Some companies are modifying their office space in the light of the increasing prevalence of people having to work from home. Creative agency DDB Group Singapore, whose office is in the Kallang area has removed old cupboards and closed off pantries to create areas for “pods”, or mini rooms. The pods, which were completed last week, allow employees to make video calls in private, even though only 10 per cent of the company’s 300-strong staff come into the office. Staff will also hot-desk rather than have designated desks as most of them do not need to be in the building. Other plans include reducing the total office space by up to 15 per cent, which will bring rental reductions, said its Deputy CEO Jeff Cheong. HR technology firm PeopleStrong did away with office space altogether after its lease at co-working space WeWork expired recently. Its staff of around 10 now all work from home. But associate professor of mgmt and organisation Sam Yam of NUS Business School warned: “Removing physical office spaces does save money from a short-term perspective, but at what costs?... Continue Reading