The National Trades Union Congress Women’s Development Secretariat launched a contest in March 2013, which asked working mothers in Singapore to submit nominations for employers/supervisors who have helped them achieve better work-life harmony.
More than 100 nominations were received and the winners were selected based on:
- Personal stories submitted by nominees.
- Extent of flexible work arrangements available at the company.
- Variety of pro-family employee leave schemes, employee support schemes for mothers and infrastructural support like lactation facilities and onsite childcare.
These are the 12 best companies for working mothers in Singapore:
- Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific
- Absolute Kinetics Consultancy
- Changi General Hospital
- Singapore Management University
- Housing Development Board
- DBS Bank
- Procter & Gamble
- Tan Chong International
- SSTC School For Further Education
- Environmental Resource Management
- Health Promotion Board
- Polycom Asia Pacific
“The availability and accessibility of flexible work arrangements at workplaces remains one of the key concerns for women who are considering going back to the workforce. However, many companies still find it difficult to implement such practices and are slow to take the first step. Supportive co-workers are also very important for such practices to work. By showcasing positive examples through this contest, we hope to amplify the awareness of and enlighten more employers and employees, and ultimately, attract and retain more back-to-work mothers,” said Ms Cham Hui Fong, Assistant Secretary-General (ASG), NTUC.
Mr Bob Tan, Co-Chairperson TAFEP and Vice President of the Singapore National Employers Federation added “Many working mothers would like the opportunity to join the workforce but they need some flexibility in managing their work and family responsibilities. By practicing fair employment and putting in place flexible work arrangements, employers will be able to encourage more women back to work and widen the talent pool.”
