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Poll: What you, our readers, told us about what work-life balance means to you

Earlier this year, we ran a story about work-life balance, and what it really meant to Singaporeans. The story cited a survey by Monster, which revealed that to a majority of Singaporeans (73%), this meant not working on weekends, while 69% believed it also meant having the ability to leave work on time.

We asked you, our readers, what it meant to you as well - flexible working hours, leaving office on time daily, not working on the weekend, or remote/mobile working. And we were pleasantly surprised to see that a huge 773 of you responded to our poll!

This is what you had to say:

The option chosen by most of you was flexible working hours (261, or 34%), only slightly edging above choosing to leave office on time daily (259, or 34%).

At the same time, 174 respondents (23%) said it meant not working on the weekend, while a lower few (79, 10%) chose remote or mobile working.

Priya-Dec-2019-work-life-balance-article-follow-up-poll-screenshot

 

What does this mean for you as employers? While remote and mobile working might be the least chosen option, it doesn't imply that flexible working arrangements (FWAs) are on the decline. On the contrary, the top three chosen options - i.e. flexible working hours, encouraging staff to leave on time, and not working on the weekend - all cannot be possible without elements of flexible working.

So perhaps, going in to 2020, if you looking to review your policies around flexi-hours, telecommuting, or even four-day workweeks, we are confident you will be able to factor in the results of this survey.


In line with this theme, we took the opportunity to explore another similarly progressive concept - the idea of work-life integration, or 'work-life harmony'.

This concept is defined by the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) as: "A state in which an individual is able to achieve both personal and professional goals in a combination that is uniquely satisfactory."

To explore this and how companies in Singapore are taking steps towards achieving harmony in their workforce, we featured the views of four demographics – employers, line managers, Millennials and working parents, in foodpanda and Go-Ahead Singapore – to present a holistic viewpoint.

The article also featured statistics from a survey conducted by TAFEP and The Straits Times, on how the work-life landscape has evolved over the years. In a nutshell, the survey revealed that organisations are taking a more inclusive approach to work-life strategies, and deploying flexible work arrangements as a sustainable option, among other key findings.

Check out the article here, and do share it with your network as some food-for-thought!


Throughout the year, we've also shared multiple stories this year on employers who are championing work-life balance, and even work-life harmony, initiatives for their employees.

These include:

Nanyang Academy of Fine ArtsThe academy has implemented flexible work arrangements, a full-day preschool on campus, and more. [Read more]

AXA Affin General InsuranceThis firm introduced a compressed working schedule arrangement, along with flexible work arrangements, among other key initiatives. [Read more]

Apart from these companies, the following are some resources we've put together, that showcase how different companies and governments are encouraging better work-life balance in the workforce, as  well as research and resources that could prove useful to you.


Photo / 123RF

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