CHANGING Beliefs TAKES Day
The new rules won’t change the minds of all business entrepreneurs immediately. But formalising the operation and setting anticipation at a national level sends a clear message to companies who can afford flexible work plans but do not.
Unfortunately, it is a positive action towards a dialogue between employers and employees on how to help each other.
For discussions may not get place naturally then, because of the power asymmetry. People bear the risk of sacrificing their work or job progressions for voicing out, particularly in SMEs where it is clear who these workers are.
To encourage anxious employers that accommodating job arrangements can operate without jeopardising business outcomes and competitive advantage, employees may show they can obtain work objectives extremely well.
Accommodating Job NOT A PANACEA FOR BAD Businesses
But it is a fact that running a business is not easy. Well-intentioned SMEs will also probably fight finding flexible job plans that are a win-win for all.
While online sources and success stories provided by federal agencies may help, ground-up attempts may also be helpful in offering more substantial suggestions. Effective SMEs can collectively shape some guiding or expert network to assist different SMEs in this journey. Business councils may possibly co-create workable solutions.
Accommodating job is a means, not an end. And it is just one means: Flexible work alone is not a cure if the business ’s other folks management systems and society are destructive.
Companies are social systems where both employers and employees depend on each other. Considering both opinions is an important initial step towards building a lasting and positive work environment. Nice people help the business succeed and fine companies take care of their people.
Sherwin Chia is the Brain of Programme and Charissa Tan is an organisational psychologist and senior teacher for the Human Resource Management Programme. Both are at the S R Nathan School of Human Development, Singapore University of Social Sciences.