Due to a multitude of factors, such as the pandemic and ever-evolving societal norms, the landscape of work has undergone a significant transformation and continues to evolve as the days go by. The days of businesses operating exclusively onsite—save for a select few requiring complete physical presence—are largely behind us. Instead, many organizations now embrace remote or hybrid work setups.
Cisco's survey reveals that the Philippines ranks second in the Asia-Pacific region in terms of employers mandating a full return to the office post-pandemic, with 46% of companies requiring in-person work for productivity reasons. India leads with 49%, while Taiwan is the most progressive, with only 13 percent mandating office returns.
The survey indicates that 65%of regional companies believe office work boosts productivity and facilitates team communication and leadership response. However, there's a growing preference for hybrid work, especially among new-generation talents.
In the Philippines, over a third of employers anticipate the rise of hybrid workers within two years, citing benefits to well-being, savings, and productivity. Yet, there are concerns about office readiness for this shift, with only half of Filipino employees feeling their workplace is prepared for hybrid setups.
Employees are advocating for workspace reorganization and digital tool upgrades both in-office and at home to meet post-pandemic work needs. Cisco surveyed 7,550 workers and 1,650 employers across Asia-Pacific, focusing on the risks and opportunities of hybrid work.
Different Work-Setups
While individuals may have strong preferences regarding their work environment, what they most truly desire is the flexibility afforded by these varied setups. The challenges posed by the pandemic not only tested our resilience but also unveiled opportunities for the future of work. We discovered that productivity can thrive outside traditional office settings, with many individuals achieving optimal performance from the comfort of their homes.
Additionally, the global nature of remote work has opened doors to talent from diverse geographical locations, allowing organizations to tap into a pool of skilled professionals worldwide who can match or exceed the capabilities of local team members.
According to FlexJobs, having a flexible work setup provides several benefits to employees AND employers.
Here are six benefits of offering workplace flexibility:
Final Thoughts
Finding a balance between company interests and employee preferences is key. Taking the time to listen to your employees' wishes or acknowledge their unique circumstances enables you to foster a positive work environment that benefits all stakeholders involved.
A happy and comfortable workforce is more inclined to go the extra mile, contributing to overall productivity and success.