Effectiveness of WorkPro Scheme

Ms Foo Mee Har asked the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) what has been the effectiveness of Government schemes, such as WorkPro, in fostering more progressive workplace practices amongst employers; and (b) what is the increase in the total number of Singaporeans on flexible work arrangements since the launch of WorkPro.

Mr Tan Chuan-Jin: The WorkPro scheme was launched in April 2013 to foster progressive workplaces, augment local manpower and strengthen the Singaporean core in our workforce. It helps to build employers' capabilities in age management, job redesign and work-life practices to better attract and retain workers. The scheme will run until 2016. We encourage employers to tap on it to foster more progressive workplaces in Singapore.

The Work-Life Grant under WorkPro supports the implementation of flexible work arrangements. As of December 2013, we have approved applications from 84 organisations for the Work-Life Grant. Over 8,000 employees in these organisations will benefit from the flexible work arrangements when implemented.

The Government is working closely with the tripartite partners to intensify our efforts in promoting flexible work arrangements. The Tripartite Committee (TriCom) on Work-Life Strategy, chaired by Senior Parliamentary Secretary (Manpower) Mr Hawazi Daipi, is following up on feedback received and looking into new initiatives to promote adoption and develop capability in implementing flexible work arrangements. The details will be announced in due course.