SINGAPORE — Working from home should remain the default workplace arrangement, but employers that require their staff to return to the workplace are urged to implement staggered working hours more extensively, said Singapore’s tripartite partners.

The tripartite partners — comprising the Ministry of Manpower, National Trades Union Congress and Singapore National Employers Federation — announced on Friday (Jan 22) that it has decided to postpone any further adjustments to workplace safe management measures.

This is because of the higher risk of potentially more transmissible strains of the coronavirus, as well as recent trends in Covid-19 cases in the community, which includes workplaces, they said in a press statement.

As such, the tripartite said that working from home should remain the default arrangement to minimise transmission risks at the workplace.

The tripartite also noted that even with the current workplace safe management measures, peak-hour travel on public transport in January has increased by 11 per cent, compared to November last year.

Over and above work-from-home requirements, the tripartite partners said prevailing safe management measures require employers to implement flexible work hours to allow employees to report during off-peak periods, if they need to return to the workplace.

It added that the start times for these employees should be staggered such that at least half of all employees start work in the workplace at or after 10am.

“The tripartite partners call on employers to implement staggered work hours more extensively,” read the statement.

They said the public sector has contributed to this effort by allowing staff to adopt flexible workplace arrangements, such as hybrid working arrangements, flexible workplace hours and staggered start times.

The tripartite said it will continue to assess when further adjustments to the safe management measures can be made.

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

“The prevailing safe management measure requirements are vital to continue safe reopening for the economy.”

Separately, the tripartite partners said with Chinese New Year approaching on Feb 12, companies are reminded not to organise gatherings and social activities such as “lo hei” or Chinese New Year meals.

“These are not considered work-related events, and are therefore not allowed,” it explained.

Earlier on Friday, the Ministry of Health (MOH) announced that safe management measures will be tightened due to the upcoming Chinese New Year festivities since the risk of transmission in the community will be increased.

Among the measures announced, the ministry urged Singaporeans dining out to continue to wear a mask when they are not eating or drinking.

Diners must also wear a mask during the tossing of yusheng — a raw fish salad tossed by diners around the table, which is usually accompanied by the chanting of auspicious phrases for the new year.

The practice, known as “lo hei”, should also be done without any verbalisation of the usual auspicious phrases, MOH said.