Debated in Parliament on 8 May 2024.
Dr Wan Rizal asked the Minister for Manpower considering the challenges small and medium enterprises (SMEs) may face in implementing flexible work arrangements, what specific support is the Government providing to help these businesses adapt without compromising operational efficiency.
Mr Sharael Taha asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether a study has been conducted to understand the impact of flexible work arrangements on offshoring remote work from Singapore; and (b) what measures can the Ministry implement to promote a remote working ecosystem which balances productivity, cost, and provides local employment opportunities for workers in Singapore.
Mr Sharael Taha asked the Minister for Manpower as flexible work arrangements are normalised, how can it be ensured that our local workforce, in particular the professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs), remain or are enhanced in skills and productivity competitiveness as companies may look towards offshoring their workforce needs to take advantage of cost differentials through remote working.
Mr Sharael Taha asked the Minister for Manpower with the normalising of flexible work arrangements, how can we better promote (i) flexible-load and job sharing so as to provide employment opportunities for re-employed workers who wish to work reduced hours and (ii) telecommuting and remote working to provide employment opportunities for workers with mobility challenges.
Parliamentary Questions Nos 41 to 44 for written answer have been answered as part of the Minister for Manpower's Oral Reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos 13 to 21 on 7 May 2024. Members may refer to the transcript for the reply. [Please refer to "Support for Employers and Employees Affected by Requirement for Companies to Fairly Consider Flexi-work Requests", Official Report, 7 May 2024, Vol 95, Issue 135, Oral Answers to Questions section.]
PAPERCUTS