Going back to the "old normal“

[begleitung]

Aka no more remote working, back to the office daily like the past. 
 

isn‘t it sad that the society did not learn from the past two years on how things can be done differently at work etc?

[Guest GUEST]

Did your company ask you to go back to office daily from next year? I think not possible for people to WFH permanently from Mon to Fri, as govt direction is to live with virus, people still must get on as per normal in their life. Perhaps company should ask their employees to go back office for a few days per week and not everyday since covid is still here, but not WFH everyday lah. I find not healthy to a person mental and physical health in the long run.

[begleitung]

On 12/22/2021 at 9:37 AM, Guest GUEST said:

Did your company ask you to go back to office daily from next year? I think not possible for people to WFH permanently from Mon to Fri, as govt direction is to live with virus, people still must get on as per normal in their life. Perhaps company should ask their employees to go back office for a few days per week and not everyday since covid is still here, but not WFH everyday lah. I find not healthy to a person mental and physical health in the long run.

it is only a matter of time to be back daily. 

 

A hybrid would be nice. 

[Guest Guest]

On 12/22/2021 at 9:43 AM, begleitung said:

it is only a matter of time to be back daily. 

 

A hybrid would be nice. 

If the covid situation is not so bad, and more people have gone for their vaccine shot, going back daily cannot be avoidable. Since working in office is what we have been doing for past decades. I do not think SG would adopt WFH practice in company even for 1 day. So if the covid situation gets better or no more covid, we will go back to the so called normal.

[begleitung]

On 12/22/2021 at 10:06 AM, Guest Guest said:

If the covid situation is not so bad, and more people have gone for their vaccine shot, going back daily cannot be avoidable. Since working in office is what we have been doing for past decades. I do not think SG would adopt WFH practice in company even for 1 day. So if the covid situation gets better or no more covid, we will go back to the so called normal.

Sad as it is, unfortunately what u said is true. 

[begleitung]

Having said that, in the past i think companies used to do 5.5 days work week, so maybe there is hope (in the distant future)?

[Guest Guest]

On 12/22/2021 at 10:10 AM, begleitung said:

Having said that, in the past i think companies used to do 5.5 days work week, so maybe there is hope (in the distant future)?

From 5.5 days work week to 5 days, i think it is made possible from govt. So it is govt to make the first move and maybe make it mandatory for companies to adopt WFH practice? If not, don't think any companies would adopt such working style.

[begleitung]

On 12/22/2021 at 10:13 AM, Guest Guest said:

From 5.5 days work week to 5 days, i think it is made possible from govt. So it is govt to make the first move and maybe make it mandatory for companies to adopt WFH practice? If not, don't think any companies would adopt such working style.

Bingo!  Agree!

 

this is how it operates….

Edited December 22, 2021 by begleitung

[Guest guest]

On 12/22/2021 at 10:14 AM, begleitung said:

Bingo!  Agree!

 

this is how it operates….

Yah, majority companies still have the mindset of seeing all their employees go to office, whether or not they have work to do. Even not much work to do, employees also must sit in the office for the entire of their working hours. Difficult to change the mindset and working style set in company.

 

I think govt got encourage employers to set Fri as a family day, to allow their employees to knock off few hours earlier, so that they can have a work life balance. But you see how many companies are practicing this?

[Guest The Forest]

If you have nice colleagues and a good funny boss, you will miss going to work.  If office politics and work environment is extremely toxic, WFH is the best deal or risk having to quit after returning to office.   Back to working may be good for some, but nightmarish for others.   There is no right or wrong.   Personally, I love lock down.  It brought me back to Singapore of the old days, less crowded and less packed.

[lonelyglobe]

On 12/22/2021 at 10:10 AM, begleitung said:

Having said that, in the past i think companies used to do 5.5 days work week, so maybe there is hope (in the distant future)?

Unfortunately the total working hours did not change, work life balance will only remain as a slogan in SG, unlike in other part of the world eg. UAE: 

 

"The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday announced to change its existing five-day workweek to a four-and-a-half day starting January 1, becoming the world's first country to make the employee-friendly transition as part of its efforts to improve productivity and work-life balance.

According to the new schedule, Monday to Thursday the work timings would be from 7.30 am to 3.30 pm, followed by a half day on Friday from 7.30 am to 12.00 pm, said the UAE Government Media Office.

Saturdays and Sundays are full-day holidays under the new rule."

Edited December 22, 2021 by lonelyglobe

[Guest guest]

On 12/22/2021 at 10:45 AM, Guest The Forest said:

If you have nice colleagues and a good funny boss, you will miss going to work.  If office politics and work environment is extremely toxic, WFH is the best deal or risk having to quit after returning to office.   Back to working may be good for some, but nightmarish for others.   There is no right or wrong.   Personally, I love lock down.  It brought me back to Singapore of the old days, less crowded and less packed.

Quite true, depends on your office environment and the people in your office. If there are many office politics and backstab, and colleagues like to gossip, i also like to WFH than go back office. Too bad there would not be any chance for lockdown anymore, no matter how is the covid situation here. You see when cases went up to 5k, there is also no lockdown. Crowded and packed in SG cannot be change, and have to learn to adapt and face it. Govt policy here is not to have a less packed and less crowded SG.

[begleitung]

On 12/22/2021 at 12:03 PM, lonelyglobe said:

Unfortunately the total working hours did not change, work life balance will only remain as a slogan in SG, unlike in other part of the world eg. UAE: 

 

"The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday announced to change its existing five-day workweek to a four-and-a-half day starting January 1, becoming the world's first country to make the employee-friendly transition as part of its efforts to improve productivity and work-life balance.

According to the new schedule, Monday to Thursday the work timings would be from 7.30 am to 3.30 pm, followed by a half day on Friday from 7.30 am to 12.00 pm, said the UAE Government Media Office.

Saturdays and Sundays are full-day holidays under the new rule."

Amazing!!

[begleitung]

On 12/22/2021 at 10:24 AM, Guest guest said:

 

 

I think govt got encourage employers to set Fri as a family day, to allow their employees to knock off few hours earlier, so that they can have a work life balance. But you see how many companies are practicing this?

The family day thing, apparently it is not always practised too. 
 

anyway, shouldn‘t everyday be a family day, with or without their intervention? Lol….

[Guest GUEST]

On 12/22/2021 at 12:03 PM, lonelyglobe said:

Unfortunately the total working hours did not change, work life balance will only remain as a slogan in SG, unlike in other part of the world eg. UAE: 

 

"The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday announced to change its existing five-day workweek to a four-and-a-half day starting January 1, becoming the world's first country to make the employee-friendly transition as part of its efforts to improve productivity and work-life balance.

According to the new schedule, Monday to Thursday the work timings would be from 7.30 am to 3.30 pm, followed by a half day on Friday from 7.30 am to 12.00 pm, said the UAE Government Media Office.

Saturdays and Sundays are full-day holidays under the new rule."

Having short working hours in SG unlikely to happen. People here like to work long hours, some people even spend 10-12 hours in the office everyday even can say they cannot finish their work?!

[Guest guest]

On 12/22/2021 at 12:13 PM, begleitung said:

The family day thing, apparently it is not always practised too. 
 

anyway, shouldn‘t everyday be a family day, with or without their intervention? Lol….

Most people in SG is workaholics, family day is not important as their work. This is why family day in SG never able to take off. If employee wants to have family day, just take your own annual leave, no such thing that company will give you early release for your family day.

[begleitung]

On 12/22/2021 at 12:20 PM, Guest guest said:

Most people in SG is workaholics, family day is not important as their work. This is why family day in SG never able to take off. If employee wants to have family day, just take your own annual leave, no such thing that company will give you early release for your family day.

Lol, even if given, they won’t dare to take it, due to peer pressure etc

[Guest guest]

On 12/22/2021 at 12:48 PM, begleitung said:

Lol, even if given, they won’t dare to take it, due to peer pressure etc

True, same like nobody dare to knock off on time, must stay at least 30 mins to an hour after official knock off timing. If now boss might think those who can knock off on time nothing much to do.

[mate69]

SG work culture and mentality sucks

[sgmaven]

You guys complain about work culture in Singapore, but it is worse in most parts of Asia. Frankly, it is not as lovely as you think in the US either - they generally get much less annual leave than us.

 

That said, once the situation with the pandemic is controlled, it is obvious that most employers will want their workers to return to the office. Many tasks in companies require people on-site, and collaborative projects are so much less effective when done remotely.

 

While many love the idea of "Work From Home", do realise that not everyone sees it as a positive. Imagine yourself in a small flat, with kids running around, trying to do a online conference meeting. Wouldn't help if your neighbours are particularly noisy either.

 

Also, if all companies decided to close or downsize their offices to allow for everyone to work from home, what would happen to all the empty office spaces? Everyone will complain that the REITS are not giving them a positive return...

[lonelyglobe]

On 12/23/2021 at 12:27 AM, Guest guest said:

True, same like nobody dare to knock off on time, must stay at least 30 mins to an hour after official knock off timing. If now boss might think those who can knock off on time nothing much to do.

There should be a campaign to teach all bosses people who stay after office hours is because they are inefficient,  cannot complete tbeir work on time, thats why need to stay back. 

[mate69]

u cannot please everyone indeed

[sgmaven]

On 12/24/2021 at 12:50 AM, mate69 said:

u cannot please everyone indeed

Ever heard the proverb that goes - One man's meat is another man's poison?😀

[mate69]

Indeed

[Guest guest]

On 12/23/2021 at 4:30 PM, lonelyglobe said:

There should be a campaign to teach all bosses people who stay after office hours is because they are inefficient,  cannot complete tbeir work on time, thats why need to stay back. 

They would tell you not that they cannot complete their work on time, it is due to they have too many works and meeting during the official working hours which they have not enough time to finish all. That's why must stay back.

[sgmaven]

When you think that your boss is overworking you, consider this... We all know that enterprises are not charities, and would not exist if they cannot turn the required profit. Perhaps the company can only survive (turn that profit) by working the employees extra hard (what you consider overwork). If this is the case, would you leave your job (and find another one), or stick with the current job (because it is not so easy to find another)?

 

Frankly, productivity is not great in Singapore. Our wages are very high compared with many Asian countries (even when compared with Japan) - don'r forget that the employers contribution to your CPF also is a cost, even if you do not see it in your bank account. Rent and utilities are also very expensive. Running a business in Singapore is really getting very expensive.

[PgChn]

On 12/22/2021 at 12:03 PM, lonelyglobe said:

Unfortunately the total working hours did not change, work life balance will only remain as a slogan in SG, unlike in other part of the world eg. UAE: 

 

"The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday announced to change its existing five-day workweek to a four-and-a-half day starting January 1, becoming the world's first country to make the employee-friendly transition as part of its efforts to improve productivity and work-life balance.

According to the new schedule, Monday to Thursday the work timings would be from 7.30 am to 3.30 pm, followed by a half day on Friday from 7.30 am to 12.00 pm, said the UAE Government Media Office.

Saturdays and Sundays are full-day holidays under the new rule."

Erh where ever you quoted the paragraphs misunderstood why UAE went for 4.5 days. UAE previously had their weekends on Fridays and Saturdays, the workers work from Sunday onwards. It is shifting to Saturdays and Sundays so it is in line with international practices. The half day on Fridays allow the workers to do their Friday prayers.

[lonelyglobe]

On 12/25/2021 at 1:37 AM, PgChn said:

Erh where ever you quoted the paragraphs misunderstood why UAE went for 4.5 days. UAE previously had their weekends on Fridays and Saturdays, the workers work from Sunday onwards. It is shifting to Saturdays and Sundays so it is in line with international practices. The half day on Fridays allow the workers to do their Friday prayers.

Is already out in the news, u might want to know there are such a thing called "google" and there are lots of reports u can find, happy googling and merry xmas. 

Edited December 25, 2021 by lonelyglobe

[auscent]

Employers and team leaders here need to be more secure with wfh arrangements.

[sgmaven]

On 12/25/2021 at 11:08 PM, auscent said:

Employers and team leaders here need to be more secure with wfh arrangements.

Frankly, I don't fault them though. While we were in Circuit Breaker mode, I met lots of people out and about playing Pokémon Go! during working hours. They admitted to skiving from work. So I won't be surprised if lots of employees take a lot of liberties during WFH.

[Guest Guest]

On 12/25/2021 at 11:22 PM, sgmaven said:

Frankly, I don't fault them though. While we were in Circuit Breaker mode, I met lots of people out and about playing Pokémon Go! during working hours. They admitted to skiving from work. So I won't be surprised if lots of employees take a lot of liberties during WFH.

If these "lots of people" can be out playing Pokemon Go during the CB, this means that these people have "nothing to do" in the office .... so they can surf the internet, read the latest entertainment gossips, do online shopping and socialise in the office, play Pokémon Go or go sleep in the toilet cubicle, etc. etc. ......? 🤔 Maybe the bosses are doing these things themselves?

[sgmaven]

On 12/26/2021 at 5:09 AM, Guest Guest said:

If these "lots of people" can be out playing Pokemon Go during the CB, this means that these people have "nothing to do" in the office .... so they can surf the internet, read the latest entertainment gossips, do online shopping and socialise in the office, play Pokémon Go or go sleep in the toilet cubicle, etc. etc. ......? 🤔 Maybe the bosses are doing these things themselves?

If that is the case. then that is probably a very inefficient company, that can do without as many staff as they have...

[singalion]

On 12/23/2021 at 9:25 AM, sgmaven said:

You guys complain about work culture in Singapore, but it is worse in most parts of Asia. Frankly, it is not as lovely as you think in the US either - they generally get much less annual leave than us.

 

That said, once the situation with the pandemic is controlled, it is obvious that most employers will want their workers to return to the office. Many tasks in companies require people on-site, and collaborative projects are so much less effective when done remotely.

 

While many love the idea of "Work From Home", do realise that not everyone sees it as a positive. Imagine yourself in a small flat, with kids running around, trying to do a online conference meeting. Wouldn't help if your neighbours are particularly noisy either.

 

Also, if all companies decided to close or downsize their offices to allow for everyone to work from home, what would happen to all the empty office spaces? Everyone will complain that the REITS are not giving them a positive return...

 

You all forget WFH is the most troublesome for the IT. Our IT has been complaining past 2 years, they are on heightened alert and must set safety for all kind of issues. 

 

There are always 2 sides of the coin. 

 

And: people easily abuse WFH systems. It is like those who take MC entitlement as additional leave days...

 

Third WFH has destroyed such work strategies such as team building or team spirit. 

 

Lastly , not everyone is a self disciplined WFH employee..... 

 

 

[Guest guest]

On 12/27/2021 at 1:27 PM, singalion said:

 

You all forget WFH is the most troublesome for the IT. Our IT has been complaining past 2 years, they are on heightened alert and must set safety for all kind of issues. 

 

There are always 2 sides of the coin. 

 

And: people easily abuse WFH systems. It is like those who take MC entitlement as additional leave days...

 

Third WFH has destroyed such work strategies such as team building or team spirit. 

 

Lastly , not everyone is a self disciplined WFH employee..... 

 

 

That's why WFH is not workable here. Even some people who is working in the office might not have self disciplined. I seen before people doing their own things at their desk using company resources, and some might take long timing for their lunch/tea break/smoke break/toilet break. Best is to all go back office like pre-covid days.

[Guest guest]

On 12/27/2021 at 1:27 PM, singalion said:

 

You all forget WFH is the most troublesome for the IT. Our IT has been complaining past 2 years, they are on heightened alert and must set safety for all kind of issues. 

 

There are always 2 sides of the coin. 

 

And: people easily abuse WFH systems. It is like those who take MC entitlement as additional leave days...

 

Third WFH has destroyed such work strategies such as team building or team spirit. 

 

Lastly , not everyone is a self disciplined WFH employee..... 

 

 

No one will be self discipline when comes to work, they will try to skive as much as possible. Unless that person is a boss. HAHA.

[sgmaven]

On 12/27/2021 at 1:27 PM, singalion said:

 

You all forget WFH is the most troublesome for the IT. Our IT has been complaining past 2 years, they are on heightened alert and must set safety for all kind of issues. 

 

There are always 2 sides of the coin. 

 

And: people easily abuse WFH systems. It is like those who take MC entitlement as additional leave days...

 

Third WFH has destroyed such work strategies such as team building or team spirit. 

 

Lastly , not everyone is a self disciplined WFH employee.....

I totally agree that many WFH employees are not self-disciplined. So, much as some would like to continue that arrangement, I really doubt it will happen.

[Guest Guest]

On 12/27/2021 at 5:49 PM, sgmaven said:

I totally agree that many WFH employees are not self-disciplined. So, much as some would like to continue that arrangement, I really doubt it will happen.

WFH still will happen even in next Jan, since MMTF announced only 50% of those currently WFH is able to return to office. So basically still cannot go back office everyday. Think many companies would ask their employees to work 2-3 days office and other remaining days WFH. Unlike now is WFH for 5 days.

[Guest Consider the Points]

Depends lah:  WFH is good only if:

 

1)  There are office politics and toxic work environment

2)  If travel to work require more than hour journey

3)  If you have elderly or baby to look after at home

4)  If there is nothing much to do in the office other than chit-chat

5)  If your presence in office is not very necessary

6)  If there is no eatery near your work place

7)  If public bus does not ply in your working area

😎 Someone in office is suspected to be infected

9)  If boss is always overseas and can do with conferencing.

10)  If work has became paperless

11)  If you plan to quit anyway

 

 

Work in Office is good if:

 

1)  You have good working envrionment, friendly boss and colleagues

2)  You need the office copier, printer and other equipments to get jobs done

3)  If your working place is within minutes of bus journey

4)  If you cannot get along with family members at home

5)  If there are regular noisy construction works near your neighbourhood

6)  Your home has no aircon

7)  You love the heavily stocked office pantries

😎  There is a very handsome guy in the office you can't get your eyes off him

9)  You tried to impress your boss that you are physically hard working

10)  You wanted to cruise in town during lunch or after work

11)  You missed eating the braised duck near the office food court

12)  You love wearing suit and ties publicly

.......

Please add.

[mate69]

WFH for me 100%

I could do this till the end of time

[auscent]

Covid reveals cracks in the systems.

 

Anti WFH is for poor management like mine. They dont distribute work equally, let bullies roam, let skivers get away. It has been nothing but harder to maintain control on productivity.

Edited December 28, 2021 by auscent

[Guest Guest]

On 12/28/2021 at 5:28 PM, Guest Consider the Points said:

Depends lah:  WFH is good only if:

 

1)  There are office politics and toxic work environment

2)  If travel to work require more than hour journey

3)  If you have elderly or baby to look after at home

4)  If there is nothing much to do in the office other than chit-chat

5)  If your presence in office is not very necessary

6)  If there is no eatery near your work place

7)  If public bus does not ply in your working area

😎 Someone in office is suspected to be infected

9)  If boss is always overseas and can do with conferencing.

10)  If work has became paperless

11)  If you plan to quit anyway

 

 

Work in Office is good if:

 

1)  You have good working envrionment, friendly boss and colleagues

2)  You need the office copier, printer and other equipments to get jobs done

3)  If your working place is within minutes of bus journey

4)  If you cannot get along with family members at home

5)  If there are regular noisy construction works near your neighbourhood

6)  Your home has no aircon

7)  You love the heavily stocked office pantries

😎  There is a very handsome guy in the office you can't get your eyes off him

9)  You tried to impress your boss that you are physically hard working

10)  You wanted to cruise in town during lunch or after work

11)  You missed eating the braised duck near the office food court

12)  You love wearing suit and ties publicly

.......

Please add.

WFH is good only if:

 

12) You can clean the house and do laundry anytime you like

13) You can take a short nap (not to skive) if you are tired (to refresh and reboot self productivity)

14) You want to listen to music loud loud at home

15) You can have early lunch at 10am

16) Save on buying and ironing new clothes 

17) You can take a lunch break by watching one or two episodes of Netflix or kdrana to relax

 

WIO is good if:

 

13) You can use as much electricity and water as you want - charging your phones, go toilet many times, wash face/hand, wash cups etc. 

14) You have a proper work desk / station / chair / phone (for office based staff)

[begleitung]

On 12/29/2021 at 8:23 AM, Guest Guest said:

WFH is good only if:

 

   On 12/28/2021 at 5:28 PM, Guest Consider the Points said: 

Depends lah:  WFH is good only if:

 

1)  There are office politics and toxic work environment

2)  If travel to work require more than hour journey

3)  If you have elderly or baby to look after at home

4)  If there is nothing much to do in the office other than chit-chat

5)  If your presence in office is not very necessary

6)  If there is no eatery near your work place

7)  If public bus does not ply in your working area

😎 Someone in office is suspected to be infected

9)  If boss is always overseas and can do with conferencing.

10)  If work has became paperless

11)  If you plan to quit anyway

 

 

Work in Office is good if:

 

1)  You have good working envrionment, friendly boss and colleagues

2)  You need the office copier, printer and other equipments to get jobs done

3)  If your working place is within minutes of bus journey

4)  If you cannot get along with family members at home

5)  If there are regular noisy construction works near your neighbourhood

6)  Your home has no aircon

7)  You love the heavily stocked office pantries

😎  There is a very handsome guy in the office you can't get your eyes off him

9)  You tried to impress your boss that you are physically hard working

10)  You wanted to cruise in town during lunch or after work

11)  You missed eating the braised duck near the office food court

12)  You love wearing suit and ties publicly

.......

 

On 12/29/2021 at 8:23 AM, Guest Guest said:

 

12) You can clean the house and do laundry anytime you like

13) You can take a short nap (not to skive) if you are tired (to refresh and reboot self productivity)

14) You want to listen to music loud loud at home

15) You can have early lunch at 10am

16) Save on buying and ironing new clothes 

17) You can take a lunch break by watching one or two episodes of Netflix or kdrana to relax

 

18) you get to swim nearby

19) you get to do quick shopping or run errands nearby at non-peak hours

 

 

On 12/29/2021 at 8:23 AM, Guest Guest said:

 

WIO is good if:

 

13) You can use as much electricity and water as you want - charging your phones, go toilet many times, wash face/hand, wash cups etc. 

14) You have a proper work desk / station / chair / phone (for office based staff)

 

15) you need to make calls to a bank etc using the landline that might take long

[Guest Guest]

I find WFH is good if need to wake up early to go work, like wake up before 6.30am. Also if workplace is far from home. i do not miss the super crowded MRT/bus back in pre-covid days, makes me feel stress. Even if drive to work, i also do not like to endure the heavy traffic or jam traffic along the road and the far distance driving to work, sometimes feel quite tiring. Other than that, i am ok to work in office.

[begleitung]

On 12/22/2021 at 12:03 PM, lonelyglobe said:

Unfortunately the total working hours did not change, work life balance will only remain as a slogan in SG, unlike in other part of the world eg. UAE: 

 

"The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday announced to change its existing five-day workweek to a four-and-a-half day starting January 1, becoming the world's first country to make the employee-friendly transition as part of its efforts to improve productivity and work-life balance.

According to the new schedule, Monday to Thursday the work timings would be from 7.30 am to 3.30 pm, followed by a half day on Friday from 7.30 am to 12.00 pm, said the UAE Government Media Office.

Saturdays and Sundays are full-day holidays under the new rule."

Best country for work. 

[begleitung]

On 12/29/2021 at 10:25 PM, Guest Guest said:

I find WFH is good if need to wake up early to go work, like wake up before 6.30am. Also if workplace is far from home. i do not miss the super crowded MRT/bus back in pre-covid days, makes me feel stress. Even if drive to work, i also do not like to endure the heavy traffic or jam traffic along the road and the far distance driving to work, sometimes feel quite tiring. Other than that, i am ok to work in office.

If only someone would listen. 
 

a hybrid work arrangement would be best.