Government prepared to provide more support to offset cost of worklife balance programs

Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Grace Fu, says the government is prepared to look at providing additional support to help employers offset the cost of work-life balance initiatives. 

Ms Fu was recently tasked with helping the Minister in Charge of population policies, Teo Chee Hean, with population matters. 

In an exclusive interview with MediaCorp, Ms Fu said she also wants to see all stakeholders - employers, neighbours or even friends - encourage singles to think about marriage as an important life goal. 

At the National Day Rally, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong listed a host of measures the government is looking into to boost the country's dwindling fertility rate.

One of which is enhanced parental or paternity leave. 

Employers have voiced concerns that this may affect company productivity and business costs, and have asked for some form of government support. 

Ms Fu said the government has been supporting employers, for example through sharing of maternity leave and co-paying for parental leave. 

And so, the government is prepared to look at some of these initiatives where it is applicable. 

The minister also explained why employers should care about work-life balance. 

She said it is a good HR practice for employers to have that flexibility as the chances of retaining and cultivating their employees will be higher.