Mobilised by the COVID-19 pandemic and its persistent need for employee well-being, companies in Singapore are working towards providing a harmonious work culture for their employees. To break the shackles of the mundane 9-to-6 work schedule situation in Singapore ─ one of Asia’s most advanced economies ─ a more flexible work arrangement is being worked upon.
The Shift Towards Flexibility
To implement Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs), the Government of Singapore through
The Ministry of Manpower has created a mandate establishing the Tripartite Guidelines, effective December 1, 2024. The guidelines depict a structured framework to ensure flexible work arrangements and best workplace practices.
According to the guidelines, FWAs may be broadly classified into three categories:
1. Flexi-place: Work from any location
2. Flexi-time: Work in different time zones without undesirably affecting total work hours and workload
3. Flexi-load: Freedom to adjust to different workloads correlating with a proportionate
compensation
However, the flip side is that these guidelines are not legally regulated. This makes it mandatory for all stakeholders to wilfully work with each other and adhere to the Tripartite guidelines of the FWAs.
Why Flexibility Matters in Singapore
Singapore has a competitive, demanding job market where professionals are growth-driven, hard-working, dedicated, and determined to excel in their respective careers. Moreover, industries like manufacturing, health, finance, logistics, and technology demand high-intensity and stressful work hours. This can lead to employee burnout and emotional exhaustion.
According to a survey by Telus Health, from 1,000 workers across industries, 47 percent of workers in Singapore feel mentally or physically exhausted.
Work-life balance is no longer a perk but a necessity for companies in Singapore. Adopting and implementing a flexible work culture improves job satisfaction and curbs employee retention.
Companies Leading the Way, Singapore Style!
Several companies in Singapore have already adopted a flexible work model, thereby providing their employees better control over their work hours.
DBS Bank
DBS, Singapore’s largest bank, has been a frontrunner in embracing flexible work arrangements. The 'Future of Work’ program, started in 2020, is a 60-40 hybrid work model, wherein employees are given the flexibility to work remotely for up to 40 percent of their total work hours. Other landmark achievements include a job-sharing program where one full-time role is executed by two employees and up to 100 percent work-from-home facility for 6 months for employees with a newborn or a newly adopted child. DBS believes in empowering its employees to practice effective time management thus boosting their morale and improving productivity.
GovTech Singapore
This government technology agency offers hybrid work arrangements where employees have the autonomy to manage their time better.
Grab
Grab ─ Southeast Asia’s super app head-quartered in Singapore has embraced flexible work
arrangement options including work-from-home and flexible working hours. Their mantra of Going Beyond Employee Benefits to Authentic Care speaks volumes about their initiatives to bring out the best in every employee.
The Role of Technology in a Flexible Work Environment
Technology has been a game-changer in encouraging a conducive work culture. With cloud
computing, virtual collaboration tools like Trello, Slack, and Microsoft Teams, and video
conferencing platforms like Zoom, Webex, and Skype companies in Singapore can maintain
productivity regardless of employees’ location. The only constant mandatory component is good internet connectivity. By leveraging digital solutions, employees can connect, collaborate, and execute projects in real-time without being physically present in the office.
The Impact of Work-Life Integration
Adopting flexible work models in Singapore redefines work-life balance into something more
holistic—Work-life integration. The difference lies in how employees perceive and honour their personal and professional commitments. The trick lies in striking the right balance between work and life. A perfect example is that employees may work early in the morning to accommodate an early family brunch and return to work later in the day, showcasing smart utilisation of time.
For companies like DBS and Grab this integration has been beneficial for employees and profitable for the business. The blended approach has improved employee satisfaction resulting in increased productivity and innovation. The magic lies in integrating employee careers with their personal lives.
The Way Forward
Flexible work models may revolutionise the way we work! Everyone wants flexibility at work.
Disregarding burnt-out employees may come at a high economic cost. Employers might incur
substantial losses due to low productivity and high medical expenditure in the long run. Maintaining team cohesion and clear communication are two key focus areas for any employer. Investing in robust communication tools and setting realistic, achievable goals can help clear misunderstandings.
With Singapore’s ageing population, more working professionals are expected to become caregivers. The necessity of a flexible work agreement has gained prominence as caregivers have become more receptive to the integrated work-life model. By promoting flexible work hours, work-from-hom facilities, and innovative policies companies can create a motivated, satisfied, and productive workforce.
As Singapore threads towards the coarse path of modern work culture, the acceleration for
improved work-life integration is inevitable. Government initiatives of flexible work agreements, employer buy-in bundled with clear goals and communication techniques, and employees' ability to craft a schedule that works best personally and professionally are the core pointers for maintaining a consistent work-life balance.