Most Singaporeans not comfortable in returning to the office

Nearly half say a treatment or vaccine must be approved before returning to work.

Majority of workers (59%) across age groups in Singapore are uncomfortable going back to the workplace at present, according to Qualtrics’ Return to Work & Back to Business Study.

Whilst 66% of workers expect to return to the workplace by July, nearly half say a treatment (50%) or vaccine (45%) must be approved first for them to feel comfortable returning to the workplace. Furthermore, 62% would rather wait for local government approval before returning to work.

The survey found that before they feel ready to return to work, employees want their employers to require them to wear masks (69%), make available hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies available throughout the office (68%), do regular temperature checks (53%), as well as require employees who voluntarily travel for work or personal reasons to self-quarantine at home for 14 days (52%).

Once they do return to work, employees said they would feel more comfortable if they are required to wear masks (95%), allowed to work remotely at any point if they feel unsafe (93%), and checked for temperature each day before entering the building (90%). Limiting the number of people in an in-person work meeting (93%) and implementing social distancing (92%) are also of topmost priority.

Also read: Flexible, costlier staff arrangements needed as “new normal” kicks in

Despite restrictions starting to ease, people still don’t feel confident interacting with each other and 45% think it will never “get back to normal.”

Over half or 58% of respondents admit they still feel uncomfortable going to the gym. In addition, almost two-thirds or 64% of respondents say they would feel uncomfortable playing a team sport, whilst 58% wouldn’t be comfortable attending a religious service.

The study notes that most people right now are uncomfortable with attending live sporting events (73%) and live concerts (72%). Nearly 1 in 4 people who regularly attend sporting events said they are unlikely to attend in the foreseeable future, even once spectating is allowed.

Furthermore, 39% of people said they would not be comfortable going to a live sporting event until at least January 2021. Meanwhile, 43% of people said they would not be comfortable going to a live concert until at least January 2021.

On the other hand, more than half or 53% of people still feel uncomfortable going to a restaurant, whilst 34% feel the same about shopping in-person. Even after public health officials say it’s safe, and a treatment or vaccine for the virus is readily available, there are a number of measures people still want before they feel comfortable dining in, such as tables separated at a safe distance (13%), social distancing established (12%), servers and staff to wear gloves and masks (12%), and temperatures checked before going into the restaurant (11%).

Meanwhile, when it comes to public transport, 40% still feel uncomfortable using it right now, whilst 69% would feel uncomfortable flying on an airplane.