SINGAPORE: In a vibrant online discussion on a popular forum, one netizen sparked an engaging conversation by asking others working from home (WFH) about their typical daily routines. The question, posted on January 10, drew a multitude of responses, revealing the diverse and often unconventional ways Singaporeans are adapting to remote work.

"I work two to three hours in the morning, then I take a lunch break followed by a nap before diving back into another two hours of work," the original poster shared, highlighting an appealing blend of productivity and self-care.

Responses streamed in, painting a picture of WFH life filled with unique adaptations. One participant mentioned beginning their day by logging in at 8:55 am to give the illusion of a punctual start. They described a morning routine filled with household chores or a workout until 11 am, followed by responding to emails until noon. “Lunch is from 12 to 2 pm. I usually wrap up my workday around 3 pm but keep my mouse moving until 6 pm to appear online,” they candidly revealed, showing how remote workers manage to balance work with personal duties.

Another respondent, identifying as a software engineer, detailed their unconventional work hours. “I wake up late when there are no morning meetings, typically around 10 am, and start my day checking team updates,” they explained. However, they admitted that procrastination often kicks in, leading to a mental block by 1 pm. “My evenings are spent contemplating life until dinner time, followed by some Netflix or gaming, and it’s not until 10 pm that I finally get back to work,” they shared. This pattern of working late into the night culminates in a cycle of sleepless nights, each followed by a desperate attempt to catch up on sleep.

Responses underscored a common theme: many remote workers feel untethered from traditional office life. “So much time wasted commuting and pretending to work during downtimes,” lamented one. With remote work becoming increasingly feasible, more individuals expressed a yearning for flexibility. The post-frenzy indicates a shift in mindset: people are realizing that they can optimize both their work and personal lives when given the freedom to do so.

Interestingly, while some individuals bask in this newfound flexibility, there are whispers of unrest among workers who find their WFH options limited. “Currently, I’m allowed to work from home just one day a week. My mornings start late, snoozing the alarm until 9 am, turning on my laptop, and pretending to be online while I shower and make coffee,” lamented a worker who yearns for more flexibility in their schedule.

As the pandemic continues to reshape our understanding of work-life balance, the evolving landscape of remote work in Singapore suggests that traditional work hours might be a thing of the past. How many more will join the movement for flexible work arrangements? One things for sure: the future of work is up for grabs, and workers will continue to share their strategies as they navigate this revolutionary change.

What’s your WFH routine like? Could you find a better balance? Share your experiences!