Implementing Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs)
SBI240535
Overview
Synopsis
Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs) in Singapore are designed to support the evolving work-life needs of employees while maintaining the productivity and operational requirements of businesses. These arrangements allow employees to vary their work hours (flexi-time), workload (flexi-load), and work location (flexi-place), such as working from home or telecommuting. This flexibility supports individuals in balancing their professional and personal responsibilities, particularly as societal needs change, such as increased caregiving responsibilities due to an aging population.
The Singaporean government, through tripartite partnerships among the Ministry of Manpower, employer groups, and unions, has set forth guidelines to encourage the adoption of FWAs. These guidelines serve as a framework for employers to handle FWA requests formally and fairly, promoting an inclusive and progressive workplace culture. The framework outlines the process for requesting FWAs, principles for their consideration, and methods for communicating decisions, ensuring that FWAs are implemented effectively across diverse workplace settings.
Employers are encouraged to adopt FWAs not only as a response to individual employee needs but also as a strategic tool for enhancing organizational resilience and accessing a broader talent pool. The approach towards FWAs in Singapore is one of mutual benefit—helping employees meet personal obligations without compromising business performance. This progressive stance is particularly crucial in maintaining competitive advantages in a tight labor market and ensuring business continuity in scenarios like the COVID-19 pandemic, which demonstrated the importance of adaptability in work practices.
Programme/Agenda
Learning Objective:
To educate managers and HR professionals on how to effectively implement and manage Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs) within their organizations, enhancing employee satisfaction and productivity.
Learning Outcome:
By the end of this session, participants should be able to:
- Understand different types of Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs).
- Learn the process of making a formal FWA request.
- Recognize employer considerations and business impacts of FWAs.
- Identify effective communication strategies for FWAs.
Agenda:
- Overview of Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs)
- Definition and types of FWAs: Flexi-time, Flexi-load, and Flexi-place.
- Benefits of FWAs to both employees and employers.
- Regulatory Framework and Guidelines
- Detailed review of Singapore's Tripartite Guidelines on FWA.
- Legal obligations and rights for both employers and employees.
- Steps for formally requesting FWAs and the approval process.
- Case Studies and Real-World Examples
- Discussion of successful FWA implementations in various industries.
- Analyzing scenarios where FWAs have addressed business continuity, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Challenges and Solutions
- Common obstacles in implementing FWAs and how to overcome them.
- Managing workforce diversity, inclusion, and business needs effectively.
- Role-Playing and Scenario Analysis
- Interactive session where participants engage in role-playing to handle FWA requests.
- Scenario analysis to apply guidelines in hypothetical situations.
- Drafting FWA Policies
- Workshop on creating or revising company-specific FWA policies.
- Discussion on aligning FWA policies with business strategies and cultural values.
- Management and Monitoring of FWAs
- Tools and techniques for managing employees under FWAs.
- Monitoring and evaluating the impact of FWAs on productivity and employee satisfaction.
- Share best practices on maintaining productivity and employee engagement with FWAs.
- Q&A Session
- Open discussion to address specific questions and concerns from the participants.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
- HR professionals
- Managers and supervisors
- Any employee interested in learning about FWAs