More workers can opt for flexible work in Singapore: report

The number of workers and firms that offer flexible work arrangements officially continues to grow with employers offering more arrangements.

According to data released by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Singapore, 72 percent of employees worked in companies that offer one such arrangement, such as part-time work, flexible hours or teleworking. The number was 70 percent in 2017.

In fact, more were offered one ad-hoc arrangement. In 2017, the number was 81 percent which rose to 87 percent last year, according to the latest Conditions of Employment Report released by the Manpower Ministry on Wednesday.

According to the report, the share of companies offering two types of flexible work arrangements also spiked to 22.7 percent last year, from 16.8 percent in 2017.

According to Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad, offering these arrangements makes business sense, as employees are more likely to stay with a company with such options.  

"Employees, likewise, when offered flexible work arrangements, see it as a sign that they are valued by the company and that the company is willing to accommodate employees' responsibilities outside of work. It is also about trust; employees feel 'You trust me to get the work done even though I'm not sitting at my desk'," he said.

Increases in annual leave entitlement and reductions in the number of work days per week led to the next biggest decreases in resignation rates, The biennial report said.