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The new normal for work will include a focus on human capital, with companies already taking steps to better support employees during this period, according to a survey conducted yesterday by global professional services firm Aon.
Protecting people ranked first on the list of future priorities for almost all companies surveyed here, while 21 percent of respondents said they are already providing a temporary increase in sick leave fees to help the personal during this crisis.
The survey was conducted as part of a comprehensive study of trends in the workplace in a post-coronavirus world.
A total of 1,970 companies worldwide responded to the survey conducted from April 28 to May 1, with 375 respondents from Singapore.
“Business leaders in Singapore are grappling with challenges that affect every aspect of their organization,” said Alexander Krasavin, regional trade chief for Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa at Aon.
“They must make well-considered decisions about returning to the workplace that will protect not only their balance sheets but also their people.”
He added: “The human capital decisions companies make now will shape the future of work and indeed their organizations.”
Protecting people in terms of ensuring their health, safety and well-being while they return to work amid the virus outbreak emerged as the top priority for 89 percent of companies surveyed in Singapore.
Supporting business continuity was vital for 83% of them.
Companies are already looking for ways to put people first, implementing improved measures to support employees.
About 76 percent of respondents here said they are providing flexibility in work schedules for employees with children, while 54 percent are also allowing staff to use sick leave for coronavirus-related issues, in addition than what the government requires.
About a quarter of companies are also providing payments as needed or equipment purchases to help staff work from home.
“Some of (work-from-home practices) were painful when we started, but then companies see that somehow working from home and flexible arrangements really work better,” Krasavin said.
“Remote work will remain with us for some time. Business continuity plans will continue, as established by government regulations and also by the rules of multinational corporations in various regions.
“Companies are taking this very seriously.”
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1,970
Number of companies worldwide that responded to the survey conducted between April 28 and May 1: 375 were from Singapore.
76%
Respondents here who said they are providing flexibility in work schedules for staff with children.
54%
Respondents who are allowing employees to use sick leave for coronavirus-related matters, in addition to what the government demands.
About 32 percent of respondents here said they need to review operations and are even considering long-term restructuring of their operations and workforce.
Krasavin said: “There is an evolution from a micro-management style of work to a more ‘laissez-faire’ approach where people receive tasks and goals, but can manage their own schedules.”
He also noted that long-term flexibility also helps open up job opportunities for other previously neglected groups, such as new mothers or retirees who can join the workforce if they work from home.
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