One in 10 Singapore companies offered a compressed workweek in 2020

Flexible work arrangements are not limited to remote or hybrid working - a compressed workweek may be more suitable for certain working arrangements, says MOM.

In 2020, about one in 10 establishments in Singapore offered compressed workweek as a flexible work arrangement (FWA) to their employees, shared Minister for Manpower, Dr Tan See Leng. 

Responding to a parliamentary question by Member of Parliament Yip Hon Weng, Minister Tan explained that the compressed workweek is only one of several flexible work arrangements that employers may offer their employees. 

In this concept, a standard workweek is condensed into fewer than five days, and employees complete the expected workload within this shorter workweek, with the total number of hours worked remaining the same. In such arrangements, employees do not need to contemplate reducing employee income in exchange for greater flexibility in work days as the actual workload and total hours worked in a week do not differ from that of a person on a standard work-week.

Minister Tan further reminded employers that flexible work arrangements are not limited only to remote working or hybrid working - the concept of a compressed workweek may also more suitable for certain working arrangements. In promoting workplace flexibility, companies are encouraged to implement the form of FWA that best suits their business and employees’ needs.

To aid in such a transition, the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices’ (TAFEP) has provided information and resources on how to implement compressed workweek arrangements.

Photo / 123RF 

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