Explain the key challenges faced by Singapore in the following areas and their implications. How would FWAs help to alleviate or mitigate the implications? Rapidly ageing population Shrinking talent pool for employers to hire from Rising
Understanding Contemporary Society: The Social and Behavioural Sciences In December 2024, the mandatory guidelines on flexible work arrangements (FWAs) by the Tripartite Alliance for Fair & Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) took effect. Employees can make formal requests to their employers to access greater flexibility in their work arrangements in terms of working place, time and workload, based on their diverse needs. The mandatory guidelines were introduced to respond to challenges posed by Singapore’s ageing population, a shrinking talent pool for employers, and rising rates of poor mental health among employees.
Tay, Hong Yi (2024, April 17), The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/jobs/all-employers-in-singapore-must-fairlyconsider-flexi-work-requests-from-dec-1-under-new-rules Ministry of Manpower, National Trade Unions Congress, Singapore National Employers Federation (2024, April) https://www.mom.gov.sg/-/media/mom/documents/press-releases/2024/tripartite-guidelines-on-flexible-workarrangement-requests.pdf This assignment is focused on the Singapore government’s balancing act between maintaining Singapore’s economic competitiveness and ensuring an appropriate standard of living for its population.
You are expected to provide and use reliable supporting evidence and statistics to substantiate your arguments throughout the essay.
(a) Explain the key challenges faced by Singapore in the following areas and their implications. How would FWAs help to alleviate or mitigate the implications?
Rapidly ageing population Shrinking talent pool for employers to hire from Rising rates of poor mental health among employees (b) Based on your understanding of workplace culture in Singapore, what are three key issues that could limit the effectiveness of the FWA guidelines and process to provide employees with greater flexibility to meet their diverse needs? What are some proposed solutions that can help to overcome the key limitations identified?
You can refer to academic literature, other sources and/or draw inspiration from solutions adopted by other countries and tailor them to Singapore’s context to buttress your responses.
