Flexible work arrangements, such as hybrid work, have become one of the most transformational workplace changes in recent years, Lilian Tan, CHRO of Singapore’s national media network Mediacorp, said.
Remote and hybrid work models have redefined the traditional work-life balance, allowing employees greater flexibility to manage their personal and professional lives, leading to increased job satisfaction and wellbeing,
The transition to remote and hybrid work has enabled some organisations to tap into a global talent pool, breaking down geographical barriers and fostering more diverse and inclusive workplaces that drive innovation and creativity.
To offer flexible arrangements, employers must balance the needs of the business, productivity and fairness to all. There is also the challenge of maintaining organisational culture, and in traditionally structured organisations, fostering a culture of trust and accountability can be an uphill task,
Mediacorp adopts a people-oriented approach to flexible work that focuses on employee engagement and understanding individual needs. This includes regularly conducting surveys to gather insights into employee preferences and satisfaction with current work arrangements.
In a hybrid set up, employees are trusted to focus on delivering outcomes rather than clocking the hours. This empowers teams to take ownership of their work, fostering accountability and reinforcing a culture where staff feel valued, trusted, and invested in the organisation’s growth.
Hybrid work balances the need for flexibility with the benefits of in-person collaboration and is particularly effective for organisations aiming to foster innovation while respecting employee autonomy. It allows businesses to maintain culture and collaboration with giving employees the freedom to manage their time and productivity.
To ensure business continuity and sustainability, hybrid work is also a useful tool to attract younger generations of employees and grooming them to be tomorrow’s leaders.
Embracing AI and automation is crucial for streamlining HR processes, enhancing decision making, and improving employee experiences. A people-oriented approach that prioritises diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives to create a more inclusive workplace will also motivate the best leaders.
Investment in employees through continuous learning and development (L&D) programmes will equip employees with the skills needed for the future of work. Holistic wellbeing programmes like wellness programmes and mental health support will further address employees’ physical, mental, and emotional health.
Developing robust policies and practices to support flexible work models ensures that all employees feel connected and engaged, whether they are in-office or working from home.