Singapore adopts flexible and hybrid work model

Work-from-home (WFH) will no longer be the default work model in Singapore, as up to 75% of employees who are presently able to work remotely can now be at the workplace at any one time, up from the current 50%.

Making the announcement, Lawrence Wong, co-chair of Singapore’s COVID-19 multi-ministry taskforce, said this represented a shift from WFH as a default mode to a more “flexible and hybrid way” of working, as Singapore continues to adjust to a post-pandemic world.

The current cap on the time an employee can spend at the workplace will also be lifted, while split team arrangements are no longer mandatory.

However, Wong encouraged employers to continue staggering start times and implement flexible working hours, and to continue to implement all prevailing safe management measures.

Adding to the minister’s comments, Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) added that while split team arrangements are no longer mandatory, companies may continue to adopt such arrangements for business continuity purposes if they choose to do so.

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Companies in Singapore are also urged to remain vigilant as measures continue to be eased, including ensuring that restrictions against cross-deployment across workplaces remain in place. Social and recreational gatherings, such as team bonding events organised by the employer, will be allowed but must be limited to no more than eight people.

Enforcement action will continue to be taken against employers who fail to comply with the safe management measures, and that includes the possibility of workplace closures.