More companies in Singapore are providing ad-hoc flexible work arrangements and leave benefits that are not required under the law such as study leave so that employees can cope with personal and family commitments, according to a 2016 survey by the Manpower Ministry.
The proportion of firms that offer at least one formal flexible work arrangement, however, remains unchanged.
The ministry's Conditions of Employment Report released on Monday also found that companies which offered more flexible work arrangements and annual leave and had a higher number of employees on a five-day work week saw lower resignation rates, TODAY reported.
The latest survey of 3,800 organisations employing over 1.3 million workers saw the number of firms which provided unplanned time-off or ad-hoc tele-working -- where employees work outside the office -- rose from 70% last year to 77% in 2016. These companies also saw more workers employed from 76% last year to 82% in 2016.
Companies which offered at least one formal flexible work arrangement also saw a jump in the number of workers -- 65% last year to 67% in 2016 -- despite the proportion of such firms remain unchanged.
Unplanned time-off is the most common form of flexible work arrangement followed by the ability to work part-time and reporting earlier or later for work.
An increasing portion of employers also offered leave benefits not mandated by law, with most providing compassionate leave, followed by marriage leave and study or examination leave, in a bid to support their employees.