Fewer desks, more open spaces: How the pandemic is changing Singapore’s offices

SINGAPORE – It is 8.30am on March 27, 2023. Mrs Aileen Tan takes a water bottle and cardigan from her office locker, picks her desk for the day, and settles down to work.

Two hours in, she heads to a soundproof “phone booth” to take a call. Mrs Tan leaves early for a medical appointment, planning to work from home afterwards. If she needs anything in the office, she knows the onsite concierge is on standby to help.