Savvy landlords would be smart to look to Singapore and Shanghai—both markets known for domestic space constraints—as they consider strategies to woo workers back to the office post-COVID.

A new research report from Cushman & Wakefield notes that the cities stand out for their innovation in creation of office pods, easily accessible rentable spaces based on a pay-as-you-go or subscription model. Pods have sprung up in both urban and suburban areas, allowing working professionals the flexibility to choose where they work—whether close to home, clients, or colleagues. And while this trend has been focused in Asia thus far, it could well find a niche in the US market, adding yet another choice for office-using companies. 

 Singapore-based Switch calls its pods the "world's first workplace on-demand platform," and currently boasts more than 30 locations in properties including retail malls, hotels, offices and co-working spaces. Similarly, Shanghai property development firm Shui On has incorporated an office pod concept within their managed spaces, and the Cushman report notes that the company's pods are being used for an average of 4.3 hours per day, which includes weekends. And as COVID-19 continues to upend nearly every notion of working in the modern age, "the idea of an on-demand conveniently located office pod seems like a compelling opportunity," the report notes. "It offers optimal conditions for productivity, as well as the mental and physical health benefits of getting out of the home environment when working remotely. Users can also benefit from simple reservation and pod access through a mobile application, ensuring a frictionless experience."