Authorities Urge Employers to Allow WFH Even As Everyone Can Go Back to the Office from 26 Apr

Everyone’s elated to hear that Singapore will finally be back to normal from 26 April onwards.

To know more about the easing of measures, watch this video to the end:

Perhaps the only bummer is the idea of going back to the office as all workers are allowed to return to their workplaces.

But fear not.

The authorities have announced that flexible work arrangements (FWA) should be a permanent feature for companies in the future.

Tripartite Statement On Flexible Work Arrangements

On Friday (22 April), the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) called for work-from-home practices and staggered hours at workplaces to be made permanent features.

According to The Straits Times, the three agencies believe that these policies will enable employers to attract talent and allow them to tap into a larger pool of manpower.

“FWAs help employees achieve better work-life harmony and promote a more engaged and productive workforce,” said the tripartite statement.

In addition, it’s also good to have this guideline in place as no one knows what might happen in the future.

(God forbid another pandemic. But honestly, no one knows for sure right?)

Workers To Be Paid Fairly Despite FWAs

The statement released by the authorities also emphasised that workers should still be remunerated fairly by employees if they make FWAs.

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However, it takes two hands to clap.

Employees (that’s most of us) will also have to make sure that they use FWAs responsibly and ensure continued work productivity.

“Flexible work arrangements are not an entitlement and the requirements of the job take precedence,” the statement said.

Aka you won’t be able to demand for FWAs unless you are justified to do so in your unique circumstance.

Suggestions For Enacting Hybrid Work Arrangements 

The authorities also suggested several methods that employers can introduce FWAs for their employees.

This includes getting employees to report at the office for in-person meetings but allowing them to continue their other work off-site.

Employers can also use satellite offices or co-working spaces so that their workers can work closer to home.

Right now, the authorities are developing an official guideline for employers and companies for FWAs. The guideline will be put out by 2024.

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Featured Image: Kaie Lee / Shutterstock.com