Re-adjusting to the workforce
Considering that she was one of the first employees to be hired under a work from home arrangement, the initial communication process needed to be determined with regards to workflow, office hour communication as well as work processes. She was given a laptop which had access to the office network and database. She also had to ensure that there was a constant flow of communication with her supervisor during working hours. While working from home does afford her flexibility, she believes in crafting specific hours for work, and then disengaging to allow herself to tend to her personal commitments.
Advice for returnees and changes in Corporate Malaysia
Aznida believes that working from home is beneficial, especially for women who have caretaking needs. However, guidance should be given to companies to ensure that there are effective communication practices and technology to support the work processes for employees working from home.
She advises for women thinking of taking a career break to constantly keep up with the working trends. “While on a career break, do not stop your learning process. Be open to opportunities and knowledge so you do not lose your momentum when you want to make a career comeback. Keep yourself updated with technology to stay relevant in the industry.” She also advises potential returnees to manage their expectations and re-familiarise themselves with their respective industries, as the nature of work is rapidly changing. She believes that constant networking, building self-confidence and having resilience when applying for jobs are key success factors which will help women ensure a successful comeback to the workforce.