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How to take care of your remote employees in the new normal
Despite the gradual re-opening of Malaysia’s economy, many companies are continuing work-from-home arrangements as the Delta variant continues to sweep the nation. This is a set-up that looks likely to persist in the near future.
Based on a report carried out by human-resources consulting firm Randstad, 69% of workers in Malaysia want to keep working from home during the fall-out of the pandemic – the highest such statistic in the region1. This was echoed in a study by top accountants Ernst & Young (EY), with 45% of respondents stating that they might leave their job if they were not allowed to work remotely2. A poll by research and advisory firm Gartner also showed that 90% of HR leaders would let employees work remotely in some form even after widespread vaccination3.
Given the likelihood that a hybrid-working structure is here to stay, it’s imperative for SMEs to devise or strengthen their existing policies to promote employee well-being beyond the physical office. Besides showing workers that you prioritise their welfare, the following measures can boost productivity and enhance the prospect of employee retention.
Conduct regular check-ins with team members
While your workforce may be separated, employees shouldn’t feel siloed. According to a Malaysia-based study by recruitment specialists Robert Walters, 29% of respondents cited social isolation as a key frustration of working from home, while 44% reported that having fewer meetings and less physical interaction with colleagues was a leading contributor to decreased productivity4. A lack of regular, individual check-ins between managers and employees can also lead to workers feeling disengaged5.
To keep your workforce connected, managers should schedule frequent, virtual one-on-one meetings to discuss current projects, establish development goals and determine whether your workers need additional support. They can also organise online group activities – such as team-building games or a weekly social hour – to build camaraderie and boost morale.
Maintain flexibility with schedules and working hours
For some employees, remote working offers the ideal, distraction-free, time-saving formula for increased productivity. Besides eliminating their commute, working from home may provide a quieter environment for optimal concentration, while also making it less likely that they’ll be pulled into non-essential meetings.
However, this isn’t true for everyone – especially for those sharing their home space. Some may have to juggle their job with taking care of younger children or parents who live with them. To support these employees, and show understanding and empathy, managers can consider implementing flexible working hours.
Such policies can also benefit your bottom line. In a separate survey by Gartner, 43% of respondents cited flexible working hours as the main reason for greater productivity while working from home, with 64% looking favourably on positions that allowed for such flexibility6.
Equip your employees with good technological resources
For workers to carry out their duties at a high level, they’ll need high-quality tools that enable them to do so. Given companies’ increased reliance on digital technology, it’s critical to furnish them with the necessary technological resources.
According to a further study by EY, 84% of employees wanted better digital tools7. Yet another EY report found that almost half of respondents would like their companies to upgrade their at-home hardware, such as monitors and headsets, and also to be reimbursed for high-speed internet and phone expenses8.
Besides the right hardware, supplying high-quality software, such as video-conferencing and project-management tools, is also important. This can allow for greater organisational efficiency, as well as enhanced productivity and communication between team members9.
Promote a healthy work-life balance – and lead by example
In pre-pandemic times, leaving the office allowed employees to draw a clear physical boundary between work and the rest of their lives. But work-from-home arrangements have blurred these lines.
Studies have shown that some employees now face a daily workload of up to two hours more per day than before the pandemic10. Malaysians have also reported working more outside regular office hours than they did pre-COVID 19, including the obligation to put in extra time during the weekends and conducting work-related correspondence11.
Such conditions can take a toll on employees’ physical and mental health, and lead to stress, anxiety, burn-out and job dissatisfaction12. As a leader, you can encourage your employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance by unplugging at an appropriate time – and walking the talk by doing the same.
Take care of your workers with UOB employee benefits
With the pandemic still ongoing, healthcare is undoubtedly at the top of everyone’s minds. To protect your workers, you can sign up for UOB’s Employee Benefits, a Banca insurance coverage plan, which offers a comprehensive range of cost-effective plans for your business. These include group-term life policies, as well as group-hospitalisation and surgical plans so that your employees get the protection they need in case of a medical emergency.
By providing health insurance as part of your benefits package, you show employees that they are a key part of your organisation and that you prioritise their well-being. This can help with attracting and retaining talent13, while also providing tax advantages for your business.
Your employees are your greatest asset. With Banca, UOB’s comprehensive Employee Benefits insurance scheme, you can secure their protection – and your company’s future. Contact us today to find out more.
