Working from Home & Making It Work

The Sustainability team caught up with several CDL colleagues to find out how they have been coping with the circuit breaker measures amidst the COVID-19 spike.

Dominic Seow from CDL Corporate Communications with his exercise gear, including improved weights made up of a hand-carry luggage filled with books.

7 APRIL 2020 – With a mandatory work-from-home policy and the extension of circuit breaker measures, Singapore, along with the rest of the world, has witnessed lifestyle changes at work, home, and play. As CDL staff acclimate to this new normal, staying active at home, participating in elearning programmes to further develop knowledge and skills, and discovering alternative ways to maintain physical and mental health have become a priority for many.

Some have come up with innovative ways to emulate a gym environment. For instance, Dominic Seow from Corporate Communications has been exercising with a luggage bag filled with heavy books – adjusting the number of books based on the various muscle groups he is training.

Many have also upped their sustainable practices at home, incorporating behaviours such as reusing takeaway containers and only turning on the air conditioner when necessary. Melvin Tan from Innovation said that he has even installed a smart meter that tracks his energy usage patterns so that he can pinpoint areas to reduce energy wastage.

Along with protecting the environment, staff have also made significant strides in their relationships with family and friends. Realising the vital role that technology plays in our lives, especially during this period, people have started to video-call loved ones more often that they would see them otherwise. According to Wang Shengya from CDL China, “COVID19 has made me realise that my family is the most important thing in my life.”

Others are also taking this opportunity to reflect on their lives. Said Miriam Low from Asset Management, “Often we lament how busy life is and wish to have more time. Now that we have to stay home… it is time to slow down. It is as if a reset button has been pressed. Now is the time to refresh, recharge and reconnect with family. Set goals and work towards it.”

With optimism, communities will eventually emerge more resilient and stronger than before. As Melvin said, “Rather than futile worry, we must, in typical Singaporean style, turn the crisis into an opportunity by making sure we upgrade our skills, sharpen our plans and be ready to ride the recovery. If all CDL staff do it, CDL can only be stronger. If all Singaporeans do it, Singapore can only be stronger.”

Rather than futile worry, we must, in typical Singaporean style, turn the crisis into an opportunity by making sure we upgrade our skills, sharpen our plans and be ready to ride the recovery. – Melvin Tan, Innovation, CDL