Thai workers are seeking more flexibility in the workplace to achieve a better work-life balance, according to a recent study by Amsterdam-based creative workspace company Spaces.
The study, which interviewed over 100 business people across Thailand to better understand the drivers behind the rising demand for workplace flexibility, found that more than half (58%) of those surveyed said they expected the demand for flexibility to continue to grow throughout 2018.
Other findings included a substantial increase in the numbers of consultants (27%) and freelancers (31%) working within a variety of industries, with one in five business people saying they had noticed a surge in part-time workers over the last year.
Reasons for the increase range from workers simply wishing to achieve a better work-life balance and spend more time with loved ones or doing leisure activities, to mothers returning to work and juggling familial demands. Some 7% of participants also said they had observed an increase in workers continuing to work beyond pensionable age.
"This distinct shift in Thai working habits can be largely attributed to the changing needs of the global workforce," said Noelle Coak, country head for Thailand, Taiwan and South Korea.
"More business people have increasing expectations of greater freedom and flexibility, which is certainly a contributing factor to the popularity of flexibility in working," she said.
"Every generation seeks a healthy work-life balance, but it's Thai millennials who most demand it from their employers. In today's employee market, creating a work-life balance for millennials is a compelling competitive advantage, which has resulted in greater demand for co-working spaces.
"Millennials are accustomed to being connected all the time, so it is not surprising they are looking for more inspiring options when working, such as business lounges, co-working spaces, short-term offices or drop-in centres. Worker demand is changing and Thai businesses have to evolve."