Nowadays, it’s common for Filipinos to have work-from-home jobs. As companies run online, job applicants should rethink the questions they ask in interviews.
Work-from-home jobs have been the current norm in the Philippines, as 85% of Filipino employees work remotely. As the workspace changes, the conditions for work have also changed.
Physical safety, mental health, and overall work processes are more important than ever. That is why we have listed some questions you should be asking your potential employer in light of this ongoing pandemic and work-from-home setup.
Now that employees cannot simply time in and time out through physical means, various companies have found different approaches to track work hours, leaves, personal progress, and team productivity.
Companies may ask employees to log in their work hours on Google Sheets. Other companies may instruct you to stay on a Zoom call for the duration of your work hours. Some companies may even require you to install a web application that tracks your keystrokes and mouse movements.
When you apply to a work-from-home job, it is important to gather everything you need to know to make an informed decision. Whether it is by staying on an 8-hour work call or installing a time-tracking web application, these time-tracking processes can greatly affect your overall mood and productivity.
Our future goals are just as important as our present-day goals. When applying for your first or even second job, it is important to evaluate what this job opportunity can do for your personal growth.
New learning opportunities are key to growing as an individual and as a team player within the company and industry. According to a recent study, 93% of employees found that employee development programs greatly increased engagement and overall productivity.
A company that has your best interest at heart will shell out the resources needed for you to hone your skills. In fact, the work-from-home setup makes these resources highly accessible to remote workers. These may include online courses, company databases, or instructional videos.
During your interview, ask about training programs and employee development plans that may be available to you. These may include month-long training programs, weekly 1-on-1 sessions, or personal KPI trackers.
Every company has their own take on what constitutes work-life balance or work-life integration. But what matters is that their idea of work-life boundaries aligns with yours.
A work-from-home job means you will most likely work where you live. You can’t simply leave your work at the office, as you may need to convert your home into a workspace.
Work-life balance and integration is not just the number of hours clocked on the computer, but the amount of work accomplished with regards to your physical and mental health. One study has shown that 85% of organisations that offer their employees work-life balance programs report increased productivity.
During your interview, raise this question and observe how your potential employer responds to this work-from-home set-up.
Not only does this question take employers by surprise, but it also allows them to truly reflect on the company’s progress during an economic recession and global pandemic.
Here, employers can give you concrete examples of how their company responds to crises that may impede overall profitability, health, safety, and security.
You can ask this at the end of any job interview. It serves as interesting food for thought which potential employers will remember even after the application process.
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