Marketer Ailsa Tan describes herself as the “weird” boss who would tell her employees at The Boutique Agency to go home if they had no looming deadlines – no matter if the day had just begun.
“When we would get stuck creatively, I would chase people out of the office to do an activity that would spark their creativity, whether it’s going to the movies or heading home for a bath. Many people could not understand that because it broke the traditional business model, but I believe that it’s the results that matter. Sometimes, the best work we can do is not behind a desk.”
When she left for a different organisation, she implemented a WFH routine once a week there. This was pre-pandemic, and long before WFH became ubiquitous and part of the working lexicon. Ailsa says she “met with much resistance from the ground due to deep-seated mistrust in the organisation”.
“The challenges in changing the culture were significant, as many were accustomed to a more traditional work environment. However, when Covid hit, we were operationally ready to work remotely through the WFH scheme, which benefited the organisation.”
Today, as the founder of Singapore marketing agency Boing! Group, Ailsa continues to champion flexible work arrangements.
“We work around each individual’s schedule, be it childcare needs or parental care needs. All we ask for is accountability, and for each individual to update us so we can ‘cover’ for each other during those hours when they are not at their desk,” she says.
Since the pandemic, the concept of flexible work has emerged as a cornerstone for job satisfaction and employee retention. The traditional 9-to-6 model is giving way to more adaptable schedules, remote work options, and innovative approaches like compressed workweeks.
Denne historien er fra August 2024-utgaven av Her World Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 2024-utgaven av Her World Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
What Are Some Watches That Double As Pieces Of Art?
The Bvlgari Fenice High Jewellery watch is a spell-binding expression of the Italian jeweller's audacious aesthetic.
Getting To The Seoul Of K-Beauty
The days of complex 10-step skincare routines may be behind us, but K-beauty's skin-first approach continues to dominate markets worldwide. Here's a closer look at the phenomenon.
My Super Power Is Saying No
It's 2009, and some 1.67 million Singaporeans are tuning into the two-hour finale of the hit Chinese language series The Little Nyonya, transfixed by the multi-generational saga of three Peranakan families.
New York State Of Mind
Inspired by the Big Apple, Coach's new Times Square Tabby is an amalgamation of the city's love stories, both old and new.
Building Safer Workplaces
As an increasing number of workplaces are understanding the importance of mental health, we ask three leaders what it will take to move the needle to create environments where we can speak up, challenge the status quo, and have our needs met.
What Beauty Routine Should You Follow If You Have Eczema?
Quinn Chen, co-founder of Singapore beauty brand, Ice's Secret, answers.
A Mid-Career Change Is Not A Crisis
A mid-career switch, while daunting, can be the key to unlocking a more fulfilling and aligned professional life.
It's Cool To Get Cold
Ice baths are popping up around Singapore, waiting for you to take the plunge.
Will joining a breast cancer support group help me with my healing journey?
Emily Goh, senior medical social worker, answers.
PASSION FOR A CAUSE
Rebellion of the academic sort - runs in Anna Yip's blood. The deputy CEO of Singtel Singapore tells us how self-love, confidence, and a passion for tech guide her as she leads one of the nation's most established telecommunications companies into the future.