A seismic shift in how we now view work
- A new generation has an expectation of online-based flexibility and self-regulation that has to be reconciled with old tried and proven ways
Hong Kong likes to be seen as competitive, especially when it comes to attracting and keeping talent. In that regard the Covid pandemic has been life-changing through isolation and social distancing that led to working from home or remotely being the new norm.
In a recent survey, Hong Kong finished 22nd out of 26 cities when ranked according to various criteria as a hybrid work base, or for the flexibility and amenity it offers people who work remotely from anywhere. The criteria include climate, culture, transport, accommodation, food and drink, happiness, broadband speed and availability of flexible workspaces.
Swiss-based workspace operator IWG surveyed about 1,000 hybrid offices in August last year. Beijing ranked among the top three cities alongside Barcelona and Toronto. These places scored well for transport and accommodation costs. IWG found that 88 per cent of remote staff worked from anywhere, while 57 per cent extended holidays by working from abroad.
Beijing scored well for culture, accommodation and transport costs. Hong Kong’s strengths were affordable transport and high-speed broadband, while the cost of accommodation counted against it.
The findings add a talking point to the general post-Covid debate about working from home. Many companies welcome employees back to the office as if it is axiomatic they will perform better. There has to be a balance.
Many occupations require attendance. In others people can become more productive – and inclined to work longer hours – if they do not have to get to and from the office. But with many people “off the radar” there are concerns efficiency can suffer.