Columnist Opinions
I am glad that I did not miss those moments and milestones of the little one’s growth, from his first taste of solid food to his first step and beyond. And yes, I did get to witness my son speak his first word. His first word, entirely unprompted and without having been taught it, was “a-ba (father)”.
Darius Lee
Lawyer and executive director of Cultivate SG, a non-profit organisation
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For dads, flexi-work is just what the doctor ordered
We must normalise the concept of men as caregivers and break gender stereotypes by providing a conducive and inclusive work environment with family-friendly workplace practices for all caregivers – male or female, young or old.
Junie Foo
Immediate past president of the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations
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Can flexi-work help close the gender gap in caregiving?
The cost to businesses of losing talent can be high, so there are benefits to investing some time and effort to consider how flexible work arrangements can be implemented. But we must also be clear-eyed about the challenges in implementation and invest the resources to support businesses, especially SMEs, on this journey. And we must not be too hasty to brand the SMEs that struggle to implement FWAs as being less progressive.
Musa Fazal
Chief policy officer, of the Singapore Business Federation’s advocacy and policy division
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Why flexible work arrangements are not so straightforward for some businesses
Family forms the foundation of society, yet we frequently compromise time in nourishing our primary relationships because of life’s pressing demands.
Xander Ong
Chief executive at Centre for Fathering
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Difficult conversations at home and workplaces unavoidable for FWAs to take off
Your Thoughts
Soundaram, 46
Compared with pre-Covid days, I do think many workplaces and organisations have incorporated flexible work arrangements, such as flexible hours and even flexible work environments. Many workers still do have the privilege to work at least 1-2 days per week from home. This is so important for parents with young kids. Work-life balance and flexi-work should be encouraged and not frowned upon, so individuals with challenges at home can still progress in their careers.
K. Shoaib, 40
Culturally, it's frowned upon by your peers and supervisors to leave work on time, even if you start work on time. Working from office five days a week is okay if employers are supportive of their staff who have to balance work and personal life responsibilities, as long as it doesn't compromise the tasks assigned to them.
R. Tan, 28
I won't name names but it seems several influential leaders in tech and finance now feel like they can make a U-turn on flexi-work and issue office return mandates. It felt like a nice equilibrium had settled in, with most people getting used to hybrid work. So it seems like ego has played a bigger role than reason in the latest wave of office return mandates.
R. Hossain, 35
When I'm looking for a job, I really take into consideration how much flexibility there is in where I can work from. My son is still very young and I want to be able to spend as much time as I can with him during his formative years.
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Columnist Opinions
Flexibility is good, but variability is bad. Irregular work and sleep patterns are associated with poorer performance and well-being.
Joshua Gooley
Associate professor, Neuroscience and Behavioural Disorders Research Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School
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Sleeping habits may improve with flexi-work arrangements
Implementing FWAs could actually take a turn for the worse if an organisation already has an issue with poor worker attitudes and disengagement. Rushing into flexible work arrangements before fixing these structural problems will only aggravate the situation.
Professor Boh Wai Fong
Vice-president (Lifelong Learning & Alumni Engagement) and president’s chair in Information Systems, Nanyang Business School, Nanyang Technological University
Dr Thara Ravindran
Research fellow, Nanyang Business School, Nanyang Technological University
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Don’t bank on flexi-work guidelines for better work-life balance
Better communication nudges companies to create a supportive culture where genuine information-sharing becomes the norm, paving the way for a collaborative approach to flexible work arrangements.
Kang Yang Trevor Yu
Associate professor, Nanyang Business School, Nanyang Technological University
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Singapore’s flexi-work guidelines another door to meaningful boss-worker relations
We may boast of Singapore’s global reputation as a bustling economic hub, but ask anyone and few will disagree – workers face immense challenges like long work hours, high stress levels and limited work-life balance.
Sooyeol Kim
Assistant professor, Department of Management and Organisation, National University of Singapore Business School
Sriram Iyer
Senior lecturer, Department of Management and Organisation, National University of Singapore Business School
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Flexible work arrangements can temper Singapore’s workaholism
Your Thoughts
Sowmiya, 41
Work from home has been attractive for me, considering it offers flexibility to manage schedules and reduce commute times. However, I must admit that in many ways it has (also) blurred boundaries between work and home life.
K. Tan, 34
Work from home is a privilege, not a right.
Salma, 36
Having a flexi-work scheme is such a game changer for people with young kids like me. I work 4 days a week and it gives me the freedom to take care of my loved ones without having to choose between work and family. Whether it’s helping with homework, looking after a sick child, or just being there for a hug, it makes a huge difference. It’s like having a little more control over your day, so you can show up for both your job and the people who matter most to you.
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