Filipinos are accomplishing more with hybrid work as they continue telecommuting from home, for the most time, as they are now allowed to go back to the office.

This was revealed in the Cisco Philippines’ Hybrid Work study, which surveyed 28,000 full-time employees across 27 markets.

The bulk, or eight in 10 (79 percent) of Filpinos surveyed, believe their quality of work has gone up, giving them more time for themselves.

A total of 89 percent of employees say hybrid work has improved their overall well-being, driven by more flexible work schedules, and reduced commuting time.

As a result, 92 percent of employees say that hybrid work has made them happier.

However, only 1 in 4 (29 percent) of employees believe that their company is “very prepared” to transition into hybrid work.

"The last two years have shown us that work is no longer where we go, but what we do," observed Zaza Nicart, Managing Director of Cisco Philippines on Monday, September 12.

"Employees and employers in the Philippines experience tangible benefits from hybrid work, stemming across improved employee well-being to better productivity and work performance," she pointed out.

"More needs to be done to rethink how the work experience is designed so it places employees – their experience, engagement, and well-being – at the center, supported by an inclusive culture, empathetic leadership and with technology as an enabler.”

Because of Cisco’s findings, Senator Grace Poe recently urged legislators to conduct an inquiry into the implementation of Republic Act (RA) 11165, the “Telecommuting Act” to promote remote and hybrid work arrangements.

Her proposed bill grants telecommuting employees’ fair treatment that are given to on-site workers and entitles them to receive a fair rate of pay, right to rest periods and regular holidays, appropriate training to technical equipment, equal access to training and career development opportunities.

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However, asignificant number of employees believe that fully remote workers will have challenges engaging with their colleagues (71 percent) and company (67 percent) compared to those who work on-site.

In addition, micromanaging behaviors had increased with hybrid work, a tell-tale sign that trust remains a core tenet in the new way of work.

After all, inclusivity is more than a physical location. It supports one's work style, whether you are an introvert or extrovert, digital native or occasional user, frontline worker, or remote knowledge worker.

Leaders play a key role in enabling a successful hybrid work model, starting with embedding empathy, listening, flexibility, continuous learning, and creating an inclusive environment.

“Hybrid work is more than just supporting a safe office re-entry,” Nicart emphasized.

“It is about trusting and listening to your employees and cultivating an inclusive culture for all. Leaders need to walk the talk and show employees that they are committed to giving them the trust and flexibility they need to do their best work.”