Agoda, a digital travel platform, has opened its new office in Bangkok, covering an area of 26,000 square meters within the One Bangkok project. This marks one of the largest and most prominent corporate workspace developments in Thailand in recent years. The 7-story campus has been delivered by the Project & Development Services (PDS) team at JLL Thailand, reflecting a significant shift in the design, construction, and utilization of office spaces in the modern work environment.

When Workplace Strategies Align with the Expectations of Modern Employees

In an era where quality personnel expect more than just a workspace, Agoda's new campus has been designed to meet employee needs based on JLL's research. The Workforce Preference Barometer report, which surveyed over 8,700 employees worldwide, found that 66% of office workers operate under a clear Hybrid Work policy, while 72% believe that such policies positively impact their work when supported by an effective and pleasant work environment.

This new campus spans 7 floors within One Bangkok Tower 5, elevating the traditional office concept by integrating focused work areas, collaborative spaces, and lifestyle amenities into a cohesive work environment that connects all aspects of usage. This approach aligns with JLL's Workforce Preference Barometer findings, which indicate that employees desire workplaces that offer flexibility, diverse working options, and support both productivity and quality of life. To reflect these needs, Agoda's new office features key highlights including:

  • Massage areas staffed by visually impaired individuals to promote employee wellness.
  • Multipurpose activity spaces for Pilates, yoga, and various exercise activities.
  • A Social Pantry area with a barista-level coffee corner designed as a meeting point for employees, fostering idea exchange and collaboration in a friendly atmosphere.
  • Mother's rooms and facilities that cater to the diverse needs of all employee groups.

"This new office reflects the evolution of Agoda's workplace strategy, growing alongside employee needs and changing collaborative work styles," said Javier Gomez, Director of Real Estate and Workplace Services. "The core of the project is to create a work environment that truly reflects Agoda's culture and values while promoting both productivity and employee wellness, alongside addressing practical daily usage. Our team will be able to continue developing world-class technology and providing excellent travel experiences for users, while this workplace is designed to be a vital support for employees throughout their workday."

18 Months to Create the Workplace of the Future

The transformation of this space took 18 months and officially opened on April 1, 2023. The project required close coordination between two contractors and various stakeholders, with the Project & Development Services (PDS) team at JLL responsible for project management and delivery to ensure design consistency and adherence to quality control standards throughout the project.

"Today, workplaces are no longer just spaces for work; they are a crucial factor in attracting, retaining, and creating positive experiences for personnel," said Krith Pimthayawut, Managing Director for Thailand and Head of Investment Services at JLL Thailand. "The JLL Workforce Preference Barometer report indicates that work-life balance has become the top priority for 65% of employees. Today's expectations are no longer limited to compensation or traditional workplace formats. Agoda's project is a clear example of responding to these changes and demonstrates that systematic project execution can transform employee expectations into a work environment that genuinely enhances both quality of life and work efficiency."

Integrating Sustainability into Every Element

Environmental sustainability is at the heart of this project, with the office space equipped with LED lighting systems and smart sensors, water-saving fixtures, and environmentally friendly materials such as recycled wood and coffee grounds. Additionally, over 95% of the furniture is sourced from within an 800-kilometer radius to reduce transportation impacts, and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are utilized to support renewable energy use and minimize environmental impacts from office operations.

The One Bangkok project has received LEED for Neighborhood Development (ND) Platinum certification, reinforcing its status as one of the most sustainable mixed-use projects in Southeast Asia, setting a new standard for modern workplaces.

Insights from JLL's Workforce Preference Barometer report reflect a broad trend of change, indicating that modern offices are no longer defined by the number of desks and density of space, but by their ability to accommodate diverse working styles and interactions effectively throughout the day. This shift has led organizations to prioritize integrated space design, ensuring that usable areas, functions, and user experiences are seamlessly connected and work together efficiently.

"The challenge of a project of this scale lies not in the size of the space but in the ability to manage and control the quality of every element to work together systematically," said Stephen Taylor, Managing Director of Project Management, Design, and Construction at JLL Thailand. "Our role is to ensure that multiple contractors working across several floors of the building can deliver a cohesive and continuous work environment in all dimensions, rather than just a collection of disconnected spaces."

This project marks the first collaboration between JLL Thailand and Agoda and is one of the largest office space project management assignments that JLL Thailand has received in the past year.

For more information about JLL's project management, design, and construction services, please visit https://www.jll.com/en-sea/services/project-management.