The Employee Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA) system in Singapore marks a significant reform aimed at normalizing flexible work practices and improving work-life balance. Effective from 1 December 2024, the Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests (TG-FWAR) mandate a formalized process for employees to request flexible work and require employers to fairly consider these requests.
Overview
Flexible Work Arrangements cover three broad types:
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Flexi-place: remote work, telecommuting, or working from home
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Flexi-time: staggered start and end times, compressed workweeks, or flexible hours
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Flexi-load: part-time work, job sharing, or variable workloads
Employees who have completed probation can submit formal written requests detailing the type of FWA sought, reason, duration, and start date. Employers are required to respond within two months, providing approval or a reasoned rejection based on legitimate business grounds.
Employer Obligations and Fair Consideration
Employers must evaluate requests based on business feasibility, cost implications, productivity impact, and the nature of the employee’s role. Unacceptable grounds for rejection include personal preferences, managerial biases, or outdated office customs without performance justification. Where rejected, employers should engage employees to discuss alternative arrangements.
Benefits and Impact
This policy fosters transparency, mutual trust, and equitable opportunities, enhancing employee well-being and retention. It aligns Singapore’s workforce practices with global trends toward flexible, hybrid work models, supporting diverse employee needs—especially caregivers, women, and seniors. Employers are also encouraged to clearly state FWA policies during recruitment to manage expectations.
Overall, the TG-FWAR establishes a structured, fair, and transparent framework to balance operational needs with employees’ evolving work preferences, positioning Singapore as progressive in employment practices.
For more details Visit us:https:https://mobiworkforce.com.sg/products/employee-flexible-work-arrangement-system/
Phone: +65 6492 6783
Whatsapp: +65 9693 5512
Email: sales@exigasoftware.com.sg
