More firms can now tap government funding to offer flexi-work
More companies will be able to tap government funding to offer staff flexible work arrangements like part-time work or working from home.
The budget for the Work-Life Grant is being raised to $100 million, from $30 million, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Manpower Low Yen Ling said yesterday.
The grant provides up to $2,000 a year for each regular user of flexi-work arrangements, capped at $70,000 per firm over two years.
JOB SHARING
Companies can also claim up to $3,500 per user for job-sharing arrangements for full-time professionals, managers, executives and technicians, capped at $35,000 over two years.
Flexi-work arrangements can include staggered working hours, telecommuting and sharing a job load among workers.
These can support the employment of older workers, who may want to continue working but at a slower pace, said Ms Low during the debate on the Manpower Ministry's budget.
"As we move towards a more inclusive work culture and mindset, we will be better placed to make the best of our talents," she added.
"With family-friendly workplaces, employees can contribute their fullest potential without compromising their responsibilities to their loved ones. And age-friendly work practices let our seniors pass on valuable experience and knowledge as they work at their preferred pace and intensity."
The Work-Life Grant was rolled out in 2013 and was enhanced last year to make it easier for employers to qualify and to raise the quantum that can be claimed per employee.
Ms Low said last month that the enhanced grant has received more than 340 applications in five months.
Providing an update, Ms Low also said that, as at end-January this year, about 1,300 employers with 400,000 staff have adopted the Tripartite Standard on Flexible Work Arrangements. - JOANNA SEOW
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