WFH policy in the Philippines spurs demand for office spaces

The Philippine government’s decision to allow a blanket WFH arrangement for firms in the information technology-business process management (IT-BPM) has spurred demand for office spaces in provinces which have been formerly overlooked.

Tricia Pacete, Market Analyst for Office Services-Landlord, Colliers Philippines, said, “Many registered business enterprises are now seen to expand their office footprint outside Metro Manila and fast-track the setup of their operations in the provinces, long been seen as an untapped resource for business process outsourcing (BPO) players talent-wise.”

“Now with the mandate to implement WFH setups, BPOs are chasing after talents who prefer to settle back in their hometowns.”

So far, Cebu remains the top provincial destination favoured by BPOs, recording around 34,000 sqm of office transactions, followed by Davao (21,000 sqm), and Pampanga (9,000 sqm). When asked about their motivation for choosing provincial locations, most of these BPO companies cited expansions and relocations as the reasons.

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“The strategy of BPO companies is definitely changing. With BPO employees choosing WFH setup and choosing to stay in their provinces, companies are now seeking to take advantage of this scenario and are diversifying their work sites and opening offices in different locations outside Metro Manila,” Pacete commented, reported Philstar Global.