Flexible Work Arrangements the solution to Singapore's manpower ...

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS THE SOLUTION TO
SINGAPORE’S MANPOWER SHORTAGE
20 May, 2013 [Singapore]: Hundreds of thousands of Singaporeans could re-enter
the workforce and ease the nation's manpower shortage if more companies adopted
flexible work arrangements, the Employer Alliance (EA) said today.
There are more than 418,000 economically inactive residents aged 25 to 64, of
which 336,000 are women [1] . Of these, more than 160,000 want to find work during
the next two years [2] . However, many Singaporeans are unable to work on a full time
basis due to their family commitments such raising young children or caring for
elderly parents.
Flexible work arrangements such as working from home and part-time work will
attract these residents back to work and increase the capacity of Singapore's
workforce.
The traditional office based jobs from ‘9 to 5’ in many companies will also need to
change if more flexible work opportunities are to be created. Singaporeans work
some of the longest hours in the world - with many clocking up to 11 hours at work a
day [3] . Two major reports [4] , [5] commissioned by EA during the last three years have
both found that the focus of employers on 'face-time' (the time an employee
physically spends at their place of work) is a barrier to the introduction of flexible
work arrangements.
Many employers still place a high value on 'face-time' which affects other areas such
as compensation. Employees who do not put in the expected ‘face-time’ are
perceived to be less committed to the company and seen as contributing less. But
with more employees asking for flexible work arrangements, employers will be forced
to change.

"In this difficult time of labour shortage, it is a waste of talent not to give
Singaporeans who want to work the opportunity to do so. This means rethinking the
way we want to work and how we integrate life needs and work expectations," Ms
Claire Chiang, Chairperson of EA said.
"A review on work models and job functions is required where flexible and part-time
work arrangements are seen as professional work options."
"Such part-time and flexible work arrangements help to expand a company’s
capacity and capabilities. Greater use of flexible work arrangements leveraging
technology will allow companies to tap a much larger pool of employees otherwise
unavailable, including a large number of women and older workers with high skill
levels," Ms Chiang said.
Benefits to Companies
By offering flexible work arrangements, companies can gain many benefits including:
Better talent attraction - According to MOM, more than 160,000
economically inactive residents want to find work during the next two years [6] .
Providing flexible work arrangements is the key to accessing this pool of
talent;
Improved talent retention - Companies that can retain experienced and
competent employees will have an edge and will be able to build a talent
pipeline;
Increased productivity - Employees who know their company cares about
their welfare are more engaged and willing to go the extra mile for their
company; and
Cost savings - Higher retention rates will save time and money spent in
recruitment and training of new hires. There will also be savings in downtime
as new hires will also take time to build up their knowledge and experience.
Mobile work, in particular, may result in savings in real estate.
- Ends -

Media Contact:
For Employer Alliance
Lorraine Chua
Rubicon Consulting Pte Ltd
T: +65 6465 3028
M: +65 9819 9151
lorraine@rubicon.com.sg
___________________________________________________________________
About the Employer Alliance
Employer Alliance is a network of over 1,400 member companies committed to creating an
environment to enhance Work-Life Integration. It is a necessary business imperative to stay
competitive and gives organisations a significant edge in talent attraction, retention and
productivity.
Employer Alliance offers resources on Work-Life matters including an online Work-Life Tool
Kit, research and case studies. Membership is free and members are invited to Work-Life
events to network with other like-minded companies. They also receive regular updates
regarding the latest news and trends in Work-Life matters.
[1] http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1247892/1/.html
[2] Ministry of manpower, Singapore Workforce 2012
[3] Faris Mokhtar | Yahoo! Newsroom, http://sg.news.yahoo.com/1-in-5-s%E2%80%99pore-employees-workmore-than-eleven-hours-daily--survey.html
[4] Dr Paulin Tay Straughan ‘Our Work-Life Journey – Towards Greater Business Success’, 2011
[5] Thynk Consulting Group 'Professionalising Part-time Work in Singapore: Are We There Yet', 2012