India tops workplace flexibility but there is a catch going ahead

• Four in 10 are enjoying the freedom to roam within India's borders while working
  
• Only 14% have reported working from the office daily, while 41% have embraced a hybrid approach.
  
• Notably, 76% of women surveyed, including 78% of working mothers, feel empowered by flexible arrangements.
  

Amidst a global tug-of-war between companies and employees over returning to the office, India stands out as a champion of flexible work arrangements. The "People at Work 2023" report by ADP Research reveals that 44% of Indian employees enjoy a fully remote work model, far exceeding other countries in the Asia-Pacific region. This translates to almost half the workforce thriving without the confines of a traditional office setup.

This stark contrast is evident when compared to regional peers: China clocks in at a mere 16%, Australia at 20%, and Singapore at 24%.

Flexible work here to stay but…

Looking ahead, Indian workers paint a diverse picture for the future of work. Remote work isn't going anywhere with 35% expect it to stay, while 31% predict a hybrid blend with the office.

However, there's a catch: 29% anticipate increased performance tracking in these flexible models. To combat this, 39% crave complete control over their hours, tied to their output.

Remote work boosts productivity, empowers women

Interestingly, 74% of Indian respondents credit remote work with boosting their productivity. This speaks volumes about the effectiveness of flexible work models in the Indian context. 85% of all survey respondents in India enjoy working from home in some capacity, even now.

The report, based on a survey of over 32,000 workers across 17 countries, paints a clear picture of India's diverse work landscape. Only 14% reported working from office daily, while 41% embraced a hybrid approach, blending office time with the freedom of remote work.

This flexibility extends beyond physical location too – 43% can work from anywhere in the world, with another 42% enjoying the freedom to roam within India's borders.

76% of women surveyed, including 78% of working mothers, feel empowered by these flexible arrangements.

This opens doors for greater talent retention, particularly among women, who can now navigate the often-challenging juggling act between professional and personal commitments.

Furthermore, the survey highlights a growing preference for flexible work hours, with 27% of respondents citing it as a top priority.

Interestingly, women (31%) seem to value this even more than men (25%), showcasing a shift towards work-life balance becoming a universal desire.

Says Rahul Goyal, Managing Director, ADP India & Southeast Asia, "Amid the global debate on workers returning to the workplace, India stands out in offering the highest workplace flexibility in APAC, showcasing India Inc.’s commitment to creating a progressive work environment. Notably, a significant number of women are leading the charge in seeking workplace flexibility.”

The future also seems automated, with 25% expecting AI to eat into manual tasks. Companies must get ready to adapt, embracing flexibility, rewarding productivity, and fostering skills for a tech-driven future.