New joint research from Savills flexible office specialist Workthere and property investment and development company, Great Portland Estates plc (GPE), highlights the continued importance of location, transport connectivity and Wi-Fi quality in shaping London’s flexible office market. The London Flex Market Report, which is based on insights from 2,000 office workers and explores the key drivers of workplace satisfaction, ranging from location and commuting preferences to productivity, wellbeing, and daily habits, found that 84% of respondents view transport links as critical, ranking just behind WiFi quality (86%).
The findings also confirmed that commuting preferences remain a decisive factor in workplace satisfaction. The average desired commute time is 34 minutes, with most workers expecting no more than 10 minutes between transport hubs and their final destination. Satisfaction peaks when total commute times fall within the 31–45 minute range, highlighting the continued importance of well-connected, centrally located flex spaces in attracting and retaining talent.
When asked about preferred locations in London, respondents were clear that the City, West End, Southwark and King’s Cross were favourites. The report identifies a ‘satisfaction gap’ to demonstrate the disconnect between where workers want to be based and where they actually are. All central London locations reported a positive satisfaction gap of over 10%, indicating pent up demand in these locations, which could present an opportunity for flex office providers to capitalise on this imbalance.
The research also highlights that, whilst location is key, the quality of public transport connections is a defining factor in office appeal. The research confirms that connectivity is a top priority for workers, with the Elizabeth line, London’s newest and most advanced rail line, rated as the most desirable for commuting.
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“We recognise that office location is key with close proximity to public transport a must. Offices must ‘earn the commute’ for our customers and accordingly, we only operate best-in-class workspaces in prime central locations with 94% of our portfolio within walking distance to an Elizabeth line station.”
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“Whilst it is not necessarily surprising to see location as an important factor for office workers as it has always been a key consideration, the survey results underline its continued significance and its now inextricable link with connectivity in creating a happy environment for workers that offers the provision of various commuting options and services that facilitate efficient and accessible travel within the city.
“As a market highly characterised by its focus on amenity and hospitality, it is essential that flex office providers continue to recognise that getting the basics right in terms of location and connectivity will be fundamental to their success.”
