Minister Chan Chun Sing on how flexible work arrangements are approached in the Civil Service

"While FWAs take into consideration the needs of the officer, work and operational needs take priority. It is not an entitlement," he stressed.

A parliamentary query on telecommuting in the Civil Service was addressed in Singapore's Parliament earlier this month. 

Responding on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong, Chan Chun Sing, Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister-in-charge of the Public Service, said many as half the number of public officers do not adopt this arrangement due to their roles requiring them to be physically present at the workplace. Such roles include frontline service delivery, security operations, or teaching.

"For these officers, they can access other forms of FWAs, including part-time work or staggered work hours with flexible start and end times," he stated.

He elaborated that officers whose work allows for telecommuting are still required to return to office should their duties require them to do so. 

"While FWAs take into consideration the needs of the officer, work and operational needs take priority. It is not an entitlement."

"We are committed to offering a range of FWAs that support our officers’ needs without compromising the operational effectiveness of the Public Service," Minister Chan affirmed. 

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