Percentage of Pro-family and Pro-breast-feeding Companies

Ms K Thanaletchimi asked the Minister for Manpower (a) how many companies are currently slated as "family-friendly" companies in absolute numbers and as a percentage of all companies in Singapore; (b) how extensively do companies support female workers who are breast-feeding their infants; (c) what new support systems are put in place to make the workplace environment a nurturing one for mothers and their families; (d) how do companies detect and provide emotive care for mothers who are in depression especially new mothers; and (e) what are the new initiatives that can be learned from countries that are successful in promoting "family-friendly" workplaces.

MOM is committed to helping Singaporeans fulfil their aspirations for career and family. Through the concerted efforts of our tripartite partners, we have seen improvements as more workplaces adopt family-friendly practices.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has identified flexible working arrangements (FWAs) as a key family-friendly measure that matters to employees. Increasingly, employers in Singapore have also recognised the importance of FWAs. In 2016, 47% of establishments offered formal FWAs, compared to 38% in 2011. As a result, 67% of employees in Singapore work in companies offering formal FWAs, up from 56% in 2011. This does not include companies that offer FWAs on an ad hoc basis.

To support employers' efforts to foster more family-friendly workplaces, the Government offers generous grants, such as the WorkPro Work-Life Grant. Employers can tap on these grants to set up private lactation rooms at workplaces. For example, Greenwave Systems, a software and services company, has benefited from the Work-Life Grant. Today, one quarter of Greenwave's employees utilise staggered hours and telecommuting options. In addition, Greenwave has lactation facilities and permits staff to bring their children to work if they are unable to arrange for a carer.

A 2016 survey conducted by NTUC found that 60% of working mothers had access to private lactation rooms or spaces at their workplaces, up from 35% in 2013. In addition, the Health Promotion Board conducts Management Training Workshops to help managers and HR personnel recognise common mental health issues, including depression. This will help companies provide appropriate emotional support to their employees, including new mothers.

The tripartite partners continue to learn from other countries and try different ideas to make workplaces more family-friendly. The Returner Work Trial, which was announced by NTUC in July, will provide support for back-to-work parents to return to the workforce. In addition, the tripartite partners are jointly developing a Tripartite Standard on Flexible Work Arrangements to help employees identify companies with strong support for FWAs.

Both employers and employees benefit from family-friendly workplaces. MOM will continue to work with our tripartite partners to grow the community of progressive employers with family-friendly workplaces.