Singapore maintains work-from-home as default option

Working from home should remain the default arrangement to minimise transmission risks at the workplace, said tripartite partners Ministry of Manpower (MOM), National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) in a joint release. 

The tripartite partners made the announcement amid a backdrop of a “higher risk of potentially more transmissible strains as well as recent trends in COVID-19 cases in the community”.

Under current workplace safe management measures, peak-hour travel on public transport in January has risen by 11%, compared to November 2020. 

“While we understand the desire for more physical workplace interactions, we urge employers and employees to stay vigilant in the fight against COVID-19,” they said. 

“As we approach Chinese New Year, we also remind companies that they should not organise gatherings and social activities such as lohei or Chinese New Year meals, as these are not considered work-related events, and are therefore not allowed,” they added. 

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Under the prevailing safe management measures, employers are advised to implement flexible work hours, allowing employees to report to work during off-peak periods. The start times for these staff should also be staggered such that at least half of all employees start work in the workplace at or after 10am.