USM PENANG, 20 April 2022 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) sees the ‘Work From Home’ (WFH) practice implemented throughout the extent of the COVID-19 pandemic does not affect the level of productivity of its staff, while providing benefits to various parties.

"Maybe there will be a small group that will inadvertently misuse the said privilege, but more than 90% have shown a high level of performance," said USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Dr. Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan in a meeting session with the USM community, held at Dewan Tuanku Syed Putra (DTSP) here this morning.

Approximately 700 staff were present at the venue, and with more than 3,000 joining in via live streaming on social media.

He added that, USM has implemented the WFH approach even before the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and recognised the fact that the move could assist those who require flexibility and facing other issues in doing their work.

"Those who have issues could discuss with the respective Head of Department to work from home within an agreed period of time and without affecting their performance and desired outcome," he added further.

The Vice-Chancellor also stressed that, the implementation of WFH is based on putting trust among the staff, having a sense of responsibility and a high level of accountability in ensuring its success.

"Only by having trust and self-integrity, this approach could ensure that the staff could effectively perform the assigned duties, regardless of the location and by utilising the online attendance registration system (Sistem Kehadiran Kerja Fleksi, SKKF) applied by USM," said the Vice-Chancellor.

Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin/Text: Mohamad Abdullah/ Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa