SINGAPORE: When Singapore went through a COVID-19 wave in April, public relations firm Tate Anzur took action. Staff were then encouraged to work from home for a few weeks as part of a “health reset”.
But despite infections again rising in recent weeks, the company is not implementing any new health measures.
“There is no need to take additional precautionary measures as consultants are empowered to prioritise their health and have the choice to (work from home), while being trusted completely to maintain their professionalism,” said founder and managing director Yvonne Li, adding that more staff have chosen to work from home in recent weeks.
She said the lessons the firm learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic have allowed the team to operate in a hybrid fashion effectively and inculcated a value of “shared responsibility” for each other’s health and well-being.
Last Friday, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Singapore. In the week of Nov 26 to Dec 2, the estimated number of infections rose to 32,035, compared with 22,094 cases in the previous week, MOH said.
The average daily hospitalisations and ICU admissions have also increased, though the ministry said the numbers are not as high as during the pandemic.
Hospitals in Singapore are also monitoring the COVID-19 situation in the country closely and are ready to increase their capacity if needed.
Despite the current COVID-19 wave, most companies that CNA spoke to said they were not taking extra health measures beyond what is already in place.
“We communicate openly and frequently with our employees and encourage them to remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, to wear masks if they are not feeling well and to minimise work and social interactions, especially with the vulnerable,” said Ms Neetha Nair, chief human resources officer at financial services firm Prudential Singapore.
Companies also highlighted their flexible work arrangements, some of which were made permanent after the pandemic.
Related:
Singapore hospitals remaining 'vigilant', ready to respond to changing needs amid rise in COVID-19 cases
COVID-19 hospitalisations, ICU cases on the rise amid increasing infections: MOH
Daily Cuts – Jump in COVID-19 infections in Singapore
REMOTE WORK
Human resources technology company Wantedly only requires its employees in Singapore to work in the office twice a week and has kept the split team schedule introduced during the pandemic. For example, the sales team comes into the office on a different day from the marketing team.
“We decided to retain our arrangements since the pandemic because we are a knowledge-based technology company and believe in ‘getting things done’ wherever you are in terms of working location,” noted country manager Andrew Tan.
He added that it is important for the company to retain this flexibility as part of its employer branding to attract young talents such as fresh graduates.
UOB said it has a permanent flexible work policy where staff can work remotely for up to two days a week.
“We continue to provide hybrid working arrangements to eligible employees as part of creating a progressive and engaging work environment,” said the bank’s head of group human resources Dean Tong.
Prudential said the company has had a flexible working culture even before COVID-19, and recommends that employees spend one day in office with their teams and a second day in office for meetings.
“We also conduct regular cleaning and disinfecting of common spaces and equipment in our offices to ensure that it remains clean and hygienic for our employees,” said Ms Nair.
MEDICAL LEAVE, SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Wantedly has also been “fortunate” to not have any positive COVID-19 cases over the past few weeks, said Mr Tan.
But if employees test positive for COVID-19, they can observe the full medical certificate (MC) period of about three days, the country manager said, adding that there is “no rush to return to work” if they feel unwell.
On whether the company provides antigen rapid test (ART) kits to employees when they work in the office, Mr Tan said that the firm does not provide fresh testing supplies but has unexpired kits from the previous year.
MOH on Monday said that retailers and pharmacies in Singapore have sufficient supplies of ART kits, amid a rise in demand.
The ministry also advised the public to purchase kits in quantities that are sufficient only for their immediate needs and to not hoard supplies.
Ms Nair said Prudential provides ART kits in the office for employees who require testing.
“If any employee is unwell, they are advised to seek medical attention immediately and to remain home until their health status is confirmed,” she said, adding that employees are reminded to be socially responsible and take the necessary precautions.
Mr Tong said UOB employees who feel unwell are encouraged to stay home and rest, and can apply for medical leave without the need to provide an MC.
Those working in Singapore are also entitled to one complimentary flu vaccination each year, he said, adding that the bank also takes guidance from the government for pandemic-related measures such as mask-wearing.
“Apart from the rising number of COVID-19 infections, November to January is also typically a peak flu season due to increased social interactions and overseas travel during the year-end festivities.
“In view of this, UOB encourages our employees to continue practising social responsibility and to take the necessary precautions to stay safe and well during this period, “ said Mr Tong.
Related:
Singapore sees jump in COVID-19 infections with recent doubling of cases
Daily Cuts – Coping with Covid-19 this festive season
