Employees want flexible working policies in a post-COVID 19 world. Randstad Malaysia today released the latest Workmonitor survey, revealing that 48% of respondents prefer a combination of working from home and the office after the pandemic. A further 14% of respondents want to work from home permanently.
The Randstad Workmonitor survey highlights the greatest concerns and challenges candidates are facing in the employment market. The survey was conducted in October across 34 markets around the world, with a minimum of 400 respondents in each market.
don’t lose your culture after you offer hybrid work arrangements
Flexible work arrangements can help reduce stress levels and boost morale as employees are able to find a way to strike a balance between their work and personal lives. However, remote working can cost the organisation its culture as it can be difficult to foster relationships and build the dynamic and energy required for effective collaborations.
Organisations will need to take small steps towards defining their workforce strategy and arrangements that retains its culture while meeting employees’ expectations in the new normal work environment.
In response to the pandemic, many employers have sped up on building their technology capabilities so that they can equip their staff with adequate hardware and software to enable remote working. 82% of respondents feel they have the equipment and technology to deal with the digitalisation in their job.
physical and mental health plays an instrumental role in work-life balance
81% of respondents felt that their employer is supporting them mentally and emotionally through the pandemic. This sentiment is slightly lower among the mature workers, with 74% of respondents aged 45 to 54 years old feeling supported by their employers.
Limited social interactions and heightened fears about the virus can raise serious mental health issues. This could also be exacerbated by the blurring lines between work and life, which for remote workers may result in what feels like a long continuous day which could lead to burnout.
There is hence an increased expectation for employers to address rising mental health issues. Ensuring good mental and physical health is an organisation-wide effort.
Employees need to raise the issues they face so that HR teams can invest in the right programmes and healthcare packages to boost employees’ well-being. For example, the younger generation can be involved in driving mental health awareness campaigns to destigmatize it and encourage more of their colleagues and peers to speak out.
1 in 3 respondents wishes that their employers would provide employee assistance programmes post-COVID-19. One in two respondents expects their employers to have good health policies and safety protocols (52%) and access to health insurance (51%).
want to know more insights about the employment and job market?
Randstad conducts the Workmonitor survey to explore the changes in candidates’ expectations and challenges twice a year to help employers manage their talent attraction and employee engagement strategies.
Besides Workmonitor surveys, our recruitment consultants at Randstad Malaysia also regularly prepare market maps and surveys to keep ourselves up-to-date with the latest talent movements and workforce trends. Connect with us if you want to know more about what’s happening in your space.