Despite global shifts towards flexible work, over half of Singaporean companies maintain traditional in-office policies, with a lack of awareness surrounding new workplace fairness legislation.

A new study by Reeracoen Singapore has revealed that, despite global trends toward flexible work arrangements, most companies in Singapore continue to enforce a 100% office-based work policy. According to the study, more than half of the companies in Singapore still require employees to work exclusively from the office, while only 7% offer fully remote or flexible working options.

While some companies have adopted hybrid work models that combine both in-office and remote work, the study shows a significant gap between Singapore’s workforce practices and the global push for greater flexibility. Around 37% of companies have implemented hybrid work policies, but this figure falls far short of the growing demand for flexible working conditions.

The study also uncovered a concerning lack of awareness regarding upcoming legislation that aims to promote workplace fairness. Nearly 28% of companies surveyed are unaware of the Workplace Fairness Legislation (WFL), which is set to be enacted in the second half of 2024. The WFL is designed to ensure fair employment practices, protect employees from workplace discrimination, and promote meritocratic hiring and promotion processes, focusing on age, gender, race, religion, and disability as protected characteristics.

For the 72% of companies familiar with the WFL, many have already taken steps to comply, including adopting anti-discrimination policies, adhering to tripartite guidelines, and implementing practices such as anonymous resume screening and structured interviews that prioritize skills over personal characteristics.

The Ministry of Manpower has encouraged companies to familiarize themselves with the WFL to ensure a smooth transition when the legislation is implemented. Industry experts stress that raising awareness and adopting best practices will be crucial in creating a fair and equitable workplace culture in Singapore.

With the WFL implementation date approaching, companies are expected to play a key role in shaping a more inclusive and discrimination-free workplace. However, the study suggests that greater efforts are needed to promote flexible work models and ensure compliance with workplace fairness regulations.