Written Answer to PQ on Flexible Work Arrangements and Leave for Caregivers

NOTICE PAPER NO. 133 OF 2025 FOR THE SITTING ON 14 OCTOBER 2025
QUESTION NO. 415 FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

MP: Mr Yip Hon Weng

To ask the Minister for Manpower (a) what progress has been made in encouraging private companies to implement flexible work arrangements for employees with caregiving responsibilities; (b) how many companies currently provide dedicated caregiving leave; and (c) whether the Ministry will establish a system to recognise primary caregivers, enabling them to seek caregiving-related leave or flexible arrangements from employers.

Answer:

Based on a 2024 survey conducted by MOM, 72.5% of private companies offered at least one type of scheduled flexible work arrangement (FWA) for their employees. This is an increase from 68.0% in 2023. To support caregivers in accessing flexible work arrangements, the Government and tripartite partners launched the Tripartite Guidelines on FWA Requests in 2024, which set out the process for employees to formally request for FWAs, and employers to consider them.

2. To support employees in their caregiving needs, employers are required by law to provide paid maternity, paternity, childcare leave and unpaid infant care leave. Some employers also voluntarily offer additional leave to employees with caregiving needs. In 2024, 6,100 (36.1%) private companies voluntarily provided additional paid family care leave , while 5,800 (34.0%) provided additional paid child sick leave .

3. We recognise the importance of enabling caregivers to access caregiving-related leave and flexible work arrangements. We encourage employers and employees to discuss and mutually agree on suitable arrangements, rather than rely on a system to verify the caregiver status of employees. We will continue to review the support available for caregivers in the workplace.