Differences by Firm Size on Ability to Accommodate TG-FWAR Requests and Main Operational Barriers Faced by SMEs

Dr Charlene Chen asked the Acting Minister for Manpower since the Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests (TG-FWAR) took effect (a) whether the Ministry has information on any identified differences by firm size, particularly among SMEs, in the ability to accommodate TG-FWAR requests; (b) what are the main operational barriers faced by SMEs; and (c) whether existing support for firms adequately addresses these barriers.

The Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests (TG-FWAR) took effect in December 2024. It sets out the process for employees to make formal requests for flexible work arrangements (FWAs), and for employers to consider these requests on business grounds.

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) does not mandate the reporting of FWA requests, so as not to impose significant compliance costs on businesses. As such, MOM does not have data on the small and medium enterprises' (SMEs') ability to accommodate FWA requests.  However, MOM's survey of firms found that SMEs were less likely than non-SMEs to offer FWAs. In 2025, nearly seven in 10 SMEs had offered at least one type of scheduled FWA, compared to around eight in 10 non-SMEs.

Common operational constraints faced by SMEs include leaner staffing and limited scope to redistribute work when employees request flexibility to take on different work hours or a reduced load. SMEs can tap on the SkillsFuture Workforce Development Grant (Job Redesign+) to redesign jobs to better manage their staffing needs, and the Productivity Solutions Grant to offset the costs of purchasing information technology (IT) solutions that enable more dynamic and flexible manpower scheduling. Tripartite partners will continue to monitor and support employers in accommodating FWA requests from their employees.