MAJORITY of employees in Southeast Asia (SEA) are considering quitting their jobs if not given the flexibility as to when and where they work after the pandemic, according to a survey by Ernst & Young (EY) Global Limited.
The EY 2021 Work Reimagines Employee Survey revealed that nine in 10 SEA employees seek work flexibility, which is a deal breaker for 60 percent of them if not provided post-pandemic.
“Given the choice between two jobs, their preferences were evenly split: 49 percent would choose flexibility in when they work and 48 percent would choose flexibility in where they work,” the survey noted.
EY shared that employees, on average, want to work two to three days remotely after the pandemic, with 35 percent of them even wanting to have a shorter working week.
Majority or 32 percent of the respondents prefer to work anywhere, 29 percent wants to have full-time remote work and some 23 percent seeks hybrid work arrangement. Only 15 percent wants to work in office full time.
“Organizations need to understand the ‘new normal’ has not only impacted the way people work, but in fact the very concept of how they can work…. Organizations will now need to include workforce transformation strategies in their post-pandemic planning,” said Lisa Escaler, People Advisory Services—Workforce Advisory Leader for SGV, a Philippine member firm of EY.
The survey concluded that remote working amid the mobility restrictions has been “broadly positive.” Over half of the respondents claimed their organizational culture improved while 31 percent said it has worsened.
Among the observed changes include “meeting/email-free” times for the company, setting aside time for individual or focused work, implementing clear working hours to allow work-life balance, using productivity tools and reducing meeting periods.
“Employers that promote hybrid work arrangements and provide the flexibility for employees to work anywhere and anytime, are ahead of the curve,” said Tan Lay Keng, EY Asean People Advisory Services Leader. “These employers are likely to have better employee attraction, retention and satisfaction in the long run, which could positively impact the business.”
Tech investments
Meanwhile, EY also highlighted the need to increase technology investments on the part of the companies amid work-from-anywhere arrangements. The demand, the multinational professional services firm said, is coming from both on-site and home office.
Majority or 73 percent of the respondents want better technology in the workplace, including faster internet and videoconferencing. Some 52 percent said they want companies to upgrade at-home hardware while 51 percent sought reimbursement for internet and phone expenses.
“Employers will need to constantly review their employee engagement strategies, the impact of employee sentiments on culture and productivity, and the technological investments that are needed to sustain an optimized in-person, hybrid and digital work experience,” the EY official concluded.