Work-Life Harmony



What does it mean?


There are many definitions out there, but in simple terms, it means achieving a meaningful goal and enjoyment in everyday life. What we mean by ‘everyday life’ is inclusive of one’s career, family, friends and self.


What is the ideal work life harmony?


Well, this would be different for everyone. As they say, ‘different strokes for different folks’. Some suggest the following:


  • At least 8 hours of sleep
  • No more than 9 hour working day
  • A healthy diet and lifestyle
  • Quality time for self, and with children and partners
  • “Friday night” social activities
  • “Saturday Family Dinner” with parents/grandparents
  • etc, many more


Why is this important to me, and what will my business gain from it?


The value of satisfactory work life harmony should not be underestimated, especially in an economic environment of low unemployment or specific skills shortages relevant to a business.


A well placed work life strategy may be the deciding factor in a potential employee accepting a particular position, or an existing employee remaining in the workplace. This makes promotion of work life harmony a key attraction and retention strategy that business owners cannot afford to ignore.


The successful implementation of work life programmes have contributed significantly to the following:


  • lower recruitment and training costs, and the reduction of manpower turnover
  • reduced absenteeism and medical leave
  • improved job satisfaction among existing employees
  • improved productivity and commitment from existing employees


What kinds of work-life strategies can one pursue?


Generally speaking, there are 3 broad categories of work-life strategies, and they are as follows;


  • Flexi-work Arrangements
    • Telecommuting (Flexi-Place) – This is an arrangement where the job is performed at a location other than the workplace (at home, at McDonalds etc) using remote access solutions of information and communication technologies.
    • Staggered Hours (Flexi-Time) – This refers to an arrangement where employees can vary their daily start and end work hours to suit both their work and family commitments.
    • Compressed Workweek – This is an arrangement where employees still work the normal weekly hours of 40-44 hours, but in fewer numbers of days.


  • Employee Support Schemes
    • Family Room – A designated space in the office where employees can safely leave their children/family members while they attend to work.
    • Lactation Room – A designated room for lactating mothers who returned to work
    • Medical & Insurance Coverage – This is provided via medical/dental claims, as a scheme to assist in the physical well-being of the employees.


  • Additional Leave Benefits
    • Unrecorded Time Off – This allows employees to take paid time off, in lieu of overtime work payment.
    • Paternity Leave – This allows fathers of newborn to take paid leave to care for them.
    • Compassionate/Bereavement Leave – This is a type of leave granted to employees to deal with a family crisis, normally the death or serious illness of a family member.


Those above are some of the more popular examples but the list is not exhaustive.


Is there any government funding available?


Yes, the WOW! Fund is available to organisations to help develop work-life strategies. Under this fund, the Government will co-fund up to 80% of the approved project expenditure, subject to a cap of S$20,000 per organisation.


Click here to find out more  Work-Life Works