Forum: Flexible work arrangements the more sustainable way to support working parents
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We thank Ferninda Patrycia for her letter “ Increase govt-paid childcare leave days to help families with many young children
We understand that it is challenging for working parents to take care of their children when they are unwell or when their pre-school is closed.
Currently, both working parents have a combined total of 12 days of childcare leave, in addition to their annual leave provisions. In considering any further increase to parental leave schemes, we need to balance the caregiving needs of parents and employers’ manpower and operational requirements, and avoid affecting the employability of parents.
Beyond legislated leave, family-friendly workplace practices such as flexible work arrangements (FWAs) would be a more sustainable approach to help parents manage both work and caregiving responsibilities.
Tripartite partners have stepped up efforts to encourage more employers to adopt such practices, such as recognising employers through the Tripartite Standard on Work-Life Harmony, launched in 2021.
This year, we will also introduce the Tripartite Guidelines on FWA Requests, which will set norms and expectations on how employees can make requests for FWAs and use them responsibly, and how employers can manage requests for FWAs properly.
We will continue to review our policies and work with our stakeholders to promote family-friendly workplace practices. We encourage employers and working parents to discuss mutually agreeable arrangements, and co-workers to contribute towards building family-friendly work practices and culture.
Amelia Tang
Senior Director, National Population and Talent Division
Strategy Group, Prime Minister’s Office
