Singapore eases some Covid-19 workplace rules such that WFH is no longer the default mode, but a more flexible way of working is!
“More employees who are currently working from home will be allowed to return to their workplace starting from 5th April. WFH (Working from home) will no longer be the default mode of working but has been shifted to a more flexible way of working.”
- As announced by Education Minister Lawrence Wong on 24th March
What are some of the changes to the Covid-19 workplace rules?
1. Starting from 5th April, up to 75% of staff can come back to work at the office at any one time.
Previously, only up to 50% of staff can be in the office at any one time.
2. Split team arrangements are no longer compulsory.
However, employers are still encouraged to stagger their employees’ start times such that at least half of them reach the office at 10 am or after 10 am to avoid travelling during rush hour.
Companies are also encouraged to choose virtual meetings over physical meetings if possible. They should arrange physical meetings to be held after 10 am.
Lunchtime and breaks should still be conducted in staggered timings.
Employers are to allow flexible workplace hours at the office such that the employees can work in the office from 10 am to 4 pm and continue to work from home for the rest of their working hours, or they could just come back to the office in the afternoon or for meetings only.
Work-related events that are not organised for social interaction (such as conferences, Annual General Meetings, etc.) are to be cap at 50 people per event. The events should also follow workplace safe management measures. As much as possible, avoid holding the events over a meal.
Employers have to continue keeping safe management measures in place for the employees to follow, such as cleaning shared spaces frequently, following safe distancing measures, and wearing masks at all times.
3. Any social/recreational gatherings at the workplace are allowed but still kept within 8 people limitation.
For more information regarding MOM’s updated workplace requirements as of 24th March, you can take a look at Safe Management Measures at the workplace
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