A Fireside Chat with TAFEP - TG-FWAR: Understanding What, Why, and How?

TAFEP with the audience at the end of the fireside chat

Singapore's work landscape is evolving, and on 1 December 2024, the Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests (TG-FWAR) took effect, prompting companies to formalise their flexible working policies. To help our students understand this pivotal shift, the SUSS Human Resource Management (HRM) programme, in partnership with the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP), recently hosted an engaging fireside chat. This session aimed to unpack the TG-FWAR's purpose, examine its early impact, and explore its role in shaping the future of work.

Our students gained valuable insights into the collaborative foundation of the TG-FWAR:

• A Collaborative Framework: The TG-FWAR's development involved extensive dialogue between unions, government, and businesses, ensuring a balanced approach. The Tripartite Workgroup on TG-FWAR consulted extensively with a range of stakeholders, including employees, employers, and human resource (HR) professionals, to understand their hopes and concerns about FWAs, and to forge a path forward with workers’ and businesses’ needs in mind.

   

  From the Workgroup’s consultations, there was strong consensus among stakeholders that communication and trust between employers and employees are necessary for FWAs to be effective and sustainable.

   

Mr Wesley Teo, Manager of TAFEP introducing the TG-FWAR

• Formalising Flexible Work Arrangement Requests: The TG-FWAR provides a structured process for employees to formally request flexible work arrangements (FWAs), prompting companies to establish clear guidelines for consideration.

   

• Balancing Flexibility and Organisational Needs: The Guidelines are aimed at making it easier for employees to request for FWAs, while acknowledging that employers continue to have the prerogative to decide on work arrangements.

   

  FWAs enable employees to work  while juggling family responsibilities such as caregiving, which will become increasingly prevalent as our society ages.  Employers who offer FWAs are also better able to tap on a greater pool of manpower and retain employees in a tight labour market.

   

  

  Mr Wong Cixian, Deputy Director of TAFEP answering questions from the audience

• TAFEP's Commitment to Fair and Progressive Employment Practices: TAFEP's core mission is to promote fair and progressive employment practices and cultivate workplaces where employees feel respected and valued. Their resources and support play a crucial role in helping organisations implement the TG-FWAR effectively.

   

• Enhancing the Discussion:

During the session, students and TAFEP representatives explored practical scenarios, such as the implementation of compressed workweeks and remote working options. We also addressed common misconceptions about the TG-FWAR, clarifying its role in fostering mutual understanding. Student questions sparked insightful discussions on the challenges of maintaining team cohesion in flexible working environments and the importance of trust and clear communication. Real-world examples from both MNCs and SMEs highlighted the diverse approaches to implementing the TG-FWAR.

As FWAs continue to shape Singapore's workforce, it's essential to understand its long-term implications. This initiative underscores the importance of adaptability and collaboration in creating a sustainable and inclusive working environment.

Deep in discussion. From Left: Mr Wesley Teo, Manager of TAFEP, Mr Wong Cixian, Deputy Director of TAFEP, Dr Sherwin Chia, Head of Programme (HRM), SUSS

The SUSS HRM programme extends its sincere thanks to Mr. Wong Cixian, Deputy Director of TAFEP, and Mr. Wesley Teo, Manager of TAFEP, for their valuable time and expertise. We also acknowledge the support of the Career Development Office and the HRM Student Interest Group in making this event a success. This session reflects SUSS's commitment to providing our students with relevant, real-world insights into the evolving field of human resource management.

TAFEP with the SUSS HRM Interest Group

Explore our full-time and part-time Bachelor of HRM programmes to learn more about building sustainable, inclusive workplaces.

• Full-time: https://www.suss.edu.sg/programmes/detail/ft-bachelor-of-human-resource-management
• Part-time: https://www.suss.edu.sg/programmes/detail/pt-bachelor-of-human-resource-management