Hybrid working set to stay among Malaysians, says Robert Walters

 

As Malaysia continues towards a Covid-19 endemic path, hybrid working is set to stay as Malaysians brace themselves for rising cases and regular adjustments to work and play.

This sensible decision follows solid productivity increases during the pandemic. But while productivity may have gone up, many employees report feeling anxious and burned out.

Robert Walters Malaysia and Philippines country head Kimberlyn Lu said some 41 per cent of Malaysia's employees said their overall productivity to be higher when they are working from home (WFH).

The number is the highest among all Southeast Asia respondents (the overall average is 38 per cent).

Lu said while professionals in Malaysia enjoy greater flexibility in the comfort of their homes, they are also more distracted, less socially engaged, and have to make do without a proper office set-up.

"Yet almost the same number of Malaysian respondents (38 per cent) said that their overall productivity has not changed when they work from the office (WFO).

"Key reasons cited by Malaysia respondents against accepting a fully remote or location independent role include the sense of belonging and inclusion from an office environment (62 per cent) and face to face interaction with colleagues (57 per cent),

"Meanwhile, 52 per cent of Malaysia respondents opined that a fully remote or location independent role will be detrimental to work-life balance," she told the New Straits Times in an interview.

Lu said the recent survey done by the company showed the professionals' dilemma whether to work from home, from the office or adopt a hybrid model.

She said employers need to provide opportunities for employees such as providing an upskilling and developing soft skills in order for them to be innovative and ensure that productivity is maintained.

"It is also important that they support their employees' mental well-being, which is a significant factor in retaining talent," she said.

According to Lu, a hybrid working environment is not one size fits all and it only suits certain businesses and practices. 

Thus, she said it is really important for people to clearly identify what function in their business can be done remotely or need physical attendance.

"My general thought is that many companies have realised that hybrid working can work.

"But this is subject to business making some internal adjustment weather in the infrastructure, tools and digitalisation," she said.

In terms of the future of work, she said most employees would expect a certain level of flexibility from their employers.

"Our survey has shown that up to 44 per cent of Malaysians will outright reject a job if there is no flexibility involved.

"If the company says its absolute 100 per cent WFO, maybe four out of 10 candidates might reject the job offer which is sad for potential employees because you lose out on potential talent.

"Generally Malaysians are not too demanding, I think some flexibility is shown by the company who has a more progressive mindset of an organisation and it is an organisation that has tools, trust its people which goes a really long way for hiring and retention," she added.

Source:

https://www.nst.com.my/business/2021/10/737470/hybrid-working-set-stay-among-malaysians-says-robert-walters