To help members prepare for the implementation of the Tripartite Guidelines for Flexible Work Arrangement Requests (TG-FWARs), with effect from 1 December 2024, we collaborated with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and hosted an event earlier today. Members and non-members had the opportunity to hear from Mr. Zaqy Mohamad, Senior Minister of State for Manpower and for Defence. He was joined by his Tripartite Partners Mr. Alexander C. Melchers, Vice President, Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) and Ms. Yeo Wan Ling, Assistant Secretary-General, Director of NTUC U SME and U Women and Family, National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) in a panel conversation and audience dialogue moderated by Mr. Victor Mills, Chief Executive, SICC.

Here are the key takeaways:

🤸‍♀️ FWAs are neither an entitlement nor are they a right. FWA is not restricted to working from home. The guiding principles are work needs to get done and lives need to be lived. Each business must decide what makes sense for its teams based on their jobs and the needs of the business. Not every job is capable of a FWA.

🤸‍♀️ FWAs are already prevalent in Singapore. Over 70% of companies provide some form of FWA.

🤸‍♀️ There is no one-size-fits-all approach to implementing FWAs. Employers are advised to adopt a tailored approach relevant to their teams and the needs of the business.

🤸‍♀️ Mounting caregiving responsibilities is the top concern of employees in Singapore. It is also a key reason why 260,000 women of economic age are not working or not returning to the workforce. FWAs represent a sustainable way to engage such potential employees and access another talent pool.

🤸‍♀️ Notwithstanding our twin demographic challenges of an ageing population and a falling Total Fertility Rate, our labour market will remain tight. Employers who adopt Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs) are likely to attract and retain a wider range of local and global talent.

🤸‍♀️ Visit www.tafep.sg for access to resources to help you implement FWARs.

The Chamber thanks the panellists for their time and candour and our audience for its active involvement.