Singapore expands support for flexible work and reskilling

Despite the receding impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, flexible work arrangements (FWAs) continue to gain traction in Singapore, with a significant rise in adoption among organisations.

Minister of State for Manpower, Gan Siow Huang, revealed that 72.7% of organisations now offer flexible work options, up from 68.1% in 2023, signaling a sustained shift in workplace culture.

This trend, highlighted as a key factor in supporting women and caregivers, is being further reinforced by government initiatives aimed at reskilling and upskilling the workforce. Gan announced enhancements to the Career Conversion Programmes (CCPs), extending support to mid-career new hires and existing employees engaged in flexi-load arrangements, such as part-time work, effective April 1.

The CCPs, already providing salary support for employers reskilling mid-career employees in growth sectors, will now encompass part-time roles. This expansion aims to facilitate the integration of diverse talent pools, including caregivers, into the workforce. Employers can leverage these programmes to reskill individuals into growth roles, with Workforce Singapore funding up to 90% of the employee’s salary during training, capped at S$7,500 (US$5,620) per month.

For example, a cybersecurity firm looking to hire a part-time employee can tap a CCP to hire and reskill a mid-career employee from another sector, she explained.

READ MORE: Singapore announces new funding measures to support workforce transformation

Gan also emphasised the importance of FWAs for working caregivers, citing the Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests, introduced in April 2024, to standardise how employees request FWAs and how employers assess them. She highlighted Sheng Siong Supermarket’s adoption of staggered working hours and alternative work schedules as part of its retention strategy.

In a related developed, Manpower Minister Tan See Leng addressed the importance of elevating HR standards. He announced the formation of a Tripartite Workgroup on Human Capital Capability Development to strengthen HR practices, introduce national standards, and help organisations maximise their workforce potential.

He said, “HR plays an important role in workforce transformation, not just to comply with employment legislation but also uplift organisations’ human capital.”

Furthermore, the recently passed Workplace Fairness Bill in 2025 will provide a crucial layer of protection against discrimination in employment decisions, reinforcing the government’s commitment to fair and equitable workplaces, reported The Straits Times.