Is working from anywhere here to stay?
If anything positive came out of the pandemic, it was that it changed the way people work. When Covid broke out, employees were suddenly forced to work remotely in a bid to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Along the way, it has gradually underlined the importance of a work-life balance to which the new generation can increasingly look forward.
Even though Covid-19 restrictions have eased, more and more employees have been embracing flexible work and enjoying the freedom that enables them to have a healthy work-life balance. They want more of it – not less, and they certainly don’t want to go back to the office full-time.
To support this growing work trend, the government has amended the Labour Protection Act, which was published in the Royal Gazette on March 19 and took effect on April 18. It said the amendments are aimed at enhancing employees’ quality of life while facilitating employers’ business operations.
The newly added article 23/1 enables agreement between an employer and employees on working from home or from anywhere the employees desire by using an internet-based system.
The law also incorporates some details regarding working agreements such as the period that the employer can allow employees to work remotely, overtime and rest periods, leave-taking procedures, employees’ job descriptions, conditions for providing work-related equipment to support employees, and the costs associated with remote work.
It stipulates that employees can reject any contact from the employer after the working period designated in the agreement if they have not reached a prior agreement on overtime with the employer.
The law also clearly states that employees who work remotely or from where they choose shall have the same rights as those working on-site.
Thai PBS World talked to employees working in different fields and asked them how they feel about working remotely, what makes them happy about this highly popular work trend, its limitations, and if they really think the model is being fully implemented as the amended law allows.
Working from home helps promote better work-life balance and saves on costs
Chombua A., 48, secretary to a hotel manager said working remotely provides flexibility in choosing an environment and time management that enables a healthy work-life balance and increased productivity.
“I really enjoy the flexibility and freedom that remote work offers. Working from home, I’m able to set my own hours. I don’t spend hours commuting so I can get more work done and spend more time with my family. While waiting for an online meeting in the afternoon, for example, I’m able to prepare dinner for my daughter,” said the mother who works for a leading hotel in the city.
However, this extra flexibility and freedom come at a cost – rising household utility bills,
“We notice the electricity bill has climbed up with working from home,” Chombua said, adding that remote work limits access to office equipment.
“Sometimes, I need to use a photocopier to make copies for the company’s confidential documents. I have to do it in the office,” she said.
Mallika A., 30, a sales executive of a Thai-Japanese joint venture company specializing in technology and manufacturing, said remote work helped her spend less on commuting and car maintenance costs.
“I’m so happy with working remotely. I found out that I’m able to get my jobs done professionally. I don’t need to head back to the office to finish my report after a client visit. I do it at home and send it to my supervisor online. Driving means filling up and the price of fuel has skyrocketed. On top of that, the less I drive, the less wear and tear to my car and so the less often I have to pay for maintenance. I spend a lot less on my car. That’s wonderful,” she said.
Saipan C., 43, a civil servant, concurs, saying, working from home helps her save time and money while promoting health.
“I’m truly independent. I can get my jobs done in my pajamas. I don’t need work clothes, most of which require dry cleaning and that really adds up. I don’t need to go outside, which reduces the risk of exposure to fine dust and the coronavirus that harm our health. Not driving from and to the office helps me save money and time on my commute,” she said.
Working remotely impedes effective collaboration and communication
But not everyone wants to work remotely.
Phanwipa S., a 42-year-old administration officer who works for a land survey and engineering consultancy firm said she prefers working in the office as it allows her to get the work done more effectively.
“I need to get the requests and important documents like the survey results approved by my supervisor. Working in the office allows me to do that,” she said.
She noted that working remotely can sometimes raise communication issues that lead to misunderstanding and distrust amongst team members and drive frustration.
“Sometimes, I don’t get sufficient answers from my team. When I’m trying to contact team members, some miss out important information and even fail to notice. I get fed up when they take too long to get back to me, especially when an urgent problem needs to be solved or a quick decision needs to be taken. That impedes our progress. Working face-to-face, I can ask them to give a quick answer,” Phanwipa, who is responsible for collaborative tasks said.
Public Relations Consultant Panchaphol Sthanphol, 25, said he prefers working at the office because he could work in a team and enjoyed the participation and simultaneous responses from his colleagues. “It could boost your energy as well.” However, he said working from home did have benefits as it avoids traffic jams and saves on transportation and other costs. In addition, when he finished working he could immediately resume his personal life.
Does remote working work?
We asked the respondents what they would if their employers set up a remote work policy and fully adapted this work model to the operations.
Mallika and Saipan strongly agree with the idea, saying employers should also provide necessary office equipment and tools to support remote workers in order to get tasks done perfectly.
“I’m now working on the dining table at home. It would be perfect if my employer provided me with a comfortable office desk and chair,” Saipan said.
Chombua said employees should be given options as to where they work as long as they are able to do their jobs professionally and make decisions on their own, while employers remain flexible.
“Everyone can create a work arrangement that works best for them. For me, I would take a hybrid one that allows me to work from home at least a few days each week. That will enable me to achieve work-life balance. Meanwhile, on other days, I would go to the office where I’m able to work closely with my boss and coordinate with co-workers. So, collaboration is maintained. ” she said.
Even though working remotely is gaining popularity amongst employees, Phanwipa said in-person communication matters as it creates rapport and trust.
“For me, it’s better to work face-to-face. When we’re with a person, we can build a relationship and trust. And that makes us feel comfortable sharing information and ideas, enabling our team to work effectively,” she said.
By Veena Thoopkrajae
