Facilities management: towards flexible work arrangement (FWA) implementation during Covid-19

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to examine the key components to facilitate flexible work arrangement (FWA) and the issues and challenges arisen in preparing the workplace for FWA during Covid-19, and to recommend better approach of FWA implementation in workplace. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted extensive literature review and case studies approach using interviews and observations to determine the key components to facilitate FWA and the issues and challenges arisen in preparing the workplace for FWA during Covid-19, and to recommend better approach of FWA implementation in workplace. Three offices that owning FWA experience during Covid-19 and featuring flexible workspace concepts, elements and layouts in Klang Valley, Malaysia were chosen as case studies. Findings Findings have suggested that there are four components required to form flexible workspace for FWA adoption, such as open plan workspace design, task-oriented space, hot desking policy and IT infrastructure. Interestingly, the interview findings do not support the idea that the flexible furniture can facilitate FWA; instead, they believe that versatile, acoustical and aesthetical furniture may be installed when necessary. Among the issues and challenges faced were rearranging and designing open office plan layout, hot desk relocation and reconfiguration of spaces where people may congregate. Lastly, this research recommends that innovative planning software and tools, smart technology and apps, modern IT technology and infrastructure, and digital apps can be introduced to the workplace to help FM manage and monitor the facilities operations, workplace situations and occupancy rates. Originality/value Since the outbreak of Covid-19, FWA such as “Work From Home” and remote working have become the mainstream in the workplace, affecting how the workplace looks and feels as flexible working is fundamentally related to the flexible workspace. From Facilities Management (FM) perspective, FWA is the biggest consequence of Covid-19, but it also presents opportunities and certain challenges to incorporate a new office environment and employees’ needs in terms of FWA into the corporate culture.

The relationship of work engagement with job experience, marital status and having children among flexible workers after the Covid-19 pandemic

“…Various studies in the extant literature emphasize the advantages of flexible working, such as increasing productivity, work satisfaction, work-life balance, commitment, reducing absenteeism and work-life conflict [6,[13][14][15]. Recently, Chua, Myeda ve Teo [16] emphasized that flexible work arrangements is the greatest result of Covid-19 in the workplace even if it presents threats alongside opportunities. Bontrager, Clinton ve Tyner [17] argue that flexible working introduce an opportunity to balance work and life, to decrease turnover, to expedite employee development [17].…”

Agility of facilities management organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic: lessons learnt for future pandemics

“…This may be achieved by adopting innovative planning software and tools, smart technology, digital apps, modern information technology and infrastructure to enable FMPs to manage and monitor the facilities operations, workplace situations and occupancy rates (Chua et al , 2022).…”

Flexible Work Arrangements: Experience of a Malaysian Manufacturing Company

“…The difficulties faced by employees may alter with the times and situations, but efforts would always be valuable in addressing their needs gradually and successfully over time. As it was anticipated that the implementation of flexible work arrangements would continue after Covid-19, these ideas could help the organisation gain more control over the workplace and facilities, allowing for more successful implementation of flexible work arrangements and laying the groundwork for future transitions (Chua et al, 2022).…”

“…Even if the incidence of remote work increases, especially during the peak of Covid-19, employees will still choose to commute to the office rather than work from home (Feleen and David, 2021). As flexible work arrangements grow increasingly prevalent in the workplace, Covid-19 will continue to alter the office's appearance and ambience (Chua et al, 2022). The current workplace must become more adaptable and flexible to accommodate the hybrid workforce and the dynamic of remote work during and after COVID-19.…”