Some policies include not expecting responses to non-urgent messages, providing time-off-in-lieu for after-hours work
More employers in Singapore have introduced policies related to after-hours communication in the workplace, according to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
MOM said 55% of full-time resident employees in Singapore reported that their employers had policies governing after-hours communication in 2025, up from 48% in 2022.
"These policies include practices such as not expecting responses to non-urgent messages until the next working day or providing time-off-in-lieu for after-hours work," MOM said.
The ministry issued the findings following an inquiry in Parliament about the data it collects when it comes to after-hours work expectations and digital connectivity among employees.
It was also asked about the impact of these policies on employees, but the ministry said they have "not conducted a separate assessment of the effectiveness" of these measures.
Impact of work-life harmony
The questions in Parliament on after-hours communication have also been linked to their impact on family life and fertility, as well as mental health and wellbeing.
In its response, the ministry recognised the impact of work-life harmony on these aspects of employees' lives.
"Supporting work-life harmony plays an important role of creating an environment that is conducive to these aspects of Singaporeans' lives," MOM said.
"We will continue to work with our Tripartite Partners to encourage workplace practices that support work-life harmony, including through the Tripartite Standard on Work-Life Harmony and Tripartite Advisory on Mental Health and Well-being at Workplaces."
Singapore's Tripartite Standard on Work-Life Harmony outlines the practices that employers should implement to support employees in effectively managing their responsibilities and aspirations in their personal and professional lives.
The Tripartite Advisory on Mental Health and Well-being at Workplaces sets out practical guidance and provides resources that employers can adopt to support their employees' mental well-being.
