One in three workers fear stigma over flexible work requests, survey says

Despite high flexible work approvals, concerns over bias linger.

More than one in three respondents—or 36%—cites bias or negative perceptions as the top concern during the flexible work arrangement (FWA) request process, according to a joint survey from NTUC Women and Family and the PAP Women’s Wing.

The Singapore Workforce Flexibility Survey—involving 1,508 respondents—shows that 76% of workplaces offer FWA options, including flexi-place, flexi-time, and flexi-load.

Amongst workers who submitted formal applications for these arrangements, 89% received approval or approval with modifications.

Gaps exist in awareness of worker rights, as 58% of respondents know the Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests, which standardise the handling of requests. Twenty-nine percent know the procedure for denied or mishandled requests.

Caregiving is the motivator for 70% of workers seeking flexibility. Other factors include commute time (57%) and the management of emergencies (55%).

Respondents identify several organisational limitations, with 37% citing employer fears regarding misuse or loss of productivity, 32% stating that employers treat FWA as optional, and 30% pointing to roles that require physical presence.

Workers indicate factors that would encourage adoption of flexible arrangements. Forty-two percent want a range of FWA options, 41% require visible leadership support, and 34% want clear internal policies and processes.

Sim Ann, Chairperson of PAP Women’s Wing, said workplace trust and leadership are key factors for FWA adoption.

Yeo Wan Ling, Assistant Secretary-General of NTUC, and Gan Siow Huang, Adviser, led the research team for the study.