Written Answer to PQ on Measures to address informal deterrence and studies on impact of FWAs on productivity and retention

NOTICE PAPER NO. 864 OF 2026 FOR THE SITTING ON 4 AUGUST 2026
QUESTION NO. 2291 FOR ORAL ANSWER

MP: Ms Hazlina Abdul Halim

To ask the Acting Minister for Manpower in light of surveys showing that more than one in three employees fear stigma when requesting flexible work arrangements (FWAs) (a) what measures, beyond legal compliance are being considered to address informal deterrence at the workplace; and (b) whether the Ministry has conducted any studies on the impact of FWAs on firm-level productivity and retention rates, disaggregated by sector.

Answer:

The Ministry of Manpower takes an educational and enabling approach towards FWA implementation, to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes for employees and employers. The Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests (TG-FWAR) provide guidance on how employees should request for FWAs and use them, and how employers and supervisors should consider these requests on reasonable business grounds.

2 Employees who feel that their FWA requests are not properly considered may approach the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) for assistance, and TAFEP will assess the case. If employers are found not to have assessed the FWA request properly, TAFEP will guide them to comply with the TG-FWAR.

3 MOM has conducted survey-based studies on the impact of FWAs on firm-level retention and productivity. About seven in ten firms offering FWAs reported improved retention and six in ten reported higher productivity. The effects were more pronounced in the Financial & Insurance Services and Information & Communications sectors. Members may refer to the Ministry’s report on Conditions of Employment for further details.