Hotels redesign workflow to tap onto new scheme

SINGAPORE: Hotels have started to redesign workflow in order to tap onto a new initiative aimed at boosting productivity.

From 1 October, hotels can apply to deploy foreign staff across different job functions under the Job Flexibility for Productivity scheme.

Currently, foreign work permit holders are only allowed to perform jobs as stated on their work permit card.

Once the initiative kicks in, foreign work staff can perform up to three different job functions for their establishment.

Royal Plaza on Scotts is one hotel hoping to tap the scheme, especially in areas facing manpower shortages, like F&B and housekeeping.

The hotel currently has about 15 per cent less than the required manpower.

It also plans on putting at least 10 applications when the initiative kicks in.

The hotel plans to deploy the foreign staff to F&B in the morning, and housekeeping in the afternoon and pay them an extra S$200.

The hotel said staff will have to undergo a month’s training to learn the various job functions.

Industries like construction and logistics hope the scheme can be extended to their sectors too.

Singapore Business Federation’s Chief Operating Officer, Victor Tay Kah Soon, said: "Let’s say the construction workers, they are not able to drive the particular truck, which is supposed to bring them on site. At the same time, neither could the supervisor nor construction worker take the driver’s seat, nor vice—versa. I think they could also widen this, so we needn’t find a very niche and narrow job scope, like a driver."

— CNA/ck