Second Minister for Manpower Josephine Teo announced yesterday (Mar 4) that the Singapore government will be extending and enhancing a scheme to enable employers to adopt flexible work arrangements.
The aim of the move is to help women juggle career and childcare responsibilities, according to a report by local paper Todayonline.
Launched in 2013, the Work-Life Grant is due to expire at the end of this month, but will be extended. Some aspects are also made simpler and more convenient for employers.
For example, employers no longer require at least 20 percent of all manpower to be on flexible work arrangements to qualify for the grant. "This was in response to feedback from companies on the difficulties they face in meeting this criteria," said Teo. "Under the enhanced Work-Life Grant, the employer will receive some funding so long as one or more employees adopt flexible work arrangements."
Employers will also receive S$2,000 per year over two years for each employee that is on flexible work arrangement. This is applicable for up to 35 employees. Currently, the scheme offers S$2,000 per employee per year for the first five employees; and S$1,500 for the subsequent 20.
Lastly, employers that provide job sharing for professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs) will be able to receive S$3,500 per employee. Currently, employers receive a maximum of $2,000 per employee.
The adjustments to the scheme will provide more upfront support to help employers encourage their workers to adopt flexible work arrangements, said Teo. A budget of S$30 million has been set aside over two years for this scheme.