Post-pandemic, the work-from-home (WFH) model has become a significant priority for employees, presenting challenges for human resource (HR) professionals who are attempting to find an equilibrium between remote and in-office work arrangements.
Despite the insistence of senior executives across various sectors in India on the necessity of returning to the office, the hybrid workplace model continues to prevail. Recruiters have noted that nearly 50 percent of job seekers inquire about remote work possibilities at the outset of the hiring process. The emphasis on WFH has intensified, with HR professionals facing difficulties in balancing remote and traditional office work.
Ongoing Demand for Flexibility
As offices begin to reopen, the appetite for hybrid or entirely remote positions remains strong. Daya Prakash, the founder of Talent On Lease, a technology recruitment platform, stated, “In the current landscape, a significant portion of the workforce prefers to work from home. At my organization, we have adopted a flexible approach. However, if given the option, over 50 percent of employees would opt for WFH instead of working from the office.”
The company has established a hybrid model allowing employees to work three days in the office and two days remotely, he noted.
Employee Preference for Hybrid Models
Supporting Prakash’s perspective, Sudipta Biswas, head of people at the study-abroad platform Leverage Edu, mentioned that nearly half of his employees would choose a WFH arrangement if available. Nonetheless, he pointed out that many new hires are keen to immerse themselves in the company culture and experience the office environment directly.
Challenges in the IT Sector
The Indian information technology services sector has been particularly vocal regarding the difficulties associated with encouraging employees to return to the office. The reluctance of employees to come back has prompted several companies to implement policies that link attendance to penalties and other measures.
The Shift Towards Office Employment
Sachin Tiwari, the HR head at the ecommerce hyperlocal startup magicpin, indicated that the organization is predominantly transitioning to an office-based work model. “At present, 80 percent of our workforce is in the office, while 20 percent, primarily in technology, sales, and product sectors, are working remotely. Among those whose roles allow for remote work, 5-10 percent express a preference for continuing to work from home,” he stated.
Employee Demand for Flexibility
A 2023 survey conducted by job portal Indeed reveals that Indian workers are not inclined to revert to the pre-pandemic norm of five days a week in the office. The report highlighted that two-thirds of Indian professionals prioritize flexibility as the foremost criterion in their job searches.
Evolving Preferences of Job Seekers
Ankit Jhamb, the chief learning officer at Grant Thornton Bharat LLP, noted that currently, 30-50 percent of the workforce has chosen to work from home, while the remainder provides client support from their offices as required.
The desire for flexibility extends beyond current employees, as job seekers increasingly emphasize this aspect, frequently inquiring about remote work possibilities early in the recruitment process.
Candidates’ Expectations for Flexibility
Neha Mathur, senior vice-president of people success at Urban Company, a provider of at-home services, remarked, “Candidates now expect flexibility, particularly in terms of hybrid work arrangements. Approximately 20-30 percent of applicants indicate a preference for remote work.”
The Role of Office Spaces in Fostering Collaboration
While flexible work arrangements have become essential for companies aiming to attract and retain talent in a competitive landscape, HR professionals assert that office environments foster collaboration and innovation.
“Many individuals working off-site or in hybrid models miss the chance to interact with colleagues and benefit from intellectual engagement with peers,” Biswas added.
Innovation Flourishes in the Workplace
“At Urban Company, our employees excel in the office setting. It has become clear that for innovation, collaboration, and productivity, the workplace serves as a supportive and stimulating environment,” stated Mathur.
Enhancing the Hybrid Approach
Jhamb further noted that his organization is actively working to enhance the hybrid model, with the goal of transforming offices into collaborative spaces that foster networking and strengthen professional relationships.
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