Biz sector eyes expansion of WFH capabilities with extended ECQ

MANILA – With the extension of the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and some provinces in the country, the Philippines is expected to join the worldwide trend of expanding the work-from-home (WFH) capabilities of companies.

According to Lenovo’s “Workplace Transformation” study, 87 percent of surveyed employees are “at least somewhat ready” to make the shift to WFH if required.

About 77 percent said they expect their companies to be more accepting of WFH policies even after the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic subsides.

The survey, conducted from March 6 to 12, looked at the attitude of employees toward WFH policies in China, Japan, Germany, Italy, and the United States.

“With the government extending the enhanced community quarantine to May 15 in Metro Manila and other high-risk areas to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, the Philippines is joining the worldwide trend of encouraging people to work from home, wherever feasible, to intensify social distancing,” Lenovo Philippines said in a statement on Friday.

Lenovo Philippines president and general manager Michael Ngan said employee experience has already been changing even before the Covid-19 pandemic hit.

“For example, in the past 15 years, the number of those regularly working from home has grown 159 percent in the US and the same increase is happening in other markets. While our current situation is extraordinary, we are seeing a real willingness from workers to adapt and adopt flexible work arrangements,” Ngan said.

Lenovo added that companies would likely allow their employees to work from home even after the government lifts the quarantine.

“At a time when all companies need to navigate uncertainty and keep their business running, technology enables them to keep moving forward. Companies need to adjust now and ensure their employees have the video tools, technology, and training required to succeed today and in a future where more remote working may be the norm,” Ngan added.

President Rodrigo Duterte has extended the enhanced community quarantine for another two weeks in some parts of the country, including Metro Manila, while easing the quarantine measure in other areas.