More than 250 companies have already signed up to a new standard, jointly developed by the Ministry of Manpower
Hundreds of employers have already signed up to a new flexible working standard which has been launched in an effort to encourage alternative arrangements across Singapore.
The Tripartite Standard on Flexible Work Arrangements provides clear guidelines to employers on the measures they should take when met with a flexible working request.
Jointly developed by MOM, National Trades Union Congress and Singapore National Employers Federation, the standard has been designed to help employees juggle multiple responsibilities.
Speaking at the launch on Friday, Second Minister for Manpower Josephine Teo said many employees do not want to stop working even when they have other demands.
“They would prefer to continue working and at the same time meet their family or personal commitments,” she said.
Teo also acknowledged that many Singapore employers already offer flexible working options but said employees are often unaware of what was available or how to request them.
A press release from the Ministry of Manpower also suggested that requests may not be objectively evaluated and if requests are turned down, there is rarely a discussion about suitable alternatives.
Now, employers that adopt the new standard must inform employees of the different types of flexible work arrangements available, as well as how to request them and what alternatives are available if their requests cannot be met.
Companies that follow the guidelines will also appoint a senior management member to champion flexible work arrangements and trained supervisors will objectively evaluate applications then manage and track those who are on flexible work arrangements.
More than 250 companies, employing over 210,000 employees, have signed up to the new standard. Employers than enrol are able to use a logo which identifies them as a progressive employer.
The Tripartite Standard on Flexible Work Arrangements provides clear guidelines to employers on the measures they should take when met with a flexible working request.
Jointly developed by MOM, National Trades Union Congress and Singapore National Employers Federation, the standard has been designed to help employees juggle multiple responsibilities.
Speaking at the launch on Friday, Second Minister for Manpower Josephine Teo said many employees do not want to stop working even when they have other demands.
“They would prefer to continue working and at the same time meet their family or personal commitments,” she said.
Teo also acknowledged that many Singapore employers already offer flexible working options but said employees are often unaware of what was available or how to request them.
A press release from the Ministry of Manpower also suggested that requests may not be objectively evaluated and if requests are turned down, there is rarely a discussion about suitable alternatives.
Now, employers that adopt the new standard must inform employees of the different types of flexible work arrangements available, as well as how to request them and what alternatives are available if their requests cannot be met.
Companies that follow the guidelines will also appoint a senior management member to champion flexible work arrangements and trained supervisors will objectively evaluate applications then manage and track those who are on flexible work arrangements.
More than 250 companies, employing over 210,000 employees, have signed up to the new standard. Employers than enrol are able to use a logo which identifies them as a progressive employer.
