Employers Offering Flexibility Gain Retention Advantage
Flexible work arrangements (FWAs) in Singapore have declined from their peak during the pandemic, despite remaining a key factor in employee retention. While more companies adopted FWAs during Covid-19, statistics show a gradual reduction in their prevalence as businesses transition back to traditional office setups.
A survey conducted last November revealed that the desire for greater workplace flexibility was among the top three reasons employees considered leaving their current jobs. Employers who continue to offer remote work or flexible schedules maintain a competitive advantage in retaining and attracting talent.
The government plans to release new tripartite guidelines on FWAs later this year, extending beyond remote work to include flexible shift timings and workload adjustments. According to the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) assistant secretary-general Yeo Wan Ling, FWAs are expected to play a crucial role in shaping Singapore’s workforce policies moving forward.
While companies weigh the benefits of flexibility against operational needs, retaining top talent may depend on how well they adapt to evolving employee expectations.
