Monday, July 25, 2005

Work Life Balance - more than Flexi Work

Editor
Forum Page
Straits Times

I refer to the letter 'Work-life balance? If only flexi-work is okay' by Ms Lynn Chong Fui Lian (ST, July 22).

I agree with Ms Lynn that more local companies should embrace flexi-work arrangements. Family friendly programmes at the workplace helps staff strike a balance between family obligations and work. Such practices contribute to a high satisfaction rate among staff and a motivated workforce.

Some of NTUC Income's practices:

a) Staff with children below 12 years old can apply for part-time work. This encourages the working mothers to remain with us. They can choose to work half day or alternate full days. Those who are not able to make suitable arrangements for childcare can opt to work from home. They agree with their supervisor on the scope of work, level of productivity and quality standards.

b) Staff can apply for up to two years of no-pay leave to take care of their families.

c) Currently, staff receive one month of paid leave every three years. They enjoy this leave in addition to the normal annual leave. This special leave allows them to spend time with their families, learn a special skill or go on an extended overseas vacation.

d) Staff can select their starting time of work from 7 am to 10 am to suit their family commitments.

To minimise work disruption, NTUC Income has a pool of temporary employees who are trained and deployed when necessary to handle routine functions while an experienced employee handles the complicated ones.

The experience has been positive. Employees like the flexible work arrangements. The organisation enjoys high staff retention and achieves good business results.

NTUC Income has constantly received the 'Family Friendly Employer Award' in recognition of its positive actions in helping employees achieve work-life harmony.

Patricia Ng
Senior Manager, Human Resource
NTUC Income
Posted by at

4 comments:

winston said...

NTUC Income is a good employer.

July 26, 2005 12:37 AM
Midnight said...

This are very positive moves for Singapoean to have baby. I hope that other companies will follow this model. I think that these benefits both employee and employer. The former is obvious. For the latter, employee can set their heart at ease during working hours; and contribute more. And, employer is going to attract alot of capable and talented people with kids.

this is a win-win game.

Cheer!

July 26, 2005 2:37 AM
Anonymous said...

"Staff can select their starting time of work from 7 am to 10 am to suit their family commitments."

I like this. Personally I consider it more benefitting than one month of paid leave and other stuffs. I'd love work in such an organisation. Getting up early to report to work at 8 AM everyday is too taxing. And particularly when you have children less than 1 year old or so.

Hope companies in Singapore consider this.

Keep it up Mr Tan.

July 27, 2005 10:52 AM
sharon tay said...

In order to achieve work-life balance for its employees, an organization must be able to identify with its workforce. The organization must be able to come up with new approaches to conventional working practices.

Effective work-life balance increases productivity, service quality, and hence, profits. Also, it acts as a source of motivation to staff. It also increases staff retention.

Under the ground-breaking leadership of Mr. Tan, NTUC Income has taken a great leap.

While most companies are still struggling to begin their baby steps into providing work-life balance, NTUC Income has already established a solid reputation as a “Family Friendly Employer”. It is definitely an award well-deserved.

October 09, 2005 11:04 AM

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