Findings indicate 'frictions' at work beyond employer resistance, according to ministry
Requests for flexible working arrangements (FWAs) in Singapore remain low despite high approval rates, indicating potential "frictions" at work, according to a new report from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
MOM's report revealed that the approval rate for employees requesting FWAs in Singapore is around 94%.
Despite this, formal and informal request rates for FWAs remain low relative to the share of employees who report requiring FWAs, according to MOM.
"This gap suggests the presence of transitional, informational, cultural, or procedural frictions, rather than employer resistance," the report read.
MOM suggested that one possible approach to the problem is raising awareness of available Work-Life Harmony (WLH) initiatives and workplace support.
"This strategy should encompass manager training programmes, peer support networkers, and clear communication strategies that normalise the use of WLH initiatives," MOM added.
FWAs cross to mainstream
MOM's report aimed to examine Singaporeans' need for work-life harmony programmes, such as FWAs, and how employers can help fulfil these needs.
It revealed that FWAs are now a "mainstream employment practice" in Singapore, with 84.5% of employees provided with at least one type of FWA they required.
The take-up rate remains high, with 96.2% of employees utilising the FWA, far exceeding the pre-pandemic level of 46.8% in 2018.
"The sustained uptake post-pandemic suggests a normalisation of FWAs and a reduction in stigma associated with their use," the report read.
The normalisation follows the government's initiative in 2024 that mandated employers to start considering formal requests for FWAs, such as flexi-place, flexi-time, and flexi-load arrangements.
According to MOM's report, FWAs will increasingly influence workforce participation and retention, especially for women.
"FWAs continue to serve as a critical determinant in women's workforce retention decisions," the report read.
"Consequently, organisations should prioritise the enhancement and expansion of flexible work arrangement offerings for female employees as a strategic approach to both retain existing talent and attract new female participants to the labour market."
