How is the shift to hybrid work cultures affecting the REM industry?

Hybrid and virtual modules of work have also brought to light that a physical workspace may or may not be a contributing factor to an individual‘s performance

Over the years, multiple studies have brought to focus the question of whether being in an office environment is required to gain the most effective output of work. The results of these studies have been a mixed bag that often catered to the vested interests of those conducting the research. However, when the world came to a standstill during the first wave of the pandemic, work from home was the need of the hour to keep businesses running.

When in a crisis, we often develop some of our most innovative solutions. Similarly, the current situation has pushed businesses, independent and conglomerates, towards adopting a newer model of work-life. Hybrid and virtual modules of work have also brought to light that a physical workspace may or may not be a contributing factor to an individual’s performance.

This shift has also prompted an increasing awareness that more hours spent in the office do not directly translate to increased productivity of an individual and vice versa, eliminating the long-standing culture of hard work over smart work. Another glaring realization has been the increasing acceptance that employees are more than just that, they have lives and other priorities that may come in the way of working hours. The pandemic has made everyone a little more accepting and understanding of each other’s situations, allowing for a higher rate of flexibility for those working from home.

Work from home in the UAE

Contrary to the rest of the world the UAE has seen a large portion of its workforce continue to work from their original place of work rather than adopt the work from home culture, making the eventual transition to functioning in a post-pandemic world easier. However, this comes with a higher number of restrictions and changes in policies including the inclusion of hybrid workplace practices and increased part-time work opportunities. The policies also allow employers free reign pertaining to employee vaccination, disclosure of this data, and restrictions in case certain employees are not yet fully vaccinated.

A key takeaway from this experience has been that corporates and conglomerates now view their employees as individuals and not just another number that contributes to the collective goal of the company.  This has been a contributing factor for increased levels of adaptability in work experiences where the primary goal has shifted from creating safe and productive physical spaces within an office to creating a safe and productive environment wherever that might be.

Laws that pertain to work-life balance

While traditionally the work culture in the region allows for a good work-life balance, new policy changes introduced by the Government in 2019 enabled the introduction of a more hybrid work environment. In addition to the 30 days of annual leave and 90 days of sick leave, employees are also eligible to opt for a flexible working module.

A factor that affected this policy change was the large number of expatriates and global citizens that made up a sizable chunk of the corporate workforce and decision-makers. Emphasizing networking and socializing cultures, etiquette, and hierarchy, the policies also shed light on the increased importance of women in all aspects of the workforce and how they contributed to the economy. CSR and social provisions have become increasingly important within the corporate work culture, a direct result of the 2018 CSR laws being incorporated into the daily workings of an organization.

What this means for Facility Management Professional

Termed as an essential service that requires Facility Management professionals to be working on location, the industry has in the last few months seen a shift in the way services are delivered. Adopting technology-based innovations to reduce human contact like the introduction of remote access control and remote lighting and HVAC systems along with the setup of hygiene and sanitation requirements, are just some of the changes.

In corporate environments, Facility Management comes into play while maintaining an equally conducive work environment for all employees taking into account social distancing standards. This includes setting up a new communication protocol, ensuring only essential staff have access to facilities and ensuring a safe and sanitary work environment for everyone.

While residence facilities aim to maintain the smooth functioning of all services they offer despite the increased demand due to a higher number of people being confined to their homes. This ranges from managing allotted parking spaces to ensuring the services provided do not cause a spread of infection to the residents.

What this means for Community Management Professional

The workforce as a community relies on experiences to facilitate efficient work and effective productivity, thus putting increased pressure on Community Management professionals when developing plans and strategies to fit the newer hybrid models of work. It is easier to regulate a service when all stakeholders are physically present in the same facility, allowing for a uniform experience. However, when a large chunk of the commercial and corporate workforce chooses to juggle work from home with in-person experiences it leads to a mixed bag of repercussions.

A large portion of the population is facing a lack of connection due to the isolation and confinement within their homes. Community Management services are developing methods to keep residents engaged despite the pandemic. A few examples of this are virtual news bulletin boards, mobile applications that connect residents within a neighborhood, challenges, and initiatives that can be completed by residents from the comfort of their own homes, and a completely streamlined online mode for administrative work.

Conclusion

While workspaces are not yet reaching a point of redundancy within the UAE work environment, they are steadily losing their importance as a deciding factor when it comes to measuring employee performance and employee satisfaction. The UAE has spearheaded the adoption of flexible work culture in the region and the aim of the administration is to provide conducive work environments for every employee. There have been multiple initiatives and policies that have been introduced since 2018 that promote a Flexi-work culture. The pandemic has only made adopting these a necessity over time