Two years ago, we were surprised by the sudden change that shocked the world. We are asked to stay home and stopped from going out often. Many jobs were lost as companies also struggled to adapt to these changes. The companies were given a challenge on how well they can make it work and do their business as usual. As traditional workers, we and the companies do not know what to do at first and how we will adjust to the new normal. We are introduced to a new hybrid work arrangement which is not popular in the Philippines yet. There are special work arrangements in which we will be given a few selected days to report to work. Local companies are worried if the new work from home set up will function in the Philippines as well.
The Department of Health or DOH showed their support for the continuous hybrid work arrangement in our country. As it will help lower the risk of spreading Covid-19 and other diseases due to fewer interactions with other people and they also cited some benefits of it.
Recently, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced and revised the new rules to encourage employers and employees to adopt hybrid work arrangements in the Philippines to support our economic growth. It was stated in the revised rule that an “alternative workplace” can be any location where an employee performs work through telecommunication anywhere but not limited to the employee’s home, co-working space, and other spaces where you will be able to work remotely. Meanwhile, a “regular workplace” is defined as the official business location or branch office given by the employer in which the employees will have to report regularly to work. It is also clarified that any work done in an alternative workplace setting is considered work rendered in a regular workplace setting. It is still said that arranging hybrid work for the employees in the Philippines is still optional, but they are encouraging this as our economy is gradually recovering from the two years of lockdowns and restrictions.
Based on a survey done earlier this year conducted by health maintenance organization Philcare, more than half or over 50% of Filipinos prefer to work on-site or the hybrid work arrangement where most days are to report in the office now the restrictions are already easing in our country. 35 percent prefer to work religiously on site while 25.2 percent prefer hybrid work arrangements in which they can work most of the week in the office rather than at home. Only 16.3 percent prefer to work from home and 8 percent said they prefer a hybrid set up with more days to work from home than in the office. According to Philcare, the new work from home set up may not be suitable for all the companies in the Philippines and some workers might still find the traditional working set ups more suitable for them.
Since the new work set up is fairly new to all of us, there are pros and cons that come with it.
Pro: Workers are less tired and stressed
Workers are likely to focus on their work when alone. During the work from home set up, they can avoid in-office distractions such as small talks and background noise. More focused means more efficiency with work.
Pro: No more commuting
Most workers in the Philippines travel to their workplace. It is known that in our country, commuting is such a hassle to all of us. Long lines, cramped, and delayed arrivals are some of the common problems commuters face everyday. With these, workers are already tired before arriving at work and are already facing stress early in the morning. Thus, less productivity in the workplace. With work from home, people can work at their own schedules and at their own pace. At the same time spend more time with the family.
Con: Working from home can be lonely
For social butterflies, who love to be around people, working from home can be lonely. It is still fun to interact with your teammates during collaborations and planning and at the same time, avoid the feeling of isolation and loneliness when you are alone.
Con: Communication can be a challenge
It is known that in the Philippines, our internet connections are not that stable. Since we are new also with the set up, we do not know the right tools of communications we can work in our team. We cannot also be able to get immediate replies to our urgent request as you cannot tap on the shoulder of your co-workers for answers.
Read here if you want to know if the hybrid work set up can work.
Home setup for your home office
Building your home office can be challenging as you need to move things around in your home to make way for your home office.
Here are some tips to start setting up your home office:
- Choose the right room
Set up your home office where you will be less distracted. It can be your spare room or any corner in your home where you can work comfortably and peacefully.
- Choose an area with natural light
According to studies, natural light can help boost your morale and can improve your productivity. Set up your space across a window and receive all the natural benefits you can get from it.
- Get creative
Personalizing your own space can help boost your mood every time you start to work. Which you would not be able to do during the regular office set up. Add some fresh flowers, put up a picture of your dog and even add fur in your chair. All of these can be done in your own space.
Here are some of the desk accessories you can add in your home office.
With Bria Homes, there are many unit options and models that you can choose from that cater to your needs to start your home office easily. We offer affordable houses and lots for sale and affordable condominiums for sale that are readily available anytime for you.
If you want to learn more about our properties. You can talk to our agents here.
Written by: Yna Faundo
