New poll shows flexibility may make former part-time workers consider returning to the workforce
Introducing flexibility at work may be the key to further engaging with part-time employees, according to a new report, as high commuting costs discourage them from remaining and returning to the workforce.
Findings from the International Workplace Group (IWG) revealed that 44% of former part-time workers would consider rejoining the workforce because of flexible and hybrid work options.
More than half of the respondents (57%) said working more locally from flexible workspaces would make returning to work more appealing.
Another 63% of current part-time workers also said they would consider boosting their hours if they could work more flexibly.
The findings come as Singapore embraces part-time work models, according to the IWG, with the latest government data showing there are over 258,000 part-time employed residents in 2024.
Work without flexibility
Without flexibility, 49% of part-time workers said they would leave employment altogether.
Another 40% of part-time workers also said they would leave work entirely if they were required to commute to a city-centre office every day.
The time spent on the commute is not the sole reason behind this, IWG said, noting that current and former part-time employees are also crying out about rising commute costs.
More than four in 10 (44%) part-time workers said the rising expenses are making it harder to justify staying in work.
Some 41% of former part-time workers also cited the cost of commuting as a barrier to returning to the workforce.
"High commuting costs combined with limited flexibility are a challenge for many part-time workers," said Mark Dixon, CEO of International Workplace Group, in a statement.
"By offering greater flexibility over how and where work is done, businesses can not only retain these valuable team members but also attract talented individuals back into the workforce. Given that part-time workers represent a significant proportion of the labour market, their impact on overall productivity is substantial."
