HR Policy Global recently conducted a survey of its members with operations in Asia-Pacific regarding post-Covid workplace arrangements. The results indicate a significant shift in employer expectations regarding where work is done.
Prior to Covid, 64% of members required all employees to work from a physical location; working from home was only undertaken on an ad-hoc basis. Post-Covid, this figure dropped dramatically to 6%. Likewise, pre-Covid, 33% of employers offered work location flexibility to some employees – now, this number has risen to 72%.
While around 60% of companies have implemented a three-day in-office/two-day at home model, one-third have adopted more business-unique or individually negotiated arrangements. Most organizations have hybrid policies or guidelines in place; while half the companies are satisfied with employee compliance, the remainder have mixed experiences or are not reviewing compliance. Most companies have no plans to change their current model; however, those planning to do so are considering less flexibility.
Companies continue to report challenges in applying consistent policies and practices across countries and business units. Social and economic factors, such as commute time and energy costs, continue to influence employee willingness to return to the office. Both the survey and recent discussion at HR Policy Global’s Asia Pacific Members Summit identify the need for employers to articulate the reason and value to engage employees in office-based work.
HR Policy Global members can access the full survey results and upcoming results from other regions.