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