Adjournment motion on flexible work arrangements for all

The Government should give workers the legislative right to flexible work arrangements (FWAs) rather than rely on non-binding guidelines, advisories and moral persuasion. MP Louis Chua reiterated this call in an adjournment motion in Parliament on Wednesday (Oct 4), saying it is a key aspect in attracting and retaining workers. He voiced concerns that the lifting of safe management measures also meant the lifting of FWAs, as the proportion of firms offering FWAs appears to continue to decline post-COVID. Mr Chua said legislating FWAs will also help to address the country’s falling total fertility rate (TFR). He said if COVID-19 is described as a crisis of a generation, then the record-low TFR is the “crisis of many generations”. He urged the Government to take bold and decisive steps and provide greater financial and non-financial support to Singaporean families. Responding, Minister of State for Manpower Gan Siow Huang said many enlightened employers are thinking hard about how they can make FWAs work for their companies, and Singapore is seeing good progress. She stressed the need to take a broader view of FWAs. Apart from home, FWAs include options such as staggered work hours, flexible shifts and part-time work. She urged employers to see how FWAs can give their businesses a competitive advantage. She said the tripartite workgroup will study international practice, as well as consult widely with employers, human resource practitioners and employees in the coming months to find a "practical and enabling" approach. “The Government will continue to work closely with the tripartite partners and other stakeholders to make flexible work arrangements a win-win for all,” she said.