley’s casual and much talked-about attitudes to workwear, workers now expect a more laid-back approach to office dress. That said, there are still some important cultural boundaries and business people in most countries draw the line at flip flops and gym clothes.”

From heavy drinking or smoking in meetings, to dress codes and acceptable physical conduct, the latest Regus study, which canvassed over 40,000 workers worldwide, has identified a wide range of customs that catch business travellers off guard.

The peculiar workplace customs that unsettle international professionals the most include working with the lights off after lunch, which can leave people feel perplexed – and perhaps more than a little sleepy! Frequent cheek kissing and not wearing shoes in the office are also a little startling to some respondents.

Key findings include:

• Crooning away at the karaoke during a business meeting left one respondent speechless
• Introductions to the whole family as a preamble to business and discussing personal lives are also sometimes a surprise
• Lateness, bowing and attitudes to sneezing and coughing in the office are also sometimes destabilising
• Pets in the office and suits with shorts also give rise to some embarrassment

“Although business travel has certainly contributed to broadening people’s horizons and lessening the impact of culture clashes, there are still some elements of business etiquette that can surprise travellers and leave them looking sheepish,” said Natina Wong, country manager of Regus Hong Kong.

“For some cultures, physical contact such as cheek kissing is out of bounds, while in others even a handshake can cause embarrassment. Navigating the complexities of human relations while doing business abroad can become time consuming and complex. Fortunately the open-mindedness and experience of business people worldwide means that these rarely amount to any serious embarrassment.” Wong added.

是次調查共訪問了全球逾44,000位商務人士，以了解他們到海外公幹時感到措手不及，不知如何應對的習俗，例如在會議期間不斷喝酒或抽煙、特殊的衣著要求和行為舉止等。

最令商務人士感到難以適從的商務禮儀包括午餐後關燈辦公，這不僅會讓人睏意叢生，而且令人費解。此外，頻繁的貼面禮以及在辦公室不穿鞋子的規定也讓一些受訪者感到詫異。

主要調查結果如下：

• 在商務會議期間到卡拉OK店唱歌的習俗使受訪者無言以對
• 在洽談業務之前向對方介紹家庭成員以及討論私生活這種習慣令部分受訪者感到不可思議
• 遲到和鞠躬的習慣，以及對待打噴嚏和咳嗽的態度亦會構成不安
• 在辦公室飼養寵物以及以短褲配襯套裝上班也會令人感到尷尬

雷格斯香港區總裁王潔華表示：「雖然商務公幹有助我們擴闊視野，並且減低文化衝突所帶來的負面影響，但某些商務禮儀仍會嚇怕公幹人士，使他們手足無措。在某些文化中，行貼面禮等肢體接觸是被禁止的，甚或連握手也會造成尷尬局面。商務人士在海外進行商務活動的同時，亦要兼顧處理複雜的人際關係，實在是耗時費力。可幸的是，他們往往能夠憑藉開放的思想及豐富的經驗轉危為安，巧妙化解尷尬場面。」

- 完 -

Canvassing the opinions of more than 44,000 respondents from 100 countries, including 349 professionals in Hong Kong, the research found that 60% respondents globally believe the ideal location needs to look the part. However, while “a professional image” is clearly a key selection criteria for global businesses, cost-effectiveness is also a major concern, with 52% saying “value for money” is a critical factor for businesses starting out on a shoestring.

The sentiment among Hong Kong professionals is similar to the global feeling, with 66% of Hong Kong respondents agreeing that professional locations make their business “look like a bigger firm” and 46% caring about value for money. However, local professionals cited “proximity to potential clients” (41%) as the third important factor when it comes to choosing an office, whereas their global counterparts weighed “a creative, modern, lively environment” (45%) over the convenience of being physically close to potential clients (36%).

Interestingly, a number of Asian markets are ahead of the global curve. Some 61% of Mainland China respondents believe that “working in a lively and creative environment” is the No.1 consideration when selecting business location, with 60% respondents in South Korea also ranking this as their top criteria!

The research also explored the feelings of another key group – professional entrepreneurs – whose growing socioeconomic influence is helping to drive the global economy.

Findings among entrepreneurs revealed that:

• Overall, budget-strapped start-ups/entrepreneurs globally appreciate the value of a “professional office” (63%) and “cost-effectiveness” (56%) more highly than general business professionals.
   
• The top office selection criteria among Hong Kong entrepreneurs are on par with global counterparts with 60% wanting their offices look smart, 56% caring about value for money (the same as the global rate).
   
• One statistic stands out among Hong Kong entrepreneurs compared with global peers -- only 7% of local respondents would factor “appealing to millennial workers” in their decision-making process, whereas the percentage among global entrepreneurs is nearly double (13%), and the percentage in Japan (30%) is four times higher than that of Hong Kong.

“The location of a business continues to play a pivotal part in operations, from talent acquisition, to being close to potential prospects and enabling smaller businesses to compete with the big spenders. The way businesses operate has changed over the years, with workers now able to work on the move and from a variety of flexible locations. However, finding the right main location for your business is clearly important to success and selection should not be taken lightly,” said Natina Wong, country manager of Regus Hong Kong.

“As well as providing a ‘bigger-business’ image, the right business environment helps to boost productivity, creativity and can drive growth. Additionally, working from the right location helps place businesses in a modern and lively setting, and can increase the potential to network with other professionals.” Wong added.

- Ends -

香港，2016年2月22日－全球靈活辦公室供應商雷格斯的調查報告發現，流動員工不介意在咖啡店查看公司電郵，但他們在這種環境下最多只能工作20分鐘。

是次調查共訪問了全球一百多個國家逾44,000位商務人士，當中有349位來自香港。調查結果顯示，全球有近半數 (49%) 受訪者認為在咖啡室和公共交通工具上僅適合查看公司電郵，有41%的受訪者更不願意在上下班途中回覆電郵。有五分二的受訪者 (39%) 會在找到合適的辦公地點前，選擇在咖啡店以簡短方式回覆電郵。

作為全球流動電話服務用戶滲透率 (註) 最高的城市之一，香港的相關比率較全球平均值高。有62%的香港受訪者在咖啡室查閱而不回覆電郵，有過半數 (52%) 受訪者則會在上下班途中查看電郵。有51%會在咖啡店品嚐咖啡時簡短回覆電郵。

該調查結果還指出，在喧鬧的咖啡室和繁忙的火車上並不適合商務人士查看電郵及批閱文件，或進行重要的電話會議。有四分一的香港受訪者接受在咖啡店以電話洽談商務，但不願意進行電話會議 (4%) 以及用電話談及敏感資料 (4%)。私隱亦是重要的考慮因素，員工會避免在辦公室以外的地方洩露機密的通話及電郵內容，因此非專業工作環境都不適合長時間處理含敏感資料的任務。

員工在不同場所安心進行各項工作任務的比率：

(資料來源：2015年雷格斯)

其他主要調查結果如下：

• 全球受訪者認為，在私家車內用電話傾談公事是可以接受的 (39%)，但考慮到車內存在訊號中斷的風險，實在不宜進行電話會議 (12%)。香港上班族也有相同的工作模式，惟比率相對較低。有28%的受訪者會在車內以電話傾談公務，只有9%會在這種環境下進行電話會議。

• 另一方面，由於商務中心提供私隠度高及寧靜的辦公環境，使接近五分二的香港在職人士 (37%) 安心發送機密電郵，有28%甚至會在商務中心花上半天處理重要事務。這兩種情況的比率均較分別為29%和23%的全球平均值高。

雷格斯香港區總裁王潔華表示：「目前，Wi-Fi無線網絡幾乎隨處可見，這的確方便商務人士在咖啡店利用智能手機迅速查閱電郵。然而，商務中心所提供的寧靜辦公環境則有助提高工作效率。與其在街上匆忙辦公，員工倒不如在商務中心長時間專心處理工作。」

她總結道：「商務中心是以電話傾談公務或進行電話會議的理想場所，員工毋須擔心訊號接收中斷或被人騷擾等問題。不穩定的訊號或背景噪音會影響公司的專業形象，這一點在與客戶或潛在客戶洽談公務時尤為重要。」

註：根據香港特別行政區政府通訊事務管理局辦公室在2015年11月的統計數字顯示，香港按人口計算的流動電話服務用戶滲透率為227.2%。

Hong Kong, 22 February 2016 – Research carried out by flexible workspace provider Regus shows that on-the-go workers don't mind checking emails in a café, but they can only work in this environment for a maximum of 20 minutes.

The research, which interviewed more than 44,000 business professionals from 100 countries, including 349 respondents in Hong Kong finds nearly half of global respondents reported that cafés (49%) and public transport are fine for checking emails only, with 41% saying they prefer not to respond to messages during their commute. Two fifths of respondents (39%) are happy to tap out a short reply over a coffee before finding a more suitable working environment for more considered responses.

Figures for Hong Kong are even much higher thanks to the advantage of being one of the world highest mobile penetrated cities (227.2%)[1], and 62% agreed that they just check emails in a café, and more than half of them (52%) scan emails when commuting. Some 51% of Hong Kong people send short responses in email when having coffee in café.

The survey reveals that busy cafés and the bustling trains also don't provide the right environment for checking and approving documents or making important conference calls. One fourth of Hong Kong respondents comfortably make business phone calls in café, but are not comfortably carrying out conference calls (4%) and sensitive calls (4%). Privacy is also an issue, with workers avoiding sensitive calls and emails while on-the-go. Away from the office, non-professional environments are also simply not suitable for work tasks that require time and sensitivity.

Types of activities and where workers comfortably carry them out:

(Source: Regus 2015)

Other key findings from the survey:

• The car is considered an acceptable location to make phone calls (39%) but not for conference calls (12%), perhaps due to the risk of losing reception. Workers in Hong Kong also have the same working pattern, but the ratios are much lower, with 28% of respondents making phone calls in the car and 9% making conference calls.

• On the other hand, nearly two fifths of Hong Kong business professionals (37%) are happy to send sensitive emails in business lounges, 28% of them carry out even their core work tasks for up to half a day as these environments provide the necessary privacy and quiet. Both figures are higher than those globally, respectively 29% and 23%.

"With Wi-Fi available nearly everywhere, it is certainly convenient to stop at a café and quickly skim through emails on a smartphone. However, the calm environment provided by a business lounge enables greater productivity. Instead of short bursts of activity while on the go, workers can carry out lengthier jobs without interruptions," said Natina Wong, Country Manager of Regus Hong Kong.

"A business lounge is ideal for phone calls or conference calls, as users don't have to worry about losing reception or being disturbed by fellow commuters. A bad line or background noise can affect the professional image of a business so this is an important consideration when calls involve a client or prospect," she said.

[1] 2015: Office of Communications Authority, HKSAR

香港，2016年2月2日－全球靈活辦公室供應商雷格斯的調查報告發現，商務人士選擇共用工作間的兩大主因，是有機會認識其他公司志同道合的員工 (全球平均值為82%)，以及有利擴闊人際網絡 (80%)。

是次調查共訪問了逾100個國家超過44,000名商務人士，當中有349位來自香港。調查結果亦指出，全球有79%的受訪者認為共用工作間比長期租賃的辦公室更符合成本效益。

香港受訪者的觀點與全球商務人士一致。有80%的香港企業認為，共用工作間是初創企業理想的辦公環境，而全球平均值為74%。事實上，根據「2015年全球初創企業生態系統排名」研究結果顯示，香港是全球首25個初創企業樞紐及首五個增長最快的初創企業地方之一。

物色辦公地點是創業的關鍵步驟之一，但對於資金緊絀的本港初創企業而言，這一步往往會窒礙其發展。雷格斯的調查報告還顯示，節省成本 (83%) 是香港商務人士考慮選用共用工作間的主要因素。企業毋須簽訂長期租約或支付巨額按金，便不會有前期墊資的壓力，這對創業人士最為有利。

共用工作間所提供的效益：

 (資料來源：2015年雷格斯)

該調查結果充分顯示，共用工作間既可以讓員工享受到靈活辦公的多種效益，又不會像居家辦公人士般容易感到孤獨。可是有87%的香港受訪者認為，共用工作間的設備未能達到專業標準，並不適合接待客戶，這比率遠高於全球平均值的76%。此外，有81%的香港企業對當中的私隱風險感到憂慮 (全球平均值為75%)；有71%則認為會議室空間不足，比率遠高於全球平均值的59%。

企業在專業的共用工作環境下方能高效營運。它們在考慮應否採用共用工作間時尤為看重Wi-Fi無線網絡連接和寬頻速度，因為網絡連線速度往往影響商業決策。有六成的香港企業擔心共用工作間的共享寬頻會拖慢上網速度，而全球有56%的企業亦有此憂慮。

雷格斯香港區總裁王潔華表示：「企業經常將遙距辦公理解為居家辦公，惟後者未能確保專業的工作環境，而且容易使員工感到被孤立。共用工作間則可解決這些問題，即使是不同公司的員工也可以相鄰辧公，有助促進重要的商業關係。」

她總結道：「除了資金緊絀的初創企業外，有越來越多綜合企業也將共用工作間視為合乎成本效益的辦公空間解决方案。 然而企業需了解，理想的共用工作間必須設有接待重要客戶的專業會議室，並確保私隱得到保障。共用工作間固然能夠為企業帶來眾多效益，但這種工作環境必須達到專業標準，方可讓員工安心處理機密工作。」

Hong Kong, 2^nd February, 2016 – Research from global workplace provider Regus has revealed that the two most popular reasons for choosing co-working spaces are the opportunity to meet likeminded workers from different firms (82%) and to network (80%).

The research, which interviewed more than 44,000 business professionals from 100 countries, including 349 respondents in Hong Kong, also highlights how businesses regard co-working as a cost-effective alternative (79%), especially when compared to fixed-office leasing.

The result from Hong Kong respondents are in line with the global average. Some 80% of Hong Kong respondents agree that co-working spaces are ideal environments for start-ups, compared with global average rate of 74%.

In fact, Hong Kong is ranked as one of the world's top 25 start-up hubs and the top five fastest growing start-up ecosystem, according to the Global Start-Up Ecosystem Ranking 2015 study.

Finding a workspace is one of the fundamental steps when starting a business and it has always been a roadblock for cash-strapped start-ups in Hong Kong. Regus' survey results also find the benefit of cost-saving (83%) is the most acknowledged incentive that drives Hong Kong professionals to consider using co-working spaces. Without long-term contracts or hefty deposits, businesses – particularly start-ups – do not have the stress of funding a huge initial payout.

Statistics on the benefits of picking co-working spaces:

(Source: Regus 2015)

It is clear that operating from a co-working space enables people to enjoy the combined benefits of flexibility and going in to an office, without the common feeling of isolation from fellow professionals experienced by home-based workers. However, 87% of Hong Kong respondents confirmed that the setting provided by co-working spaces is sometimes not professional enough for client meetings, which is much higher than the global average (76%). Some 81% of Hong Kong firms say that there is a risk to privacy (75% globally) and 71% of Hong Kong entrepreneurs say that meeting room space is scarce, which is a higher rate than the global average of 59%.

It is obvious that businesses require a range of professional environments to operate efficiently from co-working spaces. In particular, Wi-Fi connectivity and bandwidth have topped the table as metrics that affect businesses decision-making. Fully 60% of Hong Kong businesses are concerned about low Wi-Fi bandwidth when using shared internet connections in a co-working space, while only 56% of global enterprises expressed this worry.

"All too often businesses interpret remote working as home working, but this doesn't look very professional and can often lead to people feeling isolated. Using collaborative workspaces counters this by enabling business people to work alongside one another, even if they are not employed by the same firm. This can result in key business relationships being forged," said Natina Wong, Country Manager of Regus Hong Kong.

"Aside from cash-strapped start-ups, many more consolidated businesses are also looking to co-working spaces as a cost-effective solution to workspace. However, businesses must be aware that a formal meeting space for important client meetings is a key requirement and that privacy needs to be protected. So while co-working spaces bring many benefits, space must be professional enough to carry out sensitive work," she said.

The partnership will commission primary research every year which will be shared with BCI Members through forums, events and interactive media. The research will support the BCI as it continues to set the wider agenda on business resilience.

This collaboration between BCI and Regus will also extend beyond research to enable members of the Institute to gain access to Regus’ services worldwide at preferred rates. BCI members will be able to receive privileged terms on their Workplace Recovery Programme so that, should a disruption make their own office uninhabitable, they can continue to operate as normal and stay productive in a fully equipped environment elsewhere. The deal will also allow members to receive free visits to Regus Business Lounges.

In addition, Regus – who become a Premium Gold Partner of the BCI as part of this partnership – will provide meeting rooms to the volunteers who make up the BCI’s regional Chapters and Forums in order for them to conduct their networking, which is a key benefit of BCI membership.

David James-Brown FBCI, Chairman of the BCI, said of the new partnership: “The Institute is the global thought leader for business continuity and resilience. This research partnership with Regus will help us continue to set the agenda on issues that matter so much to business as uncertainty and volatility affects markets across the globe. At the Business Continuity Institute we know how important it is to be prepared for a crisis, and if that crisis involves losing your facilities then there is no better place to relocate to than a Regus Workplace Recovery site. This new partnership will help make that more affordable for many more organisations. It also provides space for BCI members to meet and network at a local level through our Chapters and Forums.”

Joe Sullivan, Managing Director for Workplace Recovery at Regus, commented: “We are delighted to become partners with the Business Continuity Institute. We have admired their work for many years and we hope that our partnership will support their thought-leadership on issues that are so important to the business community. As part of our partnership, we are proud that we can support the Institute’s regional chapters and, forums. We look forward to demonstrating how our facilities and people can support businesses during their time of need.”

Regus currently has a network of 2,600 locations in 106 countries and encompasses 43 million square feet of the world’s leading locations, offering convenient, high-quality, fully serviced spaces for people to work, whether for a few minutes or a few years.

For more information on BCI, please contact Andrew Scott , the Senior Communications Manager at the Business Continuity Institute –CBCI – andrew.scott@thebci.org or +44 0118-947-8241.

香港，2016年1月18日－全球靈活辦公室供應商雷格斯的最新調查報告發現，商務人士抱怨得最多的是公司會議室。該報告指出會議室經常成為辦公室之「最大弱點」，是因為有不少企業以簡陋且骯髒的會議室接待訪客。是次調查共訪問了逾100個國家超過44,000名商務人士，當中有349位來自香港。

商務人士對辦公室十分講究是可以理解的。他們認為破舊和不潔的會議室會給顧客和潛在客戶留下負面印象。全球幾乎有三分之一的在職人士 (29%) 投訴公司的會議室破舊簡陋，在客戶到訪時令他們十分尷尬。這種情況在香港更為嚴重，有36%的香港受訪者表示受此困擾。此外，有39%的香港受訪者 (全球平均值為36%) 抱怨同事們不愛整潔，把會議室弄得一團糟，會議枱上更經常堆放著上次開會時留下的骯髒餐具和杯碟。

對於中小企和初創企業來說，讓客戶留下好印象是他們能夠與大企業競爭及帶來新生意的關鍵。因此，企業是有責任去改善會議室的環境及設備或尋求其他解決方案，從而減低員工的負面情緒。

其他主要調查結果如下：

• 有超過三分之一的香港受訪者 (32%) 投訴公司會議室內的投影機或其他會議設備不可靠，比率高於全球平均值的 27%；
• 有36%的香港員工表示公司會議室經常太熱或太冷，比率與全球平均值的34%相若；
• 全球有35%的在職人士抱怨他們的會議室太狹小，而香港的投訴比率 (38%) 較全球平均值略高。

雷格斯亞太區行政總裁 John Wright 表示：「在競爭激烈的商業環境下，客戶對企業的第一印象有著決定性的影響。因此，全球有超過三分之一的商務人士擔心公司會議室的狀況，並不叫人意外。髒亂或失修的會議室經常使這些人士在客戶面前感到尷尬。」

他總結道：「有太多企業低估了在專業、時尚和整潔的會議室開會的重要性。家居辦公室或滿布用完餐具的會議室當然未達到專業標準。無論大型或小型的成功企業，都會保持一貫高水準，他們的會議室也是如此。會議室不但要私隱度高及安全，還必須能確立公司的專業形象。如果公司本身的會議室不能時常滿足要求，那麼企業就應急切尋找其他專業會議室。」

Hong Kong, 18^th January, 2016 – A global survey by flexible workplace provider Regus has revealed business people's biggest grievances when it comes to their meeting rooms. The survey, which canvassed the opinions of more than 44,000 respondents from 100 countries, including 349 business professionals in Hong Kong, highlighted how meeting rooms are often an office's "weakest link", sometimes looking shabby and dirty to visiting customers.

Respondents were understandably fussy about their working locations. They report that the main issue with shabby and dirty meeting room spaces is the negative impression they give to clients and potential customers. Almost a third of global workers (29%) complain that their meeting rooms look shabby to customers and show them up, and the rate of complaints is much higher in Hong Kong, with 36% of respondents agreeing on it. Some 39% of Hong Kong workers (36% globally) blame their none-too-tidy colleagues who leave the rooms filthy and stacked with dirty cutlery and cups from the previous meeting. For SMEs, and start-ups in particular, being able to make a good impression can be critical to punching above their weight and attracting new business.

The onus is therefore on businesses to either revamp their facilities or to look for alternative solutions so that staff do not feel let down.

Here are some key findings revealed in the research:

• More than a third of respondents in Hong Kong (32%) blame the projector or other meeting room facilities that are unreliable, while global average is 27%;
• 36% of Hong Kong workers also said that the meeting rooms are often uncomfortably hot or cold. The global average is 34%;
• 38% of Hong Kong respondents complain their meeting rooms are too small compared to 35% of global workers

"In highly competitive business environments first impressions can often make a real difference. It is therefore no surprise that more than a third of global business people are worried about the state of their meeting room spaces, and are often embarrassed by dirtiness or a lack of maintenance and care," said John Wright, Chief Executive Office of Regus Asia-Pacific.

"Too many businesses underestimate the importance of conducting meetings from a professional, smart and clean environment. A home office or a meeting room littered with left over cutlery just isn't up to scratch. Successful businesses, whether small or large, operate to a high standard at all times, and when it comes to meeting rooms this is no different. As well as being private and secure, meeting rooms must offer a professional image. If this environment is not always available within the main office, businesses urgently need to look into alternative meeting locations." Wright added.

When it comes to their daily routine, workers are understandably fussy about location. In particular, all workers identify meeting rooms as one of the weakest links and say they too often look shabby and dirty to customers, giving a bad impression of the company. Businesses globally confirm that the right location for their business looks smart, professional and inspiring. Unsurprisingly, it is also cost effective. Entrepreneurs confirm that a professional office helps them punch above their weight and highlights the importance of being close to prospects.

Many businesses, especially start-ups are opting for co-working spaces to achieve a creative, inspiring business environment cost effectively. For entrepreneurs these are the ideal environments where start-ups thrive and they can mingle with other business owners. Sometimes though, businesses report, co-working spaces are too casual for important client meetings and privacy is scarce. This highlights the need for access to professional working spaces to carry out sensitive business meetings or provide a calmer environment for workers that find it hard to concentrate in collaborative spaces.

Hong Kong, 24^th December, 2015 – New research by global workplace provider Regus shows that the increasing need to improve employee work:life balance is driving up flexible working. But businesses also have a strong interest in encouraging flexible working as it is seen as a way of creating agile organisations that are better able to cope with rapidly changing market conditions.

According to the research, which canvassed the opinions of over 44,000 business people from more than 100 different countries, including 349 business professionals in Hong Kong, 61% of respondents report that the need to improve work:life balance is driving an increase in flexible working. The quest for better work:life balance in Hong Kong is more prevailing, with two-thirds of Hong Kong respondents (67%) reporting such pursuit of work lifestyle. This percentage is higher than those in other Asian countries, including Mainland China, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The findings prove that the demand for healthy work:life balance is proportionate to work pressures people undertake – as most Hong Kong workers are overloaded based on Regus' latest "overtime work" research, which revealed 14% of Hong Kong professionals put in an extra 15 hours of overtime work a week, Hong Kong professionals have higher demands for better work life balance.

Some 35% of Hong Kong respondents say they wish to work closer to home, while almost half of global respondents (48%) think that more workers, demanding the freedom to work flexibly and be closer to home is, driving up the frequency of flexible working.

But it is not only workers that benefit. As the survey shows, nearly half (44%) of businesses are moving towards flexible working in order to become more agile and better able to respond to market changes. Flexible working allows firms to expand or retract rapidly and without incurring hefty penalties. Firms using flexible working are also better placed to attract talent from a wider pool, especially if they comply with best-practice employee flexibility standards.

Other key findings include:

• 23% of Hong Kong workers say that the need to combat the rising cost of commuting is a key factor, which is lower than the global average of 32%;
• 29% of firms in Hong Kong wish to comply with best practice employee flexibility standards, which is almost same rate as the global average (31%);
• 33% of Hong Kong business want to attract staff from a wider talent pool, are also driving the take up of flexible working, which is higher than the global average (29%);
• 22% of Hong Kong business agree that giving employees the opportunity to work closer to home also helps tackle the issue of leasehold under-occupancy. Businesses are able to reduce fixed office space costs when these are underused. The global average is 17%.

“This research confirms that flexible working boosts efficiency and cuts costs. Businesses can reduce underused office space and operate in a more agile way, making decisions on a per-needs basis,” said John Wright, Chief Executive Officer of Regus Asia-Pacific.

“While the drivers for flexible working may differ for businesses and employees, both stand to gain. The fact that businesses are already benefitting from flexible working to increase their agility is good news. In addition, helping employees to find a more satisfying balance between their personal and professional lives creates a healthier and more productive workforce,” Wright added.

香港，2015年12月24日－全球靈活辦公室供應商雷格斯的最新調查報告發現，在職人士對更佳工作與生活平衡需求日增，推動彈性工作的普及。此外，企業也熱切期望推行彈性辦公模式，從而建立靈活的團隊以應付瞬息萬變的市場環境。

是次調查訪問了逾百個國家超過44,000名商務人士，當中有349位來自香港。該調查指出，全球有61%的受訪者認為員工要求改善工作與生活平衡，促進了企業實施彈性辦公模式。香港的上班族對這方面的訴求更加強烈，有三分之二 (67%) 的受訪者表示需要有更加平衡的工作和生活方式。這比率高於亞洲其他國家，包括中國大陸、日本、印尼、南韓、泰國和越南。

調查結果證實了上班族的工作壓力越大，對於在工作與生活方面達到健康平衡的需求就越大。雷格斯最近發表的加班工作調查報告亦指出，大部分香港在職人士工時過長，有14%的員工每週加班超過15小時，因而促使他們追求更健康的工作與生活平衡。

有35%的香港受訪者希望可以在離家較近的地點上班，而全球有近半的受訪者 (48%) 則表示，有越來越多員工要求靈活辦公以及在鄰近居所的地點工作，這正正促進企業推行彈性辦公模式。

事實上，彈性工作模式並非只惠及員工。該調查報告顯示，有近半數 (44%) 的企業為了更靈活回應市場上急速的變化而推行彈性辦公方式。此模式不但使企業能迅速擴充或縮減業務規模，而且不用承擔巨額罰款。採取彈性辦公方式的企業還可以更廣泛吸納人才，特別是那些符合最佳靈活辦公模式標準的企業。

其他主要調查結果如下：

• 有23%的香港在職人士表示，上下班交通費上升是推動彈性工作模式的關鍵因素，比率較全球平均值的32%為低。
• 有29%的香港企業希望符合最佳靈活辦公模式標準，比率與全球平均值的31%相若。
• 有33%的香港企業希望能更廣泛吸納人才，因而推動了彈性辦公模式的實施，該比率高於全球平均值的29%。
• 有22%的香港企業認為，讓員工在離家較近的地點工作有助解決使用率較低的辦公室租賃問題，企業亦可減少當中的固定辦公空間租金成本。相關的全球平均值為17%。

雷格斯亞太區行政總裁 John Wright 表示：「是次調查結果充分反映出，實施彈性辦公模式有助企業提升營運效率並降低成本。企業不但可以節省使用率較低的辦公空間，還能更靈活營運並按照自身需求制定決策。」

他總結道：「對於企業和員工而言，促使採用靈活辦公模式的因素可能有異，但雙方都能從中獲得莫大裨益。企業推行彈性辦公模式可提高靈活性之餘，還有助員工達到更佳的生活與工作平衡，使他們能以健康的身心投入工作，大大提高工作效率。」

香港，2015年12月7日－全球靈活辦公室供應商雷格斯的最新調查顯示，全球有16%的在職人士多數會在星期一加班。此外，受訪者每週通常會加班二至四小時，另有五分之二受訪者的每週加班時間長達一個工作天或以上。

是次調查共訪問了逾百個國家超過44,000名商務人士，其中包括349位來自香港的受訪者。調查結果反映出長時間工作已經成為現今職場常態，大部分在職人士每星期至少都會有少量加班。

香港的情況更令人擔憂，有27%的受訪者經常在星期一加班。這比率較中國大陸為高，有25.8%的中國大陸受訪者會在星期一加班，以完成上週還沒完成的工作。

有逾十分之一 (14%) 的香港受訪者長期處於疲勞的狀態，因為他們每週加班超過15小時，相當於每星期工作七天，情況非常嚴重。事實上，雷格斯這項調查結果與早前嶺南大學公共政策研究中心所發表的調查結果吻合，後者指出，有35%的受訪者每週工作超過50小時。

綜觀亞太區幾個主要市場的加班比率，香港上班族的工作時間最長，有20%的香港受訪者每星期加班四至六小時。亞太區其他主要市場的職場人士每週會加班二至四小時。

(資料來源：2014年雷格斯)

其他主要調查結果如下：

• 有31%的香港受訪者及38%的全球受訪者每週加班時間相當於一個工作天或以上，可見每天加班工作已成為職場常態。
• 星期一是上班族最常加班的一天 (全球平均值為16%，香港的比率為27%)，因為他們需要盡快處理上週尚未完成的工作。星期二 (香港的比率為9%) 和星期三 (全球平均值為9%) 是在職人士加班時間相對較少的日子。
• 職場人士通常會在星期五準時下班，只有15%的香港受訪者 (全球平均值為10%) 會在星期五晚上加班。

雷格斯亞太區行政總裁John Wright表示：「員工努力工作固然值得讚許，但有小部分香港在職人士的每週工時總和相當於每星期工作七天。過長的加班時間會對員工的健康造成很大影響，情況令人擔憂。此外，辦公地點對員工的身心健康亦很重要。若員工能夠在離家較近的地點適量加班工作，就可以縮短上下班交通時間，從而更有效利用時間。相反，冗長的工時及上下班交通時間只會讓上班族很快就精疲力竭。」

Hong Kong, 7^th December, 2015 – New research by global workplace provider Regus reveals that workers globally (16%) are most likely to work overtime on Monday. What’s more, while most people put in 2-4 hours extra each week, a committed two fifths work a full extra day – or even more – every week.

The research, which surveyed over 44,000 business people from more than 100 countries, including 349 business professionals in Hong Kong, reveals that working long hours has become the norm, with most workers putting in at least a small amount of overtime every week.

The situation in Hong Kong is more concerning, with 27% of respondents confirming they tend work overtime on Monday. That percentage is even higher than their counterparts in Mainland China, where 25.8% of respondents stay late on Mondays to catch up on work that built up over the weekend.
 

Worse still, more than one in ten (14%) respondents in Hong Kong, are teetering close to burn out and putting in over 15 hours in a week – basically working the equivalent of a seven-day week. The result echoes with the latest Public Policy Studies findings that showed 35% of surveyed respondents have to work more than 50 hours a week.

Looking at the highest percentage of overtime hours across key Asia Pacific markets, Hong Kong is the most hard working market with 20% of respondents working 4-6 hours of overtime a week. The majority of other key Asia Pacific markets work 2-4hours overtime a week.

(Source: Regus survey, 2014)

Other key findings include:

• 31% in Hong Kong, and 38% globally work a full extra day or more, confirming that daily overtime is the norm for many workers globally
• The day workers are most likely to stay on longer is Monday (16% globally, 27% in Hong Kong) when workers catch up from the weekend and try to get ahead. Towards the middle of the week on Tuesday (9% in Hong Kong) or Wednesday (9% globally) many do overtime
• Workers are also keen to get out early on Fridays, when only 15% of Hong Kong respondents (10% globally) commit to regularly doing overtime.

“While the commitment of workers is admirable, it is worrying that a small proportion of Hong Kong professionals are working the equivalent of a seven-day week! While it can’t be healthy to carry out so much overtime, it is also true that the location this work is carried out in plays an in important role in contributing to worker wellbeing,” said John Wright, Chief Executive Office of Regus Asia-Pacific.

“If workers are able to carry out an acceptable amount of overtime from a location closer to home, they will benefit from a shorter commute at the end of the day and a more efficient use of their time. If instead, punitively long hours are combined with gruelling commutes, workers could be facing burnout all too soon.” Wrights added.

香港，2015年11月18日－全球靈活辦公室供應商雷格斯的最新調查報告發現，有五分之四的香港企業正在改變其衡量員工工作效率的方式，從過往計算他們在辦公室的工作時間改為量度他們的實際生產力。有愈來愈多企業以基於員工的工作成果作為衡量準則，而不是他們的工作地點，這反映出遙距工作制逐漸成為職場新常規。

(資料來源：2014年雷格斯)

是次調查共訪問了逾百個國家超過44,000名商務人士，當中有365位來自香港。該調查指出，全球有61%的受訪者表示其公司利用彈性工作制來留住和招攬優秀人才。香港受訪者的調查結果更加正面，有66%認同彈性辦公有利於人才挽留及招募。

(資料來源：2014年雷格斯)

隨著採用靈活工作制的企業日增，如何成功管理遙距工作團隊成為了管理層最優先的考量項目。有67%的香港受訪者表示，其機構藉著新增的IT技術，提高員工的工作效率及妥善管理遙距工作的員工，這比率較全球平均值的61%為高。

其他主要調查結果如下：

• 全球有67%的受訪者認為，其高層管理人員相信實施彈性工作制能夠提高生產力；有67%的香港受訪者亦同意此觀點
• 全球有46%的受訪者表示，有部分工作時間被上級遙距管理；而香港的比率比全球平均值還要高 (53%)
• 全球有43%的企業明白到流動辦公的價值，並為管理層提供特別培訓以便管理遙距工作團隊。香港的比率高於全球平均值，達54%

雷格斯亞太區行政總裁 John Wright表示：「有愈來愈多企業推行靈活辦公模式，職場文化因而掀起了巨變。是次調查報告亦顯示，商務人士十分歡迎這個轉變。企業實施彈性辦公制並妥善管理遙距工作團隊，能夠提高員工的辦公效率之餘，還可減少人才流失以及降低營運成本，為公司帶來莫大裨益。」

他總結道：「隨著實行彈性辦公制的企業激增，企業評估員工的方式亦隨之改變，從員工在公司的工作時間改為以工作成果來衡量他們的工作效率。有一點值得注意的是，雖然全球遙距管理或遙距工作人員的數量不斷增加，但只有少數企業投資在專門的培訓上，使員工從固定辦公場所邁向流動工作的流程更順暢、更有效。」

Hong Kong, 18^th November, 2015 – New research by global workplace provider Regus has revealed that four fifths of firms in Hong Kong are shifting their productivity focus from counting how much time people spend in the office, to measuring their actual output. The increased use of such results-based, rather than location-based assessments, signals that remote working is becoming the new norm.

(Source: Regus Survey, 2014) 

The study, canvassing the opinions of over 44,000 people from more than 100 different countries, including 365 respondents in Hong Kong, found that globally 61% report their organisations use flexible working as a mechanism for retaining and attracting top staff. The results from Hong Kong respondents show a more positive sign, with 66% of people confirming that flexible working has been helpful in talent retention and hiring.

(Source: Regus Survey, 2014)

With more businesses embracing flexible working, implementing successful remote management processes is now topping the management agenda. Some 67% of respondents in Hong Kong (61% globally) report that firms like theirs are implementing additional technology to help boost productivity and manage remote workers.

Key findings:

• 67% of respondents globally confirm that senior management trusts that flexible working can be productive; 67% Hong Kong respondents agree
• Globally, 46% of respondents are managed by a remote manager at least some of the time. In Hong Kong the figure is higher at 53%
• 43% of companies globally have recognised the value of mobile working and are putting special training in place for management to handle a remote workforce. The percentage is even higher in Hong Kong at 54%

“The huge cultural shift in the workplace towards flexible working continues to grow. This latest research shows that the business people are embracing this change. With improved productivity, better staff retention and lower operating costs at stake, implementing successful remote management processes can clearly bring businesses huge benefits,” said John Wright, CEO of Regus Asia-Pacific.

“Given the significant surge in flexible working, it is positive news that firms are also adapting their measurement of employees to fit and are shifting the focus from an office face-time mentality to one of measuring real outputs regardless of location. One important caveat remains: while globally workers managing a remote workforce or being managed remotely are increasing, too few firms are investing in specific training which could improve the transition from fixed office workforce to mobile workforce making it even smoother and more productive,” Wright said.

香港，2015年10月22日—全球辦公空間供應商雷格斯的最新調查報告發現，在地理位置上鄰近客戶是企業成功的關鍵。調查結果指出，企業的辦事處距離客戶較近就能帶來豐厚的效益，包括提升銷量和知名度。

是次調查訪問了逾百個國家超過44,000名商務人士，當中有365位來自香港。調查結果發現，有74%的受訪者認為營運地點距離客戶較近有助企業更迅速解決客戶問題。有71%的受訪者表示，鄰近客戶可以提高顧客滿意度和回頭率。有63%的受訪者認為設有本地辦事處的企業能充分融入當地文化，因而更了解本地客戶和市場狀況。

香港受訪者的調查結果更加正面：有82%認為鄰近顧客可提升企業品牌的知名度；有78%相信鄰近客戶可以更迅速及有效回應客戶的查詢；有75%則表示，設有本地辦事處的企業更能了解客戶和市場，並且有助提升顧客忠誠度。

企業在地理位置上鄰近客戶和潛在客戶的效益：

(資料來源：2014年雷格斯調查)

該調查還列出，促使企業在鄰近客戶的地點設立辦事處的關鍵因素。香港的受訪者認為最重要的三個因素包括：員工對更佳工作與生活平衡的需求日增 (67%)；企業需要建立能夠迅速回應瞬息萬變的市場需求的團隊 (36%)，以及員工對離家較近的辦公地點的需求不斷增加 (35%)。

企業推動彈性工作模式的關鍵因素：

(資料來源：2014年雷格斯調查)

雷格斯亞太區行政總裁John Wright表示：「在鄰近客戶或潛在客戶的地點設立辦事處，對企業和客戶而言都有莫大的裨益。特別是香港這等競爭激烈的城市，客戶對於企業在迅速發送貨品、回覆查詢及處理事務方面都有極高的期望。例如若企業能迅速回應並解決問題，就可改善客戶服務質素，從而提升客戶滿意度和忠誠度。」

他總結道：「企業在距離客戶較近的位置設立辦事處不但能夠提高知名度，還能更深入了解當地市場以改善市場推廣效果。企業設立多個辦事處除了能更妥善滿足客戶的需求外，還可更廣泛納不同地區的人才，從而借助這些人才的專業知識及經驗來推動業務發展。」

Hong Kong, 22 October, 2015 – The latest research by global workplace provider Regus reveals that physical proximity to customers is key to businesses success. It highlights the fact that locations closer to customers bring bumper benefits including more sales and increased visibility.

The study, canvassing over 44,000 people from more than 100 different countries, including 365 respondents in Hong Kong, found that operating out of locations closer to their customers helps firms resolve issues faster (74%) and 71% said that customer proximity improves customer satisfaction and retention rates. 63% of respondents also believe that firms with local offices understand customers and markets better because they are steeped in the local culture.

The results from Hong Kong respondents were even more positive, with 82% feeling that operating out of locations closer to their customers can help boost brand visibility, 78% believe they can respond to customers’ enquiries more rapidly and effectively and 75% agreeing that firms with local offices understand customers and markets better and can improve customer retention rate.

Statistics on the benefits of being physically close to customers and prospects:

 (Source: Regus survey, 2014)

The survey also identified key drivers that make companies want to setting up offices close to customers. Hong Kong respondents believed that the top three are: Increasing demand for better work-life balance (67%), the need to create an agile organisation that can respond to ever-changing market (36%), increasing demand from employees to work closer to home (35%).

Additional statistics on the key drivers of flexible workings:

(Source: Regus survey, 2014)

"Setting up in locations closer to customers or prospects can bring bumper benefits to both businesses and customers. This is especially true in cities like Hong Kong where the market competition is fierce and the expectations are high among customers for speedy delivery, fast response and quick actions from businesses. Firms are able to respond faster when there is a problem, and get it solved straight away, for example. As a result, improved customer care leads to happier customers and better retention rates," said John Wright, CEO of Asia-Pacific at Regus.

"By setting up locations closer to customers' firms not only increase visibility, but also gain a clearer view of their markets. A deeper understanding of the local environment can also lead to improved marketing effectiveness, but it's not just customers that are more satisfied: branching out can also help widen the talent pool as firms attract staff in different areas and capitalise on their knowledge and experience," he added.