Employers must consider staff’s request for flexible work arrangements by 2024

9 in 10 employees aged 25 to 64 had access to the FWA that was required in 2020 up from 6 in 10 in 2014, reported the White Paper on Singapore Women’s Development released on Mar 28. Last year, 73 percent of companies that offered FWAs said that they were likely to continue after the pandemic while 63 percent indicated that they were willing to retain the practice half the time.

Employers must consider employees’ requests for flexible work arrangements properly and fairly under a new set of guidelines while considering business needs to assess whether or not to grant approval, as reported by The Straits Times. The authorities are striving to increase the adoption of a voluntary tripartite standard on flexible work arrangements by employers in the interim, covering 40 percent by year-end.

"Flexible work arrangements or FWAs will remain a key feature of our workplaces well after the pandemic is over. This is a win-win situation for employers and employees… FWAs benefit both women and men and will enable those with caregiving responsibilities to continue working or return to work. In this way, employers can access a wider talent pool. FWAs will also help employers transform their businesses to be future-ready, as well as better attract and retain talent." said Minister of State for Manpower Gan Siow Huang.

Enshrining TGFEP in law

The White Paper also proposes enshrining the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair employment practices (TGFEP) in law. Enshrining the TGFEP in law will highlight the intolerance towards any unfair employment practices, including against women. The legislation will be rolled out by the end of 2022 though the Government recognises that mediation is still preferred.

To facilitate greater women's representation in leadership roles and overcome existing gender stereotypes, the Singapore Exchange Listing Rules and Practice Guidance on the Code of Corporate Governance were also revised to enhance board diversity, including gender diversity, in listed companies. The Council for Board Diversity will continue to lead efforts to increase women's representation on boards.

What do you think of legislating FWAs and TGFEP? Do you think that will help promote greater work-life balance and reduce discrimination at the workplace?