An Overview of Tripartite Guidelines of Singapore for FWAs (Flexible Hybrid or Remote Jobs) in 2024

The Singapore Tripartite Guidelines are a comprehensive set of instructions devised by relevant representatives from the Singapore government, including Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) and the National Trade Union Congress (NTUC), who are authoritative bodies responsible in the decision-making process of related employment issues in Singapore. 

These guidelines include employment practices, wages, policies, benefits, work environment safety, and health, among others. 

Alternatively, the tripartite guidelines also serve as a framework for employers to promote fairness among employees and to enhance workplace productivity. 

The Tripartite Guidelines for FWA Singapore serves as a foundation for employers, employees, and unions to come together and negotiate flexible work arrangements. It outlines the procedure on how to submit and evaluate formal requests for FWAs in Singapore, emphasising on the process rather than focusing mainly on the outcomes.  

​​​​​​​The Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) has thus differentiated the FWA Singapore into three divisions: 

• Flexi time: Irregular working hours, condensed work week. 
• ​​​​​​​​​Flexi place: work from home (remote), tele-commuting   ​​​​​​​
• Flexi load: job sharing, part-time work 

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) approves flexible work schedule for a maximum of 2 years at a time, and employers or company representatives can apply for it on behalf of their company.  

This law will come into effect from Dec 1 2024, onwards requiring all employers to formalise and streamline their company working arrangements with employees. This allows employees to request for flexible work arrangements such as a 4-day work week, working from home, convenient work locations, or flexible working arrangements that best suit their needs. 

Additionally, FWA aims to cultivate work-life balance and enhance employee well-being, which can in turn boost enterprise productivity. 

Failure to adhere to the guidelines of the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices may result in warnings issued by Ministry of Manpower and non-compliant employers will be required to undergo workshops.  

The tripartite guidelines of FWAs in Singapore aim to promote a positive and stable working environment for both employers and employees. Let us delve into the advantages FWAs can provide for both parties.  

For employers 

• Increased employee retention rate: Flexible work arrangements enhance employee job satisfaction as they promote positive work-life balance and foster harmony and mental well-being among employees. 

• Cost-effectiveness: Flexible work arrangements, such as working remotely and having flexible schedules, allows companies to reduce their expenses on utilities, office space and equipment. 

• Accessing diverse talent pools: 80% of employees would turn down a job offer that does not offer FWA. By providing FWA, companies can attract and retain a more diverse range of employees with differing skill sets and experiences.  

For employees 

• Stable work-life balance: A survey conducted in 2024 by recruitment firm Randstad found that a larger proportion of respondents prioritise work-life balance over salary. By having FWA, employees are able to effectively manage their personal affairs while fulfilling their professional duties. 

• Increased productivity: Employees are able to work flexibly and more productively, fostering a more positive work harmony. This, in turn, can enhance employee performance, ultimately contributing to improved career productivity.  

• Higher talent attraction and employee engagement: Recent studies indicate that employees prefer companies that offer work-from-home job options. Flexible working options enhance employee job satisfaction and promote better work-life balance, which can lead to employees being more inclined to remain with their current employer instead of seeking new job opportunities elsewhere. 

Tips for work from home jobs 

• Have a dedicated workspace 
• Reduce distractions 
• Stay connected with your team 
• Practice disciplined email management 
• Use effective time management tools 
• Create a daily routine using a timetable 
• Take initiative and consider time zones when handling tasks 
• Prioritize stable work-life balance 

In Singapore, optimizing flexible work arrangements in 2024 requires careful focus on necessary documentation and legal requirements. Any error or missteps in filing can result in serious consequences and cause significant penalties to the organisation. Therefore, companies need to minimise risk of human error by leveraging on automation to ensure both accuracy and compliance to necessary terms and regulations. 

By engaging the guidance and support of our experts’, you can tailor your business to meet specific needs and legal regulations. To join our job portal as an employee, sign up as a jobseeker and commence your work-from-home job journey now!