Whole slew of benefits from flexi-work

Work on the go: FWA has become a sought-after benefit for both existing and prospective employees. Employees, for their part, must respect the flexibility they are given. — ART CHEN/The Star.

PETALING JAYA: For many employees, the acronym FWA is key to having a better work-life balance.

A flexible working arrangement (FWA) has become a sought-after benefit by both existing and prospective employees, with many viewing it as a way to promote work-life balance.

This came about mainly during the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to the adoption of remote working and later FWA.

These days, industry players say the increasing demand for work-life balance continues to play a factor in not only determining their existing staff’s attitude towards work but also in attracting prospective talent.

National Association of Human Resources Malaysia president Zarina Ismail said giving more room for employees to have a better work-life balance, including through FWA, could influence how they perform at the workplace.

“FWA is in higher demand now as such an environment can allow work-life balance alongside increasing employees’ work satisfaction,” she said in comments to mark Labour Day today.

Zarina said working patterns should not be rigid or carried out in a stereotypical manner.

“The workplace has to change. Motivation and positive work environments have to be adopted,” she said.

She said that such working arrangements, however, needed employees to play their part and respect the flexibility they are given.

“Employees who are allowed to work using such arrangements have to be ethical and disciplined as well.

“This means carrying out your responsibilities to ensure overall productivity,” she said.

Zarina also said employers are placing an emphasis on retaining senior and experienced professionals, who are close to retirement, in more advisory and mentor-like roles within their fields of expertise.

“These positions could be extended to those who have gone beyond the retirement age, where companies can leverage on their experience.

“Not only can they continue contributing to their field of expertise, we can also reduce our dependence on expatriates to fill these slots,” she said.

Senior workers, she said, could also become mentors to younger staff progressing in their careers.

Based on the JobStreet Malaysia 2022-2023 Compensation & Benefits study, JobStreet Malaysia managing director Vic Sithasanan said among the top benefits related to work-life balance that companies provided were an everyday casual wear dress code and early leave on festive days.

“Employers realise that people these days are looking for a better work-life balance.

“For example, over 51% of employers in the survey are willing to offer flexible working hours in the coming year,” he said.

He said 23% of companies in the survey had implemented some form of hybrid work arrangement for their staff.