The Shift to Remote and Hybrid Work Models in Sri Lanka
Introduction
Remote work and Hybrid work models have gained popular culture due to advancements in technical and digital communication tools, giving the opportunity to employees work from locations outside the office premises. This shift was enhanced during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading many companies to implement remote or hybrid models as a long-term solution (PwC, 2023). We can identify many benefits such as better work-life balance (WLB), flexibility, productivity, and cost-saving for both employees and employers. Studies have shown that WLB can be enhanced by working from home and found job satisfaction to increase by working from home (Bloom et al. (Citation2015).
The Rise of Remote Work in Sri Lanka
The workplace environment in Sri Lanka has dramatically
transformed over the past few years due to the adoption of remote and hybrid
work models. The traditional office-bound work culture is shifting to
accommodate these new approaches. When COVID-19 spread globally in 2020, most
businesses quickly transitioned to "work from home" to ensure safety
while maintaining productivity. The economic crisis in Sri Lanka in 2022
further extended this shift, with the fuel crisis being one of the most significant
factors impacting the economy. This transformation was challenging for
industries unfamiliar with digital tools, but many Sri Lankan companies adopted
remote work as a necessity, rather than a temporary solution.
For many businesses, this shift not only proved to be an
effective way to manage daily operations but also presented an opportunity to
increase productivity and flexibility in the long term. Communication tools
like Zoom and Microsoft Teams became essential for keeping teams connected,
which in turn encouraged the innovation of new online monitoring systems,
mobile apps, and tracking mechanisms.
As examples
Hemas Holdings
- They
introduced a flexible working policy that allows employees to work from
home, especially for non-operational roles, while still ensuring that the
necessary presence in offices is maintained for departments like
manufacturing or healthcare.
Reference: https://www.facebook.com/hemasholdingsplc
John Keells Holdings
- As the
pandemic progressed, John Keells transitioned to a hybrid work model,
particularly for non-operational roles in their office sectors. They
integrated digital tools to enhance remote collaboration and communication
while continuing to manage client-facing operations in person.
Reference: Reference: John Keells Holdings PLC, Annual Report (2021/22), Agile working arrangements, pp.8.
https://keells.com/resource/Management_Approach_Disclosures_2021_22.pdf
Hayleys Fentons Ltd / Hayleys Solar
·
Hayleys Solar transitioned administrative and
office-based functions (like project management, sales, and finance) to remote
work. However, field teams (such as engineers and technicians) continued
on-site work, with virtual coordination with office staff. They implemented Microsoft
Teams and Zoom for virtual meetings and project updates ensuring communication between
remote and on-site teams. Further, cloud-based software and mobile apps helped
to manage their solar installation projects, enabling tracing and project
monitoring.
Reference: Internal email - Subject
- Staff Work from Home policy by Head of HR
Advantages and Disadvantages of Remote and Hybrid Work
Models
Conclusion
The shift to remote and hybrid work models at the company
has been a success, benefiting both the company and its employees. As more
organizations embrace this new way of working, most companies stand for
flexible work models. The company’s experience shows that with the right tools,
strategies, and mindset, businesses can adapt to the changing work landscape
without compromising productivity or employee satisfaction.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the shift to
remote and hybrid work is not just a passing trend—it’s here to stay. For
companies like Hayleys Fentons, it’s about continuing to evolve and providing
employees with the flexibility they need to thrive in a fast-changing world.
References
- PwC, 2023 Businesses to press on with hybrid working in 2023
- Bloom et al. (2015) found job satisfaction to increase by working from home
Please follow the Harvard referencing and citations style.
ReplyDeleteThough remote and hybrid working models have many benefits to a company , it effect team building and bonding . It also limits the access to the office resource additionally it mig HR effect work life balance of employees not knowing the limitation segregation.
ReplyDeleteThe rise of remote and hybrid work models in Sri Lanka has truly reshaped the traditional workplace during covid times, it's great to see companies like Hemas, john keells holdings, hayleys and many other companies. impact of the covid pandemic and economic challenges, especially the fuel crisis, made remote work more than just a convenience, it became a necessity. It's amazing how businesses adapted by integrating digital tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams to maintain efficiency. Going forward, it will be interesting to see how Sri Lankan companies refine these models to balance flexibility, productivity, and employee wellbeing in the long run.
ReplyDeleteRemote and hybrid work arrangements lead to enhanced work life balance and increased productivity and to be wisely managed,other wise might cause burnouts and social isolation.
ReplyDeleteThe shift to remote and hybrid work in Sri Lanka, highlighting the benefits of increased flexibility, improved work-life balance, and potential cost savings. It can agree with your conclusion that these models can enhance productivity if managed correctly. There are few challengers i would see such as maintaining team cohesion, managing fairness in promotions, and ensuring cybersecurity for remote workers. Solutions like introducing digital tools ZOOM, MS Teams etc, as Heshan said above can mitigate these issues. I agree that the hybrid work is shaping the future of Sri Lanka, but balance it's advantages and challengers is key to success this model.
ReplyDeleteThe remote and hybrid work style were started at Sri Lanka on Covid 19 pademic time.it was a trend to use New technology for most of industries. but it couldn' t apply for some manufacturing industries because of employees had to be involved for the operations.because of that automation is an other part of remote and hybrid work
ReplyDeleteShift to remote and hybrid work models have proven successful for most of Sri Lankan companies specially IT sector. However, some companies are still not interested to adopt remote work models due to various reasons such as monitoring, workload management and capacity assignments issues.
ReplyDeleteIt will support increasing the work-life balance for employees. However, many employees, or the organization's core, may feel discouraged due to unequal opportunities not being provided to them. For example, sales and marketing staff, as well as recovery staff, might feel disadvantaged, which could ultimately hurt the organization.
ReplyDeleteRemote and hybrid work are clearly the future, and this blog does a great job of exploring their rise in Sri Lanka. The flexibility these models offer is undeniable, but it’s interesting to think about the long-term impact on team dynamics and work culture. I’m curious to see how organizations continue to evolve and adapt to this shift.
ReplyDeleteGood article on remote and hybrid works models erupted after the Covid 19 and how sri lankan organisations adapted it. By practicing these models most of the companies could able to increase the effectiveness of their employees specifically by reducing the commute stress of employees
ReplyDeleteRemort and hybrid work model caused to Reduced need for office space, utilities, and other facilities can lead to significant cost savings for the company.
ReplyDeleteThe shift to remote and hybrid work models in Sri Lanka has transformed the way organizations operate, offering employees greater flexibility and work-life balance. To succeed, businesses must invest in technology, foster strong communication, and adapt leadership styles to ensure productivity and employee engagement in these new work environments.
ReplyDeleteThe shift to remote and hybrid has clearly brought flexibility and productivity benefits for both employers and employees.
ReplyDeleteGreat insights on how Sri Lankan companies are adapting to modern work trends! Remote and hybrid models definitely seem here to stay.
ReplyDelete