Singapore’s Public Service Division (PSD) is to introduce risk-management processes for hybrid modes of working, recognising that telecommuting has become a permanent part of work for officers.
However, the PSD emphasised that “hybrid work is not an entitlement” and the requirements of the job “take precedence”.
This was one of the key points in a report of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to Parliament.
The report said the committee had looked at weaknesses flagged in the Auditor-General’s report last year, and discussed broader issues that could impact spending, financial governance and controls in the public sector.
The PAC said it was concerned about the impact on governance, controls and oversight of hybrid working.
The PSD informed the committee it would introduce appropriate controls to address risks in people management, workplace health, and cyber and information security in tandem with the switch to hybrid work.
“Within the Public Service, remote working has enabled more nimble collaboration across the Government, with diverse Agencies coordinating and organising themselves at short notice for COVID-19-related missions,” the PSD said.
“The mainstreaming of hybrid work in the Public Service would allow the Public Service to lock in the productivity gains from remote working initiated during COVID-19, while balancing the need to foster teamwork and organisational cohesion,” it said.
The PSD said Agencies should determine the specific provisions that best suited their business needs and operating context of their organisation.
“Officers should also adjust their work-from-home schedule to give precedence to organisational needs,” the PSD said.
“Where the nature of work requires physical interface with citizens and stakeholders, this will be observed.”
It also noted that new hires might not be able to work from home as much at the start given the need to orientate them to the organisation or help them develop bonds with colleagues.
Singapore, 29 January 2022
