Today, 69 exemplary companies and individuals were presented with the ‘Best Companies for Mums” Awards in various categories - “Best Companies for Mums”, “Most Enabling Companies for Dads”, “Most Supportive Colleagues” and “Most Supportive Supervisors”.
Jointly organised by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Women’s Development Secretariat (WDS) and Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP), the “Best Companies for Mums” contest is in its second year running. It recognises companies and individuals for their exceptional efforts in making flexible work arrangements (FWAs) work for the company and the employees. The contest also aims to recognise and highlight the different ways that companies can help their employees achieve better work-life harmony.
Last year, 16 companies and supervisors were awarded in the categories of “Best Companies for Mums” and “Most Supportive Supervisors”. This year, new categories – “Most Enabling Companies for Dads” and “Most Supportive Colleagues” were added, in hope of raising awareness that FWAs is not just for the working mothers but for all caregivers, and that the working environment comprising supervisors and co-workers has a part to play in improving work-life harmony.
“Employees today are drawn to organisations that help them find work-life balance and personal satisfaction. Best companies to work for are those dedicated to cultivate career advancement programmes and good work-life balance for their employees. In line with the U Flex Movement that was launched early this year, the “Best Companies for Mums” contest showcases companies and individuals who can further champion efforts in making workplaces friendly and flexible for workers,” said Ms Cham Hui Fong, Assistant Secretary-General, NTUC.
“It is encouraging to see more companies being nominated and winning awards compared to last year. This shows that employers do recognise the importance of creating supportive and family-friendly workplaces for working mothers and fathers. The support and flexibility given by employers can play an important part in helping to attract and retain talent,” said Mr Bob Tan, Co-Chairperson, TAFEP and Vice President, Singapore National Employers Federation.
About the “Best Companies for Mums” Contest
The “Best Companies for Mums” contest was launched in March this year during NTUC WDS’ International Women’s Day celebration. Companies and individuals were called on to nominate exemplary examples by sharing personal stories of how their employers or employees have helped in improving work-life harmony.
Close to 200 nominations were received. The judging panel, comprising representatives from NTUC and TAFEP shortlisted the final awardees based on the nominees’ personal stories and criteria which comprises the extent of FWAs practices available at the company, variety of pro-family employee leave schemes, employee support schemes and infrastructural support like lactation facilities and onsite childcare. All winning companies and individuals received a unique “Best Companies for Mum” plaque.
Enlightened companies can now tap on U Flex Family-Friendly Workplace Grant
To further efforts under the U Flex Movement, the Labour Movement also rolled out the $500,000 U Flex Family-Friendly Grant (“U Flex Grant”) with the funding support from the Government, to encourage companies to put in place a more holistic family-friendly workplace environment.
The U Flex Grant’s qualifying criteria is closely aligned with the Family-Friendly Workplace Criteria introduced by NTUC U Family in February this year, comprising four components – flexible work arrangements, family-care leave schemes, family support schemes and facilities, and career progression pathways for workers on flexible work arrangements.
The new grant will complement the existing WorkPro, and works as an additional incentive for companies to implement and/or enhance Family Care Leave (FCL) and Family Support Scheme (FSS). All companies that have benefited from the Work-Life Grant under WorkPro and have implemented some form of FWA, will be eligible to apply for the U Flex Grant. An amount of $10,000 will be given to companies to implement and/or enhance FCL and FSS. Application for the grant starts 1 August 2014.
Requirements:
“With this funding from the Government, we hope to encourage enlightened companies who have already put in place some form of flexible work arrangements to continue to do more to attract working caregivers to return and remain in the workplace. This pilot project will help more companies work towards creating a holistic working environment that is ideal for working caregivers to manage their responsibilities both at work and at home,” explained Ms Cham.
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