Data on Annual Leave Taken by Caregivers in Public Sector for Eldercare from 2015 to 2020 and Survey on Need for Eldercare Leave
Ministry of ManpowerSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the average annual leave taken by public sector caregivers for eldercare and whether flexible work arrangements (FWAs) are preferred over additional leave provisions. Miss Rachel Ong requested data from 2015 to 2020, to which Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng responded that civil servants who used Parent Care Leave utilized an average of 1.5 to two days annually. Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng highlighted that 2018 focus groups found caregivers prefer FWAs for sustainability, leading to nearly 80% of employers offering formal FWAs by 2020. Tripartite efforts have successfully increased FWA adoption from 47% in 2014 to support employees with eldercare needs. The government will continue to strengthen FWA practices to help caregivers manage their dual responsibilities.
Transcript
74 Miss Rachel Ong asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what is the average number of days of annual leave that is taken by married and single caregivers in the public sector for eldercare from 2015 to 2020; (b) whether any survey has been conducted on the need for eldercare leave on top of flexible work arrangements amongst working caregivers; and (c) if so, what are the comparative results of this survey against findings from any other earlier surveys.
Dr Tan See Leng: Civil servants are not required to declare reasons for their utilisation of annual leave. To further support officers’ eldercare needs, if any, civil servants are entitled to two days of Parent Care Leave in addition to their annual leave provisions. Between 2015 and 2020, close to half of civil servants utilised Parent Care Leave. Amongst them, the average utilisation per officer was 1.5 to two days per year. Utilisation was broadly similar across married and single officers.
MOM does not have survey data on the need for eldercare leave on top of flexible work arrangements (FWAs) amongst working caregivers. Nevertheless, in focus group discussions conducted by MOH in 2018, working caregivers provided feedback that they preferred FWAs to leave provisions, as FWAs provided them greater flexibility and sustainability in meeting their caregiving needs.
As such, the tripartite partners have been stepping up efforts to increase access to FWAs. From 2014 to 2019, the proportion of employers who offered at least one formal FWA on a regular and sustained basis rose from 47% to 53%. As employers and workers adapt to the pandemic, the proportion of employers who did so in 2020 further increased to close to eight in 10, and we expect many employers will continue to do so as FWAs become a more accepted way of working.1
We will continue to review and enhance our efforts to entrench and strengthen the practice of FWAs to help employees, including caregivers of the elderly, manage both their work and caregiving responsibilities.