Liew is giving his employees more leeway.
AFTER two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, people are now slowly resuming their old work culture.Many have had to rearrange their schedules with face-to-face classes, shuttle children to babysitters and brave dreaded traffic jams.
“After almost two years of working online and teaching via videoconference, I have to admit that it feels a little awkward to conduct physical classes,” said physics lecturer Rusman Rizal Abdul Rahman, 43.
“The pandemic taught me to be more proactive in dabbling with soft skills, such as preparing online teaching material for students.
“However, these days I have to readjust my schedule, such as waking up extra early for my journey to work.
“With going back physically to the office, I also have to make arrangements to fetch my child from kindergarten,” he added.
He said he had to be mindful of physical distancing in the classroom.
Rusman has to be mindful of social distancing during lectures.
“Before the pandemic, we did not have these rules and regulations. Now, we must ensure everyone is safe and protected.
“Using hand sanitisers and wearing face masks are now the norm for lecturers and students,” added Rusman, who teaches at a matriculation college in Ipoh, Perak.
Content creator Mahgeshan Ramachandran, 34, also has to wake up earlier now to avoid being stuck in traffic jams.
“This physical work culture was a hindrance at first, but we have adapted,” he said, adding that his company required employees to minimise contact at work.
Mahgeshan's biggest problem is being stuck in traffic jams.( April 08, 2022 )- Pix Provided
Musen Liew, 36, chief executive officer of an engineering firm, said some of his workers lacked time management skills since returning physically to the office.
“After two years of working from home, many find it difficult to manage their time as they have to rearrange their children’s schedules at the babysitter and school.
“Some have even asked for time off to pick up children from school, or even permission to bring their children to work, because they have no one to take care of them.
“I provide my staff some leeway so they can slowly get back to their productive best,” he said, adding that no employee had refused to return to the office.
As the country began its transition into the endemic phase on April 1, many employers are expecting their workers to be physically present at the office, reducing remote and hybrid working options adopted since March 2020.
