Lens on Singapore: Is the era of remote work over?
IN the latest episode of Lens on Singapore, Claressa Monteiro from The Business Times sat down with experts to discuss the evolving dynamics of flexible work arrangements in Singapore. As big tech companies push for a return to office work, the debate intensifies - are companies overcorrecting, or is there a legitimate need to bring back office culture?
New flexi-work arrangements
From Dec 1, Singaporean employers established formal processes for flexible work arrangement requests. Experts, Yeo Wan Ling, NTUC assistant secretary-general and director, U SME and U Women and Family, Maureen Wee, head of human resources at SPH Media, and Ethan Ang, co-founder and CEO of NodeFlair, delve deep into the cultural shift sparked by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Flexible work arrangements encompass more than just working from home and includes the possibility of combining flexi-load, flexi-time, and flexi-place. These arrangements are notably important for parents or those caring for elderly family members.
A framework to benefit everyone
The panel explores the significance of maintaining a balance between flexible work and office culture. Maureen stresses the need for cohesion and interaction among employees, which often leads to spontaneous discussions and innovative ideas. Ethan notes that younger workers, especially recent graduates, may reevaluate their preferences for remote work when they miss the camaraderie and support of an office environment.
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Singapore’s tripartite guidelines serve as a foundation that all companies must follow, ensuring a formalised process for requesting flexible work arrangements. These guidelines were developed collectively by the government, unions, and employers to support Singaporeans in balancing work and personal commitments.
Partnership between employer and employee
Claressa raises critical questions, such as the potential penalisation of employees who request flexible work arrangements and the realism brought about by the economic climate with job markets facing uncertainty.
Throughout the discussion, empathy and trust emerge as key themes. Wan Ling and Maureen agree that employers must be compassionate and supportive, especially towards caregivers who rely on flexible work arrangements to stay employed.
Ultimate benefit
As the workplace continues to evolve post-pandemic, the episode concludes with a positive outlook. Wan Ling believes that while there might be some adjustment period, Singapore’s enlightened approach to flexible work arrangements will ultimately benefit the economy and workforce.
Claressa posits that the essence of the discussion for flexible work is a partnership between employers and employees. Listen to the episode for a comprehensive discussion on this timely topic, featuring diverse viewpoints that shed light on the complexities of modern work life in Singapore.
For more episodes, go to bt.sg/podcasts and if you have feedback or an episode idea, please get in touch at btpodcasts@sph.com.sg.
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Hosted by Claressa Monteiro, edited and produced by Claressa Monteiro and Emily Liu, and engineered by Chai Pei Chieh.
With Yeo Wan Ling, NTUC assistant secretary-general and NTUC U Women and Family director, Member of Parliament; Ethan Ang, co-founder and CEO of NodeFlair; and Maureen Wee, head of human resources, SPH Media
A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media
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