WFH has major impact on productivity, says economist

PETALING JAYA: The government’s work from home (WFH) directive for areas under the conditional movement control order (MCO) is seen to have significant impact on productivity and business activities.

“Although the restriction is only for Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Sabah, the Klang Valley is a very populous area and a major economic centre.

“So the impact of the conditional MCO will be significant on consumption and businesses, ” said Sunway University professor of economics Dr Yeah Kim Leng.

Under the new directive, the government is allowing up to 10% of those in management and supervisory posts to work onsite.

The time at their workplaces are limited to four hours from 10am-2pm for three days in a week.

Industry feedback showed a total of 776,135 or 25% of workers in affected areas were from supervisory and management posts.

Lau Zheng Zhou, research manager at the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs, noted that businesses were better prepared for WFH this time around compared to March.

“Some companies have prepared to facilitate WFH before the conditional MCO was announced. Others have gone further by addressing mental-related issues to ensure well-being. So, I think this will be less of a shock compared to the first MCO, ” he said.