The hybrid workforce in Asia is becoming more prevalent in today’s business world. During the pandemic, companies began to realize the benefits of combining remote and in-person work to create a more flexible and efficient workforce for the future. With the rise of technology, it is easier than ever to connect with colleagues and clients worldwide. After the pandemic many employers were taken by surprise, because they believed they could order employees back to the office, only to find resistance. This has led to a more permanent shift in the traditional 9-5 office model, and many companies are embracing the hybrid approach to work. Different work models are emerging, including flex work, flex work schedules, and flex place. The evolving hybrid workforce models being employed in Asia are in response to the post-pandemic employees requiring more than good pay and benefits. They want work-life balance, flexibility, well-being, and to feel happy about their working conditions.
Changing Preferences of the Younger Workforce
A survey by The Center for Creative Leadership of business leaders in 13 Asia-Pacific countries found that nearly twice as many companies had adopted the hybrid work model since the pre-pandemic timeframe. However, the survey also found that 56% of employers did not have a vision of what their organization’s hybrid work model would look like over the long term. Some employers still believed the preferred model is the hybrid work model called “Hybrid, Office-First, ” which requires employees to spend most of their work time on-site. In other words, employers are struggling to keep up with people’s changing expectations about work, because most employees today want more flexibility in work and work schedules, but also be offered opportunities to connect with coworkers. It is a highly challenging time for employers adapting to new workforce concepts.
There is a lot of “testing” going on currently, as employers try to establish a suitable hybrid work model for their organization. The various models of remote working, such as flex work, flex time, and flex place, are being adopted by companies across the region to accommodate the changing needs of their employees. Flex work allows employees to work from home or other remote locations part-time or full-time while maintaining a connection to the office. Flex time, on the other hand, will enable employees to set their own schedules as long as they meet the required work hours. Flex place is a model that allows employees to work from any location, as long as they have access to the necessary technology and tools.
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