SINGAPORE: Financial executive Michelle Hong recently began a special work arrangement with her employer Chye Thiam Maintenance, an environmental service provider.

"I started my work-from-home arrangement two weeks ago, when the school holidays started. I can spend more time with my family, especially with my kids, and they’re happier to see me at home," said the mother-of-two.

The agreement allows her to work two days from home for the duration of the school holidays, following which she returns full-time to the office, with the option of reapplying for the arrangement again in the future.

Some of her colleagues who opted for flexible hours or lighter workloads also had their requests granted.

Nearly 30 per cent of Chye Thiam’s staff have some form of flexible work arrangement (FWA).

The service provider is among companies rolling out FWAs ahead of mandatory guidelines, which kick in on Sunday (Dec 1) and require businesses to have a proper process for requests.

The firm said providing such flexibility has helped to retain current staff better and attract new talent. This includes Mr Khoo Hock Soon, who quit a job that required him to work regular hours to join Chye Thiam.

“This timing of 3pm to 9pm fits me. In the morning, I can do my chores,” said the cleaner. 

The company said it is working with clients and people managers to smooth out concerns on disruptions.

"Challenges faced at this juncture is the receptiveness of the service buyer to FWA,” said Mr Frankie Yung, human resources and administration director at Chye Thiam.

“(An) internal mindset change has to also come in place, whereby operation leaders and supervisors have to rethink and rejig how they do planning and scheduling of the workers on the ground.”

CONCERNS OVER FWA APPROVALS

Some employers have voiced concerns over fears they are obliged to accommodate all FWA requests.

Minister of State for Manpower Gan Siow Huang encouraged employers to refer to the tripartite guidelines, reiterating that firms do not need to approve all FWA requests.

Guidelines state that employers should assess each request properly on...