In search of a work-life balance

After reading the article, “PostTet labor shortage woes”, I understand the difficult situation that producers are facing as their employees have yet to return to work as planned. This means they are operating at half capacity, and orders might not be fulfilled.

However, many workers are hesitant to return to their factories as the Covid-19 pandemic still spreads. Moreover, they are not used to the new normal. Besides working to earn money to raise their families, they have to find a way to protect their families from diseases.

I read new research conducted by Grove HR and YouGov Vietnam, which stated that a work-life balance is the most important consideration for job seekers. This could be a trend in 2022.

The findings of the research provide us with some food for thought.

According to the research, following six months of being forced to work from home, Vietnamese workers are now reassessing their priorities and what matters most to them at the workplace.

Almost 73% of people said a better work-life balance – such as flexible working, switching-off after hours, and overtime compensation – is the most important factor when deciding whether or not to take a new job offer.

A competitive benefits package, including salaries and bonuses, came a close second at 73% for job seekers, while job security was ranked the third-most important criteria in 2022, at 69%. The research also found that half of the people intend to change jobs in 2022. Vietnamese workers also care more about their health at work given the Covid-19 pandemic. However, most people feel safe returning to work once they, their families, and their colleagues get vaccinated.

The head of the research was quoted as saying that staff recruitment and retention remain a major challenge for companies in big cities and industrial zones after tens of thousands of people returned to their hometowns during and after the Covid lockdowns in 2021. Now, attracting new workers is no longer just about offering attractive salaries. Staff want more from their jobs. Therefore, managers need to adapt their HR strategies to match the new realities of recruitment post-pandemic.

Nobody can live without working. Willy-nilly, workers will come back to work, or at least have to find something to do for a living. But many of them might come back with choices. In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, companies that want to retain their staff should pay attention to ensuring a safe workplace rather than offering job opportunities.