Stephen Koss, EY Asia-Pacific Workforce Advisory Leader
Over half of APAC employees are likely to quit their current role post-pandemic if they are not offered continued flexibility in where and when they work, according to the 2021 EY Work Reimagined Employee Survey. Although currently limited by the pandemic, the movement of talent can still be seen. However, different discussions are now taking place around the attractiveness of companies based on how they responded to the pandemic. Flexibility is a factor that many jobseekers would not have considered a couple of years ago, but it is now an essential element for talent when seeking new roles.
“The next frontier is a hybrid working model and there are many organisations struggling with this."
Stephen Koss, EY Asia-Pacific Workforce Advisory Leader, noted, “The next frontier is a hybrid working model, and there are many organisations struggling with this. Our Survey shows how important it is now for companies to get this right. In some cases, a ‘new deal’ will need to be formed between employers and employees around the ongoing expectations around flexibility, and requirements for work.”
The Survey also revealed that, given a choice between flexibility in work location and work hours, 87% of employees prefer flexibility in when they work, and 88% would like flexibility in where they work. Even so, most expect a full return to the office after the pandemic. There is more of an in-office culture in countries like China and Japan, where face-to-face interactions are valued.
Koss noted, “The changes companies will make from hybrid working, and the degree of flexibility offered to employees, will help to define their employment brand for years to come. This will impact their ability to source and retain talent.”
Employees are continually evaluating the attractiveness of employers based on how they responded to the pandemic and their role in promoting well-being. Employees tend to respond best when leaders demonstrate their own humanity by being empathetic and demonstrating care for their people. Koss highlighted the need for greater understanding between employers and employees as to what exactly was meant by the term ‘flexibility’ when it comes to working arrangements. The Survey revealed that 48% of employees globally and in APAC state their organisational culture has changed and improved over the COVID-19 pandemic; however, just under one-third believe it has worsened.
In addition to better technology in the office, employees are calling for companies to invest in at-home technology for greater productivity when working remotely. Almost half say they want companies to upgrade at-home hardware, such as extra monitors and headsets, and 47% would like reimbursement for internet and phone expenses. Koss summarised, “Keeping our focus on what humans need to perform at their best and taking a more empathetic approach will help improve the well-being of staff and productivity. It will also enable companies to define the organisational changes to strengthen resilience and improve performance across the enterprise.”
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
