Employees prioritize flexible working hours: consultant

A recent survey has found that up to 30% of Gen Z workers, who were born from 1997-2012, want their employers to offer flexible hours, said Thanh Nguyen, head of operations and happiness inspiration at Anphabe JSC.

Up to 71% would consider switching jobs if their current employer does not offer flexibility, added Thanh, referring to the Vietnam Talent Trend Report, "10 Years Looking Back," at a Thursday event held by HR consulting company Anphabe, in Ho Chi Minh City.

Thanh also pointed out six trends in human resources that have been seen in Vietnam recently.

First, today's workers prefer jobs with flexible hours. In addition to their primary employment, they may pick up their children or work additional part-time jobs.

Second, while most workers want stability, up to 57% of them engage in freelancing jobs. Previously, people believed that staying with a job for many years was stable. However, this premise has altered. Stability today means that regardless of how circumstances change, the income remains constant.

Third, many employees are silently resigning in 2024. That implies they will continue to work but are unable to concentrate on their tasks.

In 2020, many businesses cut their workforce as a result of Covid-19, and workers started to leave their jobs in 2021 for the same reason. Many people left the cities to go back to the countryside, and abandoned their employment due to losses caused by the pandemic. In 2022, personnel were more likely to return to work and apply for new positions. The tough economic scenario resulted in mass layoffs in 2023.

Fourth, an employer's duty for employee wellbeing has increased. In 2023, healthcare and a good life rose to the third highest priority for employees, up from fifth in 2015 and 2016.

Fifth, office zombies have returned. Office zombies are those who go to work but make little effort and do not want to leave. This figure rose to 23% in 2023 from 18% in 2022.

Quitting a job or being fired is no longer a significant drawback on a candidate's resume. For every 10 individuals who were sacked, seven were able to find new jobs within six months.

The survey was conducted across 18 industries, more than 700 companies, and 60,000 experienced employees. It was sponsored by the Vietnam Confederation of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).