Keep work-from-home option

Employers have prerogative to continue arrangement even without MCO in force

PETALING JAYA: Puteri Nur Amalia Suhaimi and Naim Rahidin are two among millions of Malaysians now working from home, thanks to the enforced restriction on movement.

But they have vastly different experiences on the arrangement.

Amalia, 28, a social media executive for a clothing company, enjoys the less stressful home environment.

On the other hand, Naim, 31, a digital platform specialist for a real estate company, feels that he has become less productive as communication with colleagues has been disrupted.

Malaysian Wellness Society president Datuk Dr Rajbans Singh said their strikingly differing responses make it all the more pertinent for employers to offer staff the option to either work from home or the office.

“Some people just thrive at home but others tend to be less disciplined,” he told theSun yesterday.

He said allowing employees to choose where they want to work could subsequently increase the happiness level index of Malaysians. The country now ranks 80th out of 156 nations surveyed in the 2019 World Happiness Report.

Rajbans pointed out that the twoweek movement control order (MCO) would be enough time for employees to decide if they enjoy working from home or otherwise.

At the same time, employers would also be able to determine each employee’s capability to help them decide whether or not to allow such a practice to continue.

“Giving employees such an option will have a positive impact on mental health, and lead to happier Malaysians,” he said.

“If a person enjoys working from wherever he is, be it at home or in the office, it will lead to a happier workforce.”

“There is less likelihood of depression, too. Every individual should be allowed to decide as long as the company can afford to have a work-from-home policy,” he added.

Rajbans said when the MCO is finally lifted, there should be a discussion between employers and employees to determine

the best way forward.

Another pro-choice proponent is the Malaysian Trades Union Congress.

Its president Datuk Abdul Halim Mansor said once the country has overcome the Covid-19 outbreak, current laws should be amended to allow for a work-from-home policy.

For a start, he said, the law should recognise the home as part of a work place to ensure that employees are still covered by the Social Security Organisation.

“We should review the respective Acts, determine how the policy can be implemented, and come up with instruments to protect employers and employees to prevent disputes,” he said.

“The government should also come up with a guideline on health procedures and safety measures to be adopted for those who work from home.”

Abdul Halim said companies should also reimburse those who work from home with electricity and phone allowances as the employers no longer need to foot the bill for those working in offices.