Flexible working arrangements, such as flexi-time and working from home, have yet to gain widespread acceptance in Singapore.

According to a recent Randstad WorkMonitor survey, 76% of Singaporeans agree with the statement: “At my employer, we still work in a ‘traditional manner’; everyone works at the office during opening hours.”

This is despite the Ministry of Manpower’s introduction of the Tripartite Standard on Flexible Working Arrangements in 2017, aimed at encouraging companies to adopt practices like staggered hours and telecommuting.

Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist at the Wharton School, sums it up perfectly:

“Flexibility is not about working less; it’s about working smarter.”

As someone who worked in some companies with traditional working arrangements, I can relate to the resistance many employees face.

In these workplaces, performance was often secondary to time spent in the office. Leaving early even after completing work was frowned upon, while staying late was seen as a badge of dedication.

For some, this system resulted in wasted hours, sitting at desks simply to meet arbitrary office hours.

Despite exceeding my target every single quarter without fail and completing all my tasks efficiently by 5:15 PM, leaving the office early was still frowned upon.

In the remaining 45 minutes, I found myself sitting in office just watching YouTube videos and checking my stocks performance – waiting for 6pm so that I could finally leave. I understand it wasn’t out of malice, but perhaps a reflection of a work culture that was still in the early stages of transitioning towards valuing outcomes over hours.

This year, I had the opportunity to join a company that embraces flexible working arrangements. The change was transformative. Colleagues could work from home in the mornings, come into the office later, or even skip the office entirely when needed.

Their performance spoke for itself—delivering results consistently without the need for constant face time.

It became evident that there was no correlation between time spent at a desk and productivity.

While the Singapore government recognizes the value of flexible working arrangements, many employers remain hesitant.

In this article, I aim to outline the key benefits of flexible work setups—not just for employees, but for businesses and society as a whole.

1. Workers Become More Productive and Satisfied

Evidence overwhelmingly supports the link between flexible work arrangements and increased productivity and satisfaction.

• 60% of HR directors report a rise in productivity when employees have the option to work from home.
• A robust two-year Stanford University study found that telecommuters experienced a productivity boost equivalent to an entire extra workday.

Employees working flexibly often start earlier, take shorter breaks, and remain focused throughout the day. For many, home is a less distracting environment, free from the noise and interruptions often encountered in an office.

From my own experience, I find I can concentrate better at home, especially when tackling tasks that require deep focus. In contrast, the office environment sometimes disrupts productivity—whether through loud conversations, impromptu questions, or colleagues assuming everyone shares their taste in music.

2. Society Benefits from Reduced Congestion

Rigid work schedules contribute to the daily congestion on Singapore’s public transport system and roads. Trains and buses are packed during peak hours, and commuters face long queues and delays.

Flexible work arrangements help to spread out the demand for public transport and reduce strain on the system. For drivers, it eases road congestion, cutting down on traffic jams and stress.

Additionally, studies show that long commutes negatively impact employee well-being. Adding just 20 minutes to a daily commute can reduce happiness as much as a 20% pay cut. By reducing commuting time, flexible work arrangements improve both mental health and job satisfaction.

3. Lower Employee Turnover

Flexibility fosters loyalty. Employees who feel trusted and in control of their schedules are not only happier but also more likely to stay with their employer.

Research from Harvard Business School found that companies offering “work from anywhere” policies see:

• Greater employee loyalty.
• Higher productivity.
• Lower recruitment and training costs due to reduced turnover.

In fact, flexible work arrangements are increasingly viewed as more desirable than a competitive salary. 53% of employees ranked flexibility as the most important benefit in a 2017 HubSpot survey. This makes it a powerful tool for both retaining and attracting top talent.

4. Cost Savings for Employees

Flexible work arrangements can significantly reduce daily expenses for employees.

For example, working from home allows employees to save on transport costs and enjoy home-cooked meals, which are often healthier and cheaper than dining out.

This is particularly valuable for those working in expensive areas like Suntec City, where even basic meals can be costly.

5. Stronger Families and Communities

In Singapore, where family is highly valued, long working hours often prevent employees from spending quality time with loved ones. Flexible arrangements enable parents to:

• Spend more time with their children.
• Provide care for aging family members.
• Reduce reliance on domestic helpers.

Importantly, flexibility shouldn’t just be for working mothers. Fathers and caregivers of all genders benefit equally, fostering a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture.

As President Halimah Yacob has emphasized, flexible work policies should move beyond being “female-friendly” to becoming truly family-friendly.

Flexible working arrangements are more than a workplace perk—they are a cornerstone of modern, progressive employment practices. They benefit businesses by boosting productivity and retention, while also improving societal well-being by reducing congestion and stress.

As Member of Parliament Dr. Daniel Goh aptly pointed out:

“Vesting employees with flexibility allows them to be at their best, fosters happy families, and positively impacts productivity.”

Employers in Singapore have an opportunity to lead the way by embracing these practices, creating workplaces that prioritize trust, well-being, and results over outdated notions of face time.

The benefits are clear. It’s time to take the next step.