SDS: Recruitment Agency
specialising in recruitment services for japanese speaking job seekers in Singapore

After effects of Yahoo's new rule that all employees must work at the office

The announcement by Internet company Yahoo that it would ban employees from working remotely from home, effective from June, has created a sensation in the online world.

While some people call it a retrogressive step, others agree with the brave decision, saying it would enhance the staff's sense of unity physically.

Quite a few Singapore organisations and companies have flexible working environments.

Can working from home lead to healthier work life balance?

Human resource expert Andrew Tomich, 45, executive general manager of recruiting agency Hudson Singapore, says: "It does feel like a step back in time, especially when organisations within the IT industry usually promote the ability to be flexible and not necessarily to be on site." (The Straits Times, March 4, 2013)

Last year, the Ministry of Manpower reported that 41% of 3,500 businesses here were offering flexible hours and working outside of the office to their employees, up 38% from the previous year.

Another report by recruiting agency Hudson in 2011 showed that the top two initiatives in attracting Gen Y workers were providing flexible working hours and work-life balance, and encouraging independent thinking.

The pros and cons of Yahoo's new move have been discussed since it was announced. The key issue is whether this would affect working style diversity in Singapore. We continue to keep a watchful eye on this.