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Why is flexibility becoming a dirty word in the office?

Forcing workers back may fill desks, but it can impact the place of goodwill.

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ssrto - When companies do not have clearly defined metrics to measure employee productivity, supervisors can apply their own heuristics on what it looks like, including physical presence in the office. 


Credit: Unsplash

The future of work will hinge less on where people sit than on how employers and employees navigate give and take, says the writer.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: UNSPLASH

Kang Yang Trevor Yu

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When Grab told its Singapore employees in October 2024 that they would need to return to the office five days a week from December, the move was framed as a way to strengthen collaboration and creativity.

Earlier this month, the National University of Singapore announced that it has

implemented a five-day work-from-office policy

for all full-time staff. A spokeswoman added that it still offers flexible work arrangements.

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