WFH benefits both bosses and workers, says HR Ministry

 

PETALING JAYA: Private sector bosses have been urged to consider introducing flexible work arrangements, including work from home (WFH), based on their operational needs.

The Human Resources Ministry said employers could also introduce flexible working times, rotational work or hybrid work models.

“With the current spike in energy costs due to the West Asia conflict, coupled with the daily worker commute, the ministry believes that flexible work arrangements will bring comprehensive benefits to both workers and employers.

“This includes optimising the use of sources and supporting the well-being of workers through better work-life balance,” it said in a statement on Friday (March 27).

On Thursday (March 26), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged the private sector to adopt flexible work arrangements, including WFH, as a way to cushion the impact of global oil supply disruptions arising from the West Asia crisis.

The ministry called on employers to look into the flexible work arrangements introduced under the amendment to the Employment Act 1955, which was enforced on Jan 1, 2023.

“Under Sections 60P and 60Q of the Act, workers can apply for flexible working arrangements with their bosses while strengthening a more modern work culture that is responsive to current needs,” the ministry said.

Such new provisions enable workers to apply for flexible work options in terms of work times, days and work from home.

“To ensure worker welfare, bosses who introduce flexible working arrangements are not allowed to reduce benefits which have been provided for under the Act, like overtime payments, payment for work on rest days and public holidays, as well as allocations for off days, annual leaves, public holidays and medical leaves,” the ministry said.

To support the implementation of such arrangements, the ministry, through the Peninsular Malaysia Labour Department and Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp), has provided various types of assistance to employers, including consultation, training and sharing of best practices.

The department has also published a guideline on flexible working arrangements to assist employers, which can be downloaded at https://www.mohr.gov.my/images/pdf/Garis%20Panduan%20AKF%202024.pdf

Employers can also get more information by emailing TalentCorp at flexworklife@talentcorp.com.my or logging on to www.flexworklife.my - Star