12 August 2020, Kuala Lumpur – Working from home is becoming a rule rather than the
exception as more companies look to create a safe and productive work environment for their employees. JobStreet’s recent survey showed 58% of employees welcome the opportunity to work from home.
“Whether organisations choose to go fully remote or offer remote working options, employee engagement and teamwork effectiveness are two key challenges that any organization may have to face,” said Gan Bock Herm, JobStreet Country Manager. The JobStreet survey conducted during the Movement Control Order (MCO) found that 41% of employers have challenges in ensuring their staff remains engaged as there was no physical interaction and 27% found that working from home affects teamwork effectiveness.
“HR leaders need to rethink workforce and employee planning and organizations also need to quickly embrace technology. We observed during MCO how quickly and effectively technologies for video conferencing and other forms of digital collaboration were adopted. It is important to have the resources in place and the right mindset to make the best use of this strategy,” Gan added.
To ensure employee engagement, video conferencing tools such as Microsoft Teams, Skype, etc. are popular tools for regular meetings and face-to-face interactions. Employees should also be encouraged to use these tools for informal chats in place of the water-cooler effect in traditional workplaces. Video conferencing restores many visual cues that no only help to reduce the sense of isolation but also create social bonds and shared understanding. Video is also particularly useful for complex or sensitive conversations, as it feels more personal than written or audio-only communication.
HR leadership can also introduce various initiatives to encourage engagement such as creating digital social hangout spaces, e-learning campaigns and online feedback channels. There are also a host of collaboration tools such as Zoom, GoToMeeting, etc. that can enable remote employees to communicate and collaborate seamlessly as well as stay up to date on tasks and projects. There are also custom-built messaging apps with end-to-end encryption ensures data security.
In response to the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, JobStreet launched its #TogetherAhead initiative that includes COVID-19 Jobs and Resources Hub, a microsite that helps both employers and jobseekers navigate the new normal, providing access to relevanttrends, offering expert advice, and helping make the hiring process easier for both parties.
To learn more about #TogetherAhead and other JobStreet initiatives, visit our COVID-19 Jobs & Resources Hub at https://www.jobstreet.com.my/event/covid19/everyday-got-jobs.htm
