Progress in Implementing FWAs for Employees with Caregiving Responsibilities and Establishing System to Recognise Primary Caregivers
Ministry of ManpowerSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the progress of implementing flexible work arrangements (FWAs) for caregivers and establishing a recognition system for primary caregivers to access leave. Mr Yip Hon Weng asked for statistics on FWA adoption and voluntary caregiving leave in the private sector, as well as the feasibility of a caregiver verification system. Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng reported that private sector FWA adoption rose to 72.5% in 2024, supported by the launch of the Tripartite Guidelines on FWA Requests. He noted that 36.1% of private companies voluntarily offer paid family care leave, while 34.0% provide additional paid child sick leave beyond statutory requirements. Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng concluded that the government prefers mutual agreement between parties over a formal recognition system and will continue reviewing caregiver support.
Transcript
52 Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what progress has been made in encouraging private companies to implement flexible work arrangements for employees with caregiving responsibilities; (b) how many companies currently provide dedicated caregiving leave; and (c) whether the Ministry will establish a system to recognise primary caregivers, enabling them to seek caregiving-related leave or flexible arrangements from employers.
Dr Tan See Leng: Based on a 2024 survey conducted by the Ministry of Manpower, 72.5% of private companies1 offered at least one type of scheduled flexible work arrangement2 (FWA) for their employees. This is an increase from 68.0% in 2023. To support caregivers in accessing FWAs, the Government and tripartite partners launched the Tripartite Guidelines on FWA Requests in 2024, which set out the process for employees to formally request for FWAs and employers to consider them.
To support employees in their caregiving needs, employers are required by law to provide paid maternity, paternity, childcare leave and unpaid infant care leave. Some employers also voluntarily offer additional leave to employees with caregiving needs. In 2024, 6,100 (36.1%) private companies voluntarily provided additional paid family care leave3, while 5,800 (34.0%) provided additional paid child sick leave4.
We recognise the importance of enabling caregivers to access caregiving-related leave and FWAs. We encourage employers and employees to discuss and mutually agree on suitable arrangements, rather than rely on a system to verify the caregiver status of employees. We will continue to review the support available for caregivers in the workplace.