How many Singapore employers are aware of upcoming Workplace Fairness Legislation?

Nearly four in 10 businesses in Singapore are starting to embrace hybrid work arrangements ahead of the state's implementation of new guidelines to accommodate flexible work requests, according to a new survey.

Reeracoen Singapore's survey among 120 companies revealed that 37% are implementing hybrid work arrangements, where employees are allowed to split their time in the office and at home for work.

Despite this, 56% of respondents still implement the traditional office-based work policy, while only seven per cent offer fully flexible or remote working options.

Kosuke Soejima, Regional General Manager of Reeracoen, said the findings show that businesses are "gradually evolving to embrace more flexible and inclusive working arrangements."

"While a significant portion still favour a traditional office-based setup, the increasing trend towards hybrid and flexible arrangements reflects the dynamic nature of modern workplaces and employees' shifting expectations," Soejima said in a statement.

The findings come in the wake of Singapore releasing the Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests, where employers will be mandated starting December to consider formal requests for flexible work arrangements.

Workplace Fairness Legislation

Meanwhile, Reeracoen also found that nearly three-quarters of employers (72%) are already acquainted with the upcoming Workplace Fairness Legislation (WFL).

But the report also emphasised the need for further education and awareness efforts, as 28% remain unaware of the upcoming legislation.

Singapore's WFL, which is coming in the second half of 2024, aims to protect employees against discrimination in the workplace.

"The introduction of the Workplace Fairness Legislation marks a significant milestone in Singapore's journey towards a more equitable and inclusive work environment," said Shoichi Sunaga, Operations Manager of Reeracoen Singapore, in a statement.

"By setting clear standards and prohibiting discrimination, this legislation establishes a crucial foundation for promoting fairness and meritocracy in all aspects of employment."

Manpower Minister Tan See Leng said in his recent May Day message that upholding fair and merit-based workplace practices is a "key priority" for the Manpower Ministry.

"We will continue to work with tripartite partners to shape workplace norms in tandem with the upcoming Workplace Fairness Legislation that will strengthen protections for workers against workplace discrimination," he said.