Learnings from Fractional Work Pilots Led By Alliance for Action on Empowering Multi-Stage Careers for Mature Workers
Ministry of ManpowerSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the systemic learnings from fractional work pilots led by the Alliance for Action on Empowering Multi-Stage Careers for Mature Workers (AfA-EMW) and their potential expansion to younger caregivers and parents, raised by Ms Cassandra Lee to the Acting Minister for Manpower. In response, Ms Jasmin Lau explained that the Tripartite Workgroup on Senior Employment (TWG-SE) convened the AfA-EMW to co-create prototypes supporting senior employment and age-friendly workplace practices. These fractional work models allow employees to contribute through a reduced scope of responsibilities while enabling employers to retain valuable expertise. Because the prototypes are ongoing and will conclude later this year, drawing definitive and systemic conclusions at this stage is premature. The TWG-SE will reference the prototypes for its recommendations, and the Ministry of Manpower will subsequently consider applying the findings to support other segments, including parents and younger caregivers.
Transcript
47 Ms Cassandra Lee asked the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) what are the key systemic learnings from the fractional work pilots led by the Alliance for Action on Empowering Multi-Stage Careers for Mature Workers (AfA-EMW); and (b) whether the Ministry will consider expanding these fractional work models to younger caregivers and parents balancing career transitions with domestic responsibilities.
Ms Jasmin Lau: The Tripartite Workgroup on Senior Employment (TWG-SE) convened the Alliance for Action on Empowering Multi-Stage Careers for Mature Workers to bring together diverse stakeholders to co-create innovative prototypes in support of senior employment. These prototypes aim to support employers to develop age-friendly jobs and workplace practices so that workers are empowered to stay productive and relevant. Some of these prototypes have focused on flexible work arrangements, such as fractional work, which enable employees to contribute through a reduced scope of responsibilities or range of tasks, while allowing employers to continue accessing these workers' expertise and experience.
The prototypes are ongoing and will conclude later this year. It is premature to draw definitive and systemic conclusions at this stage. The TWG-SE will take reference from the prototypes when making its recommendations in due course. The Ministry of Manpower will subsequently consider how findings from these prototypes could support other workforce segments, including parents and younger caregivers.