TAIPEI (TVBS News) — As the world adjusts to the post-pandemic era, remote work emerges as a lasting trend, reshaping the traditional workplace landscape. Studies have found that working from home boosts productivity and offers employees a more flexible lifestyle.
Despite its growing popularity globally, the adoption of remote work in Asia lags behind, with countries like Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea reporting significantly fewer remote work days than their Western counterparts.
Michelle, a product manager at an international talent platform, has experienced the benefits of remote work firsthand.
Working remotely one day a week, she has noticed increased productivity and decreased commuting expenses. "I can focus better on my job because I am not chatting with coworkers at the workplace," she said.
Liu Chun-i, the founder of another international talent platform, supports remote work but emphasizes the importance of maintaining office interactions by limiting remote work to one day a week. This approach seeks to strike a balance, ensuring that the social and collaborative aspects of office life are not entirely lost.
Despite the clear benefits, including lower overhead costs for companies and reduced employee absenteeism, the shift towards remote work in Asia faces challenges.
A 2023 report by The New York Times highlighted that Asian countries have the fewest remote work days per month, with Taiwan averaging 2.8, Japan 2, and South Korea 1.6. This starkly contrasts the U.K.'s 6 and the U.S.'s 5.6 days.
Tseng Chung-wei, a spokesperson for a local job bank, pointed out that most Taiwanese companies still prefer in-office work. However, she noted that remote work could be suitable for roles that do not require direct client interaction or oversight of physical operations.
As the global workforce continues to evolve, the future of remote work in Asia remains uncertain. Companies and employees are balancing the benefits of working from home and the need for in-person collaboration.
The trend towards remote work is undeniable, but its full adoption in Asia may require a shift in corporate culture and attitudes towards work.