Ian Lim was interviewed by Sharon Salim in The Straits Times. The article spotlighted how bosses and workers in Singapore are looking for a sweet spot in return-to-office rules (p. A23 and A24).

Ian was quoted saying how the Covid-19 pandemic has set the expectation of being able to work from home when the need arises. Not allowing employees to do so could affect staff morale and reputation. He noted that a mandatory return-to-office policy could mean that employees who try to push the boundaries would be facing disciplinary action or even termination. While Singapore allows for at-will contractual termination by giving notice or payment in lieu of notice, doing so could harm the company’s reputation.

In alignment with the new Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests, Ian said that the two concepts do not have to be inconsistent; even in the face of return-to-office policies, an employee should be free to make a flexible work arrangement request within reason.

The article was syndicated in Singapore Law Watch on 25 November 2024.