Majority Workers Want Flexible Working Policies Post COVID-19

Even amid the pandemic, many workers remain productive as ever and many believe it is because of flexible working policies.

Team collaboration has also reached new heights, thanks to remote technology such as Zoom and Hangouts. 

That’s what recent research said. Three out of four respondents agree or strongly agree that they are collaborating effectively with coworkers in the current environment, which is an increase of 10% compared to pre-COVID-19 period. 73% of respondents believe that companies should embrace flexible working policies.

"It's imperative to recognise that the workplace will no longer be a single location, but an ecosystem of a variety of locations and experiences to support convenience, functionality and employee wellbeing," said Brett White, CEO of global real estate firm, Cushman & Wakefield.

"That said, we expect current real estate footprint sizes to remain steady. Flexible working practices may result in fewer people in the office at any one time, but that space-saving is offset by the need to accommodate social distancing in the office."

Some believe that remote working negatively affects corporate culture and learning.

Staying productive at home

Remote working may soon be a permanent element, but results also say that human connection and social bonding are suffering, negatively affecting corporate culture and learning. Slightly more than half of the respondents feel in touch with their colleagues in the work-from-home environment.

Carol Wong, Director of Workplace Delivery, Asia Pacific also said, "The results for APAC are similar to the rest of the world in that employees in this region are also finding themselves to be as equally or more productive when working from home.

"However, given the cultural diversity in the Asia Pacific, it is important for organisations to take a 'glocal' approach (appropriately apply global trends locally) in designing the future of their workplaces. Individual cultural nuances, as well as employees’ readiness for change, have to be considered to maintain or enhance employees' experience and engagement levels." 

Jonathan Wei, head of occupier services, China at Cushman & Wakefield said: "Flexibility is accelerating in China.

"By adopting a data-driven, evidence-based approach companies can develop innovative strategies that support a combination of office-based and remote working to leverage success and manage challenges."

This research is conducted by Cushman & Wakefield. The company collected responses from more than 40,000 people to understand their views on work-from-home experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source: Human Resources Online

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