Employees demand flexibility at work post-Covid: EY report

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Smooth work transition to the ‘new normal’ could be a huge challenge for companies in a post-Covid world. Employees now demand greater flexibility at the workplace and may even consider quitting if not satisfied, the latest survey from EY on workplaces showed.

Over 16,000 employees across 16 countries, multiple industries and job roles, including 496 employees from India were covered for the EY 2021 Work Reimagined Employee Survey. Millennials represented more than half of all respondents.

“More than half (54%) of employees surveyed from around the world would consider leaving their job post-Covid-19 pandemic if they are not afforded some form of flexibility in where and when they work,” the report stated.

On average, employees would want to work between two and three days remotely after the pandemic. When Covid restrictions ease in their respective countries, 22% would prefer to work full time in the office, with 33% of employee respondents saying they want a shorter working week altogether.

“The job roles most likely shift, if they are not given the desired flexibility, include managers/leaders, those with technology or finance roles, and caregivers. Those most likely to stay in their current roles include baby boomers, individuals with 10+ years of tenure at the current workplace, and those in government or education roles,” the report further stated.

Most IT companies in India are working remotely since March 2020. While the new culture seemed odd to adjust to in the beginning, employees now find it a more safe option.

“With the second wave of Covid-19 producing such horrific scenes, employees have become increasingly scared of stepping out. News of post-Covid complications has only added to their fears. While we’re ensuring employee vaccination, the working style has definitely been hit and things may not entirely go back to the pre-Covid era,” Ritika Srivastava, an HR professional from Mumbai said.

Following the pandemic and lockdown, most companies shifted to work-from-home and have managed to work remotely since last year. Almost half (48%) employees felt, according to the survey, their organizational culture improved during the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, while only 31% believe it had worsened.

“Companies have managed to overcome initial bumps on the road to remote working successfully. With nearly 1.5 years of working under the Covid protocols, employees have become comfortable with this culture. However, one will have to see how efficient and profitable it sounds to the management once the vaccination drive is completed,” Srivastava added.

Employees also listed demands for better technology both on-site and at home for enhanced productivity and time-saving. As many as 64% of respondents demanded faster internet for videoconferencing while 48% want companies to upgrade at-home hardware like extra monitors and headsets for quality output.