THE pandemic has greatly shifted employee expectations, with many seeing the benefits of work-from-home (WFH) or hybrid arrangements. However, their expectations have come against employers who remain steadfast in their belief that the traditional work-from-office (WFO) model is still the best.
A post on X (formerly Twitter) on this very subject sparked a heated discussion with user Farid Affy (@faridaffy) claiming that recent research involving 1612 random subjects shows no drop in productivity when allowed to WFH twice a week. (The research, however, is not cited).
His damning observation was that employers who refused such hybrid work arrangements simply did not trust their staff. The poster also outlined the differences between ‘hybrid’ and ‘remote’ work.
The post has generated 346.2k views and elicited many responses.This is a sample of what is being said.
Many agreed that WFH or hybrid work did not affect productivity.
Some pointed out that many MNCs already practice this, with obvious benefits for all.
A few chipped in that their own companies were very flexible, and this has not in any way jeopardised productivity.
Another netizen backed the poster up with further research from an academic journal.
While some groused that some companies have used every excuse possible to deny workers this privilege.
While another scathingly commented that many local employers have zero trust in their employees, citing offices loaded with CCTVs.
With another saying bosses who don’t allow WFH or hybrids are usually that despised breed of micromanagers.
Many pointed to the convenience factor. There is no need for ‘sick days’ or to waste countless hours on the road.
The poster did say there were plenty of WFH and hybrid work opportunities if one knew where to look. He even shared a platform for interested workers to drop their CVs.
It is hoped that more employers will see the many benefits of WFH or hybrid work arrangements, allowing for better work-life balance. It should be kept in mind that happy employees translate into loyalty as well as productivity.
It’s a win-win situation. – June 23, 2024
