IWG Interview: How Work-from-Anywhere Policies Are Reshaping Employee Work-Life Balance

With the rise of flexible working models, companies are placing increasing importance on employees’ work-life balance. In International Workplace Group’s (IWG) recently released fourth annual ranking of top work-from-anywhere destinations, Bangkok was named the world’s best “workation” city, a finding that not only highlights the city’s appeal but also reflects the growing significance of work-from-anywhere policies for both businesses and employees.

The Maturation and Impact of Work-from-Anywhere Policies

According to IWG’s latest research, work-from-anywhere policies are steadily maturing, with more and more companies adopting the policy on a long-term basis to improve employees’ work-life balance. The research shows that more than half (51%) of surveyed employees said their employer already offers a work-from-anywhere policy, and its implementation has brought notable positive effects. Specifically, 90% of respondents said it improved their work-life balance, while 80% said it boosted their work efficiency.

Bangkok’s Advantages and Appeal

Bangkok has claimed the top spot in IWG’s global “workation” city ranking for the first time, underscoring its advantages as a highly cost-effective and well-connected city. For employees in Hong Kong, work-from-anywhere policies have become an effective strategy for countering high living costs. Living and rental costs in Bangkok are up to 63% lower than in Hong Kong, allowing Hong Kong employees to enjoy a different city lifestyle while maintaining their local working hours and pay.

Elevating the Quality of Flexible Workspaces

Through its portfolio of brands, including Regus, Spaces, HQ and Signature, IWG continues to raise the quality and service standards of flexible workspaces. These brands are committed to providing efficient, professional and customisable workspace solutions for businesses of different sizes and needs, helping users work efficiently in high-quality environments. IWG has around 5,000 locations worldwide and maintains offices in major cities and transport hubs, giving it exceptionally high brand recognition in the market.

Criteria for Assessing City Suitability

IWG’s top work-from-anywhere destinations ranking scores cities worldwide based on a range of criteria, including climate, broadband speed, accommodation, transport, dining, culture and the availability of flexible workspace. Now in its fourth year, the annual index has previously been topped by cities including Barcelona, Budapest and Tokyo, while Bangkok claimed the top spot for the first time in 2026, demonstrating its potential in the global workation market.

Expansion Plans for the Hong Kong Market

As companies shift towards more flexible working models, IWG is actively expanding its network in Hong Kong. In the first half of 2026, IWG will open five new centres, bringing its total to 29, and plans to open at least one new centre a month to meet market demand for hybrid working models. This expansion strategy will not only improve operational efficiency but also strengthen cross-border connectivity, driving deeper business exchange within the region.

Market Competitiveness in the Asia-Pacific Region

IWG’s market competitiveness in the Asia-Pacific region is being driven by the growing adoption of work-from-anywhere policies. The latest ranking shows that Asia-Pacific cities such as Bangkok, Tokyo and Seoul have become top “workation” cities, reflecting their strong appeal. IWG’s extensive network in these regions can effectively meet businesses’ and employees’ demand for productivity and cost efficiency, further strengthening its market position.

Future Trends in the Flexible Workspace Market

The flexible workspace market is being shaped by technological change and cost pressures, with companies increasingly inclined to convert real estate costs into flexible ones. Research shows that 65% of Gen Z employees reject long commutes and are instead moving towards “portfolio careers”, prompting companies to consider setting up decentralised locations near where employees live. IWG will continue to expand its footprint to offer a wider variety of flexible workspace options and meet market demand.

Conclusion: Reshaping the Future of Work and Life

Work-from-anywhere policies have not only improved employees’ work-life balance but also created new business opportunities for companies. IWG will continue to drive the development of this policy, helping employees find the ideal working environment in different cities. As IWG has pointed out, the adoption of work-from-anywhere policies will become an important part of future working models, allowing employees to better take control of their own time and life.