Singaporean Employees Can Now Request for 4-Day Work Weeks, More WFH Days & Flexible Work Locations

With the Covid-19 pandemic, we saw a shift from traditional work practices such as working in the office and typical 5-day work weeks to more modernised and flexible working arrangements. However, some of these outdated practices have returned as we return to normalcy.

However, this is about to change for Singaporean employees. Under new guidelines, they can now look forward to having more control over their work schedules and locations.

Bloomberg reported that the new guidelines, recently announced by the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP), will be effective December 1 this year.

While the guidelines are not legally enforceable, they require all Singapore firms to establish a formal process for employees to request four-day work weeks, more work-from-home (WFH) days, staggered work timings, and flexible work locations.

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Minister of State for Manpower Gan Siow Huang emphasised how flexible work arrangements are crucial for Singapore's future economic strength.

"I feel that it's not a choice that we can make. If we want to have a strong labour force in Singapore, we want to be able to empower adults in Singapore who want to work to be able to work. Flexible work arrangements have to be the way to go,” said Gan.

All firms in Singapore must establish a process for employees to submit FWA requests. While companies can reject requests, they cannot do so because it contradicts a firm’s traditions or because management simply doesn't believe in such flexible work styles, according to TAFEP guidelines.

Employers can reject flexible working arrangement (FWA) requests only for specific reasons, such as if it would significantly worsen productivity, significantly increase costs, or if not feasible due to the nature of the work.

Employers who refuse to cooperate or comply with the new guidelines will receive a warning issued by the Ministry of Manpower, which would require the employer to attend corrective workshops, reported TODAY.