New guidelines aim to make flexible work arrangements more inclusive and accessible
Singapore’s tripartite guidelines on flexible work arrangements (FWAs), set to be introduced later this year, will encompass more than just work-from-home options. These guidelines will include flexible shift timings and flexible workloads, catering to workers in various sectors, such as caregivers, frontline workers, and those on shift work. The guidelines are designed to help both employees and employers by creating a process for evaluating and implementing requests for flexible working conditions.
The tripartite workgroup, consisting of unions, employers, and the government, is working to make the guidelines inclusive, with discussions still ongoing about whether foreign work-pass holders will be included. The goal is to create a more balanced work-life environment, especially for caregivers who require flexible work to manage their personal responsibilities.
Minister of State for Manpower Gan Siow Huang emphasized the importance of adopting flexible work to make workplaces more attractive for both talent recruitment and employee retention. A recent Ministry of Manpower survey revealed that 70% of employers offered FWAs regularly in 2022, an increase from 50% in 2019.
While employers have expressed concerns about productivity and fairness when offering flexible arrangements, the guidelines aim to address these concerns by ensuring that the impact on individuals, teams, and businesses is taken into account. Employees have also expressed fear that requesting FWAs may be perceived as a lack of commitment, but the new guidelines will seek to normalize and make the process of requesting flexible work arrangements more acceptable and accessible for those who genuinely need them.
