With Hong Kong moving further away from the Covid pandemic rules, the percentage of people who work from home (WFH) is likely to decline this year as the debate continues over how it affects mental wellbeing, according to research from QBE.
The percentage of people working from home is set to decline from 28% last year to 20% this year, the insurer’s survey of more than 400 SMEs found.
That represents a reversal of the trend during the pandemic, when the percentage of people who worked from home doubled.
“As most businesses resume normal working arrangements this year, the majority (63%) of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Hong Kong expect more employees to work solely in their place of business compared to 51% in 2022,” QBE said.
QBE Hong Kong & Macau market lead for employees compensation and liability Ben Patrick told Health & Protection: “Pre-pandemic in 2019, only 14% of employees worked from home (WFH).
“This increased to 28% in 2022 and is expected to decline to 20% in 2023 as people started going back to the office for social interactions and in person meetings.”
Contrasting mental health
But employers and employees continue to debate the pros and cons of returning to the office and have mixed views on how it can affect work-life balance and mental wellness.
With conflicting views, the compromise may be an increase in hybrid working – but even there, opinion is divided.
Specifically, 40% and 38% of employers believe that working from home and hybrid working respectively, have worsened mental health, compared to 35% and 38% respectively, who thought the practices had improved employee mental health.
“We expect working from home to be a factor of the new working environment as it supports work-life balance,” Patrick said.
“It is also showing evidence of being a meaningful benefit for employees, as well as how they assess an employer and workplace.
“WFH is showing signs of adding complexities to occupational health and safety (OHS) in the workplace, especially when coupled with mental health considerations and the potential lack of personal interaction with colleagues, business partners and business services,” he added.
Hybrid working will also continue.
“In addition, 18% are expected to take a hybrid approach in 2023,” Patrick continued.
“Obviously, this number will vary across different industries but suffice to say, WFH is not going away entirely and is something employers should consider for the potential benefits to their business and employees.“