Civil servants of the future could be working from home

KUANTAN: Working from home could be an option for the civil service of the future, said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa.

He pointed out that there were varying opinions about the types of jobs which would exist by 2050 and working from home was a concept that could fit in by then.

“By the year 2050, there may even be a huge demographic change.

“The way we provide service will also change to cater to it.

“Working from home may become a reality in the future,” Dr Ali said at the 2050 National Transformation (TN50) dialogue with the Pahang civil service here.

The aspiration to work from home was shared by some among the 2,500 civil servants who attended the dialogue.

Dr Ali said the concept had already been implemented in other countries, not only for women but men as well.

“Some say women should be allowed to work from home but I think it is suitable for men too.

“In other countries, workers are required to work three days in the office and can work from home for the other two days.

“They have ways to monitor, such as through the workers’ productivity.

“Working from home has benefits such as saving electricity and also rent for office space,” he said.

Speaking to reporters later, Dr Ali said the aspirations raised by the Pahang civil servants were futuristic.

“I have seen civil servants who want us to solve current problems but in Pahang, they understand what is TN50 and can envision the state of Malaysia by the year 2050.

“Many of the questions also came from young civil servants. They are the generation who will see TN50 through,” he said.

Dr Ali said the event was the first state-level TN50 dialogue with the civil service in the peninsula and there would be more engagements.