Workplaces constantly need to adapt to the changing work environment, and organizations must see ways to be able to thrive in the present while thinking ahead. Is working from home the new way forward?
Drink Human Resources Division shares its experience in implementing the new work experience.
Work from Home, Work from Anywhere!
The Covid-19 pandemic brought unprecedented changes to the workplace: working from home became the new normal and the new ideal. And as the world moves forward, this arrangement is here to stay, with more employees leaning toward this scheme instead of returning to the traditional work-from-office arrangements.
On March 2020, due to lockdowns from the pandemic, Drink implemented its work-from-home/work-from-anywhere arrangement. This allowed Drink to continue different projects even with the ongoing pandemic.
As we move toward recovery from the pandemic, Drink has continued with this arrangement and has decided to implement it indefinitely.
Benefits of WFH Arrangement
In the lens of sustainability, working from home has many positive points. Employee health and wellness significantly improve, especially since the stress from commuting is eliminated. Studies also show that productivity increases with fewer distractions, and breaks can be taken when needed. Offices can also save on utilities as there is no need for every employee to be in the office.
Among the scheme’s many benefits, perhaps the most notable is that with WFH. Employees don’t need to stay in congested cities. They now have a choice to stay in their provinces, thus distributing economic benefits where they choose to live.
Disadvantages and Solutions
One of the disadvantages of WFH is communicating and connecting with everyone in general.
To combat this, Drink has utilized the apps and features of Google Workspace. To facilitate this, Drink has created chat spaces to check in with everyone and where random topics can be discussed and shared.
Maintaining Connections
Making sure everyone stays connected and has a space to build and foster those relationships online and offline is important for the WFH scheme to succeed.
Drink has two different face-to-face activities. Two main ones are the annual Christmas party and Drink Week. The annual Christmas party is usually held on the last day of office for the year. While Drink Week, a yearly planning and training, is a week-long event usually held around July or August. Face-to-face team or department lunches at the discretion of each team happen throughout the year.
Here, There, and Everywhere
What do Drink employees say about the current work-from-home arrangement?
“I really like it. I think it suits my personal work style! Aside from saving time & money, it made my time management a lot more efficient :)”
Riell Dela Cruz, Cavite
“Drink creates a great work culture by promoting work-life balance. Drink’s WFH arrangement created an opportunity for me to pursue a career without compromising my well-being through flexible working hours and the avoidance of commute stress.”
Eliz Puertollano, Las Pinas City
“Remote work has changed the game for me because I don’t have to worry much about food and transportation costs. It also makes work-life balance very accessible. I can customize my “office” and have more control over my time by spending after-work hours with family or pursuing other hobbies.”
Jannies Shyne S. Briones, Davao City
