In a strategic move to enhance collaboration and workplace interactions, Grab has announced a transition to a five-day work week in the office for its employees starting from December 2.
The decision was communicated during a town hall meeting with staff on Thursday (October 24) morning, with the company’s aim to streamline operations and foster stronger team dynamics within the organization.
Grab’s Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Tan, has emphasized the importance of face-to-face collaboration in accelerating progress and promoting integration across different business units. As articulated in an email seen by CNA, the shift to a five-day workweek aligns with Grab’s overarching objectives of advancing its mission and driving faster growth.
Knowing that the employees need some adjustment and time to transition from the highly favoured hybrid work model, Grab has allowed for a one-month adjustment period preceding the official implementation of the new policy.
This grace period enables staff to make any necessary arrangements regarding their personal and caregiving responsibilities, and the company acknowledges its commitment to supporting its employees during this transition.
While this move signifies a departure from Grab’s previous hybrid work setup, employees have expressed mixed reactions to the new policy with employees splitting their time between office and remote work. Some employees anticipated this shift due to the company’s gradual return to office initiatives over the past year. Another employee has shown his disappointment when the previous time arrangement has been going well for him.
“Whilst I acknowledge the benefits that face-to-face interaction brings, there are days when I don’t have meetings and do not see any particular benefit that work from the office brings on such days,” he said.