The value of in-person time in the office has been questioned in a quickly changing world adjusting to remote and hybrid work methods. Southeast Asia offers an important case study in this global paradigm shift due to its well-known rich cultural variety and unique work dynamics. 

Let's explore the significance of physical presence at work, the effects of hybrid work arrangements, and the evolving nature of Southeast Asian office culture.

The need for human contact

According to anthropological study, social interactions and human brain development are profoundly related. Our brains have changed over time to enable deep social ties that support cooperation, trade, protection, and survival.

In our current work environments, human connections are crucial for productivity even as remote work becomes more popular.

And although virtual meetings have become a staple of contemporary business, they often lack the substance of in-person encounters, such as the nuances and warmth of interpersonal non-verbal communication.

Technology can help with superficial communication but generally fails to match the chemistry and synchronicity of face-to-face interactions. This restriction is a factor in conditions such as Zoom fatigue.

So, what's the right balance of in-person and virtual interactions? And how has our concept of social interaction improved in the post-pandemic era?

According to a study involving more than 16,000 workers in the US, working two to three days per week results in the best engagement, well-being, and burnout reduction.

The precise choice of office days has little bearing on results, but a heavy reliance on office work might harm employees' feelings of kinship with the company's culture.

The future of hybrid work in Southeast Asia

The idea of flexible work itself has undergone a radical change in Southeast Asia. Countries such as Malaysia and Singapore have issued guidelines on how employers should accommodate employees' requests for flexible work arrangements.

Companies in the region are thus expected to provide hybrid, if not fully remote, work options in light of changing employee needs.

The outlook for hybrid work in Southeast Asia, however, remains optimistic. Employers have invested in fortifying technical infrastructure to support remote work, and employees have acknowledged the correlation between hybrid work and improved mental well-being.

As the world becomes even more digitally interconnected, it is anticipated that hybrid work will become the global norm.

Several prominent companies in the region have not only embraced – but also plan to sustain – hybrid work models. Forerunners include Singapore's DBS Bank, Hyundai Motor Group, Panasonic, SAP, and Hitachi. These organisations have discerned the advantages of hybrid work in enhancing productivity and employee well-being.

Overall, the cultural change taking place in Southeast Asia workplaces has also made hybrid work arrangements alluring to jobseekers. As such, organisations are modifying hiring practices and making necessary tech investments to support remote employment. 

Redefining work in Southeast Asia

Despite the growing preference for remote work, relationship-building remains a top priority for business and talent leaders, while employees on the other hand seek greater work-life balance through hybrid set-ups. These competing demands have been identified as equally vital success factors by employers in the region.

Because of this, hybrid work models will likely become more popular for years to come.

However, the in-office portion of hybrid work schedules in Southeast Asia will also continue to hold significant value.

To promote engagement, well-being, and a strong organisational culture, employers need to strike a balance between in-office and remote work. Against this backdrop, Southeast Asia's distinctive fusion of tradition and innovation will define the future of work.