Businesses in Asian countries, particularly Singapore and Japan, are reshaping the future of work culture. According to Nikkei Asia, fewer than 40% of professionals spend their entire workweek in the office in Singapore and Japan, thanks in part to government policies promoting work-life balance, which have reinforced the shift toward flexible work arrangements.
In contrast, over 60% of organisations in China require employees to be in the office five days a week. The move toward a fully on-site work model accelerated in 2024, reflecting what Hays (a global specialist recruitment company) describes as a “strong cultural emphasis on in-office presence.”
Globally, remote work policies are becoming more restrictive, with the Trump administration and major corporations like JPMorgan Chase and Amazon mandating a full return to the office.
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However, in Asia, a three-day office workweek has emerged as an ideal balance for both employers and employees. In Singapore, this setup is the most prevalent, with 32% of companies adopting it, according to Hays.
According to a recent online survey by Hays, nearly half of the organisations surveyed in Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Thailand have embraced hybrid work models. The survey gathered over 9,000 responses from employees and recruiters across China, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Amid widespread skill shortages, flexible working has become a crucial strategy for companies aiming to enhance employee retention. The survey revealed that 47% of professionals in the region consider flexible working the most valuable benefit, followed by health insurance or private medical coverage and extra vacation days.
