PropertyLimBrothers (PLB) recently introduced a 35-hour work week for its local media and HQ team, effective from June 2024, as part of its ongoing efforts to foster a productive and balanced work environment. This change translates to a reduction of working hours by 20%, down from the previous 44-hour work week arrangement. In addition, an optional work-from-home (WFH) day on Wednesdays was also implemented.
For remote team members from the PLB Regional Team, the working framework will also be restructured to a 40-hour work week. There will be two days each week where they can enjoy the flexibility of adjusting their working hours, allowing them to start earlier or later as long as they complete an 8-hour shift. At the time of writing, the PLB Regional Team is made up of remote team members from Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, and Thailand.
In recent years, Singapore has seen clamour for a 4-day work week and flexi work arrangements, amid increased demand for work-life balance. This may have been brought about by a change in lifestyle during the circuit breaker period, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. While there is debate over whether such arrangements are practical for productivity, and whether it can be implemented across industries, PropertyLimBrothers have decided to embrace this new norm and prioritise an enriching life beyond the office.
Rationale for Implementing a 35-hour Work Week
By reducing its working hours by 20% from 44 hours to 35 hours per week, PLB is taking a bold step to ensure that each team member can achieve a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. It is also a testament of the company’s commitment to prioritise the well-being and professional satisfaction of its team members.
It is in this same vein that PLB has implemented WFH Wednesdays for eligible full-time team members who have been with the company for more than 1.5 years, with leaders automatically eligible for it. This allows for a change of pace and work environment, fostering greater productivity and a recharged spirit.
“Our goal is to enhance efficiency and productivity, and to support the professional goals of our team,” said Melvin Lim, Co-founder and CEO of PropertyLimBrothers. “More importantly, we want to allow and encourage everyone to take better care of their physical and mental health with more hours before and after work for bonding activities or self-care.”
Operational Adjustments
Home tour shoots are a huge part of PLB’s core operations. Before, home tour shoots were scheduled as early as 10am and video team members involved were required to reach the office by 9am to collect the equipment.
With the new working hours, adjustments had to be made to ensure that shoots proceed smoothly, business as usual. Morning shoots will now commence from 10:30am, and video team members involved will be required to reach the office by 9:30am.
“This adjustment will give those commuting from the North and West a more comfortable start to their day and ample travel time,” said Melvin.
Designated Core Hours & Focus Time
To help the team adjust to this new arrangement and manage their time effectively, designated daily core hours and focus times were also implemented.
From 10am to 11am and 5pm to 6pm daily, these focus times are dedicated “power hours” for the team to focus deeply on their individual tasks and complete their work uninterrupted.
In between, from 11am to 5pm, these hours are dedicated as the team’s prime hours for interactions, meetings, and collaborative projects. These core hours are set to harness the team’s collective energies when they are the most productive and to foster accountability within the team.
“This change aligns with research showing that peak cognitive and productivity hours start from 10am,” Melvin added. “We trust the team to handle their responsibilities maturely and believe that this shift will allow for a better balance between work and personal life.”
Explore A Career with PropertyLimBrothers Media
Aside from the reduced working hours, other benefits at PropertyLimBrothers Media include:
- 5-year Loyalty Award
- Internal Events (E.g Family Day, Sports Day, Pets Day, Board Games Night, etc)
- Gym/Fitness Reimbursement
- Company Overseas Retreat
- Strategy Retreat
- Rest Weeks
- Company Annual Free Medical Check Up
- Fully Funded Department Bonding Activities
- Career Visioning
Looking for a dynamic and supportive workplace that champions work-life balance and professional excellence? Explore exciting career opportunities with PropertyLimBrothers Media today. Visit https://www.propertylimbrothers.com/careers/ and take the first step towards a fulfilling and balanced career. For more information, please contact [email protected] or +65 9099 3788.
