Flexible work arrangements can’t be for just well-paid professionals
October 18, 2023
Amidst the turbulence and uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, companies adapted by adopting flexible working arrangements, which have since become commonplace. However, this flexibility is not enjoyed by all, often being the exclusive prerogative of well-paid work.
In their insightful article titled “Flexible work arrangements can’t be for just well-paid professionals” (The Straits Times, 12 October 2023), Associate Professor Irene Y. H. Ng (NUS Social Work and Social Service Research Centre) and Assistant Professor Gerard Chung (NUS Social Work and Social Service Research Centre) spotlight the glaring disparities in flexible work arrangements (FWAs) between affluent professionals and young workers in low-income, entry-level positions.
Drawing from their research, A/P Ng and Asst. Prof Chung argue that current discussions on FWAs often neglect the unique challenges confronting young individuals in low-wage roles. They posit that unstable work schedules and mandatory odd shifts constitute the nuanced notion of “time poverty”. They assert that these issues predominantly burden young workers by hampering family interactions, social engagements, and even opportunities for professional growth.
A/P Ng and Asst. Prof Chung critique current flexi-work policies, pointing out that they often focus on telecommuting and flexible work hours, leaving out a significant portion of workers. They warn of the emergence of a two-tier economy, where the majority relish in the possibility of flexibility while a significant minority remains excluded from its benefits.
The authors offer tangible solutions for a more inclusive work environment. They also question the necessity of round-the-clock services, champion the merits of job sharing and rotation, and underscore the pivotal role employers play in ensuring flexibility. In so doing, A/P Ng and Asst. Prof Chung emphasize the urgency to address the issues of time poverty and rigid workplace structures for low-wage earners.
Read the article here.
