Deep Dive Podcast: What are some misconceptions with flexible work arrangements and does it boil down to trust?

[LaksaNews]

Jump to these key moments:

• 4:36 Why push for guidelines now?
• 8:36 Will SMEs take requests seriously?
• 10:39 The focus is on the process
• 15:44 How do you ensure fairness in the team?
• 18:18 Flexible work is not just working from home
• 23:54 HR needs to up its game

Come Dec 1, all companies in Singapore must have a formal process in place when their staff ask for flexible work arrangements. This has become a major talking point centred around balancing business realities and employee needs.

Steven Chia and Crispina Robert cut through the weeds with Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State for Manpower and Education, Aslam Sardar, CEO of the Institute for Human Resource Professionals and Tan Wan Ting, founder and CEO of digital marketing agency Weave Asia.

Co-hosts Crispina Robert and Steven Chia with guests Aslam Sardar, Gan Siow Huang and Tan Wan Ting (Photo: CNA/Junaini Johari).
Minister of State for Manpower and Education Gan Siow Huang on why the need for flexible work arrangements:

There were employees who said, "Oh, you know, my employer is not being reasonable with requests. (So) we want (the guidelines) to be a tool to help both employers and employees have a common understanding.

Tan Wan Ting, a business owner who is worried about juggling many different flexible work permutations:

Some people can have a more flexible work load, and you trust them to get the job delivered. But there are some that might not be able to ... How do I (manage) such that it's fair for the entire team?

Aslam Sardar on open communication:

Trust is absolutely critical ... You allow the employee to go and there's clear guidelines on how to manage expectations, both sides. And if it doesn't work, then bring the employee back ... In business, you have to make difficult decisions.

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