Future of remote work will depend on nature of industry and job role

Hybrid and remote work models are likely to continue into 2022, but the proportion of workers teleworking or working in a physical office will still depend on the nature of the industry and their respective roles, highlighted the Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai).

The cost savings of remote working are attractive to employers as they do not have to pay rent for office space, building utilities, and compensate workers for petrol and toll fees for transport, said EconThai vice-chairman Tanit Sorat.

“Many workplaces in the US have switched to a 100% remote work model. That may not be realistic for Thailand yet, but certainly more companies here are continuing to look for possibilities to increase remote and hybrid work. No longer do we need everyone to show up at the office at the same time,” Sorat said. 

A work environment where remote work is possible has inspired many young workers to create tech startups, he said, noting that “eventually, some folk who work from home are going to want to freelance because they know they can”.

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“Many IT professionals have done so already. Business owners, too, are looking to completely outsource some departments to reduce overhead expenses. Outsourcing, in this context, would include highly skilled talents, not just factory workers.”