Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Reports & Indices
Why in News?
Mumbai has emerged as the only Indian city featured in the 4th annual Work from Anywhere (WFA) Index 2026 released by the International Workplace Group (IWG).
Key Highlights & Findings
- Mumbai's Strengths - The city scored strongly on transportation costs, availability of co-working and flexible workspaces, climate, and accommodation.
- Areas for Improvement - Mumbai received lower comparative scores for broadband speed & quality, availability of local events, and the happiness index.
- Flexible Workspace Growth in India
- India scored 100 on the global flexible workspace maturity index (per Cushman & Wakefield data cited in the report), outperforming the UK (98), France (97), and the US (81).
- India is the largest flexible office market in the Asia-Pacific region, with total stock across top cities projected to cross 100 million square feet.
- Global Remote Work Trends
- 51% of surveyed professionals reported that their employers offer a formal "Work from Anywhere" policy.
- 90% stated WFA improved their work-life balance, while 80% reported enhanced productivity.
Global Rankings Comparison
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Rank / Category
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City & Country
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Total Score
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Key Highlights
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1st Place
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Bangkok (Thailand)
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106.5
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Global leader in overall workcation appeal, climate, and affordability.
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2nd Place
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Tokyo (Japan)
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96.5
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High scores in transport, digital infrastructure, and culture.
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3rd Place
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Barcelona (Spain)
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95.5
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Top European destination for remote professionals and co-working hubs.
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Top 5
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Porto & Vancouver
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—
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Praised for high living standards, safety, and workspace coverage.
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Sole Indian City
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Mumbai (India)
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77.0
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Outranked London and Miami; strong in co-working access & transport costs.
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About the Work from Anywhere (WFA) Index
- Published by - International Workplace Group (IWG), a global provider of hybrid and flexible workspace solutions.
- Edition – 4th Annual Edition (2026).
- Evaluation Parameters - Evaluates global cities across key indicators to measure suitability for remote work ("workcations"):
- Climate & Environmental Comfort
- Broadband Speed & Internet Reliability
- Accommodation Cost & Availability
- Transport Infrastructure & Affordability
- Food, Dining, & Lifestyle Options
- Cultural Appeal & Local Events
- Availability of Flexible Workspaces / Co-working Hubs
- Happiness Index & Overall Quality of Life
Reference
Times of India | Work from Anywhere Index
