Flexible work arrangements are becoming more common in Singapore, but many employees say workplace stigma and pressure continue to make such arrangements difficult to sustain.
A recent report by Channel NewsAsia highlights how workers who opt for flexible work options — such as working from home — may still face challenges including micromanagement, reduced communication from colleagues, and concerns about job security.
Despite guidelines encouraging employers to consider flexible work requests, workplace culture in some organisations has yet to fully adapt. Employees report feeling judged, excluded from team interactions, or overlooked in career progression when they are not physically present in the office.
These findings suggest that while policies supporting flexibility are in place, a shift in mindset and stronger organisational support may be needed to ensure employees can fully benefit from such arrangements without fear of negative consequences.