The Singapore Ministry of Manpower announced Monday that it fined 11 companies amid the Covid-19 pandemic for not ensuring that work-from-home is the default arrangement for employees that are able to do so. It also issued an advisory on 14 May that employers must implement work-from-home plans.

“All employees whose roles can be performed from home must do so,” according to the ministry. “Employers must provide the necessary facilities and direct their employees to work from home wherever possible. Only employees who are unable to work from home due to the nature of the work (e.g. the role requires access to equipment only accessible at the workplace) can continue to work on-site.”

And for employees who must work on site, companies are required to implement safe management measures.

The ministry is increasing inspections to ensure that workplaces are in compliance.