Work in your PJs: Employers encouraged to implement home-based work arrangements

Mr Hawazi Daipi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Manpower and Education, said employers facing manpower shortages could consider this.

During the Work-Life Conference 2011 organised by the Tripartite Committee on Work-Life Strategy, Mr Hawazi noted that savvy businesses were increasingly adopting the practice together with other flexible work arrangements as a means of attracting and keeping talents and value employees.

Costs savings for employers, improved productivity, and having access to employees who may not be able to work away from home due to family responsibilities were among the benefits cited. The Senior Parliamentary Secretary added that home-based work arrangements are now possible due to Singapore’s well-developed Infocomm Technology infrastructure.

According to the Ministry of Manpower, more companies are incorporating flexible work arrangements, including home-based work, into their HR policies. The Ministry said, “In a recent MOM survey, 35% of employers offered at least one form of flexible work arrangement, up from 25% in 2007.”

Mr Hawazi also launched a guide book at the Conference called ‘Work@Home’, aimed at providing employers with information and tips on home-based work.