Flexi-work arrangements - good idea hurt by mindsets and stigma

Singapore

WHILE more companies are being supportive of women in the workforce by offering flexible work arrangements, their effectiveness is still hampered by traditional mindsets valuing physical presence at work and social stigma.

Linda Teo, country manager of ManpowerGroup Singapore, said: "Women believe that to achieve a balance between work and home, flexible location and hours plus a focus on performance are essential." Hence, she added that there is a positive relationship between flexible work arrangements and the female workforce participation rate. However, she also noted that "entrenched mindsets of valuing presentism over performance" is holding back implementation of more comprehensive and robust flexible work arrangements. "Without a more systematic approach to implementing and measuring the impact of flexible work arrangements, it is unlikely that the initiative would take off within the organisation," she said.