More PH offices offer flexi time to staffs

MANILA, Philippines—It’s nine to five no more for most businesses in the Philippines.

Based on a global research report from Regus—the world’s largest provider of workplace solutions—nine of 10 companies in the Philippines are now offering flexible working hours to their staff. Companies are attesting that they are now reaping the benefits of “flexi” time.

Among the benefits are improved self-productivity, reduced overhead expenses and an improvement in work-life balance. A little more than half of local firms point out that flexible working hours cost less than fixed office working hours.

The research also discusses that flexible work brings about benefits not only from employer to employee but also to families to wider society and even to the environment.

Seventy five percent of businesses offering flexible working hours report that their staffs have a better work-life balance, an increased satisfaction and motivation. The survey also notes an improvement in staff productivity. A quarter of flexible working businesses also state that their policy helps them access a wider talent pool and allows them to employ more people in a various remote locations.

However, trust issues remain a major hurdle to overcome for many companies offering flexible working hours. Close to 60 percent of businesses in the Philippines only offer flexi time to senior staff.

“It is disappointing to know that some companies allow trust issues to hold them back from flexi-working for all employees. However, a good proportion of them see its advantages … we can expect further growth in flexible working across the decade,” a spokesperson from Regus said.