As flexi-work becomes the norm in Singapore, employers are increasingly considering overseas recruitment. Companies say flexi-work could push them to hire overseas, potentially rethinking their preference for local hires.
Quoting the article " Singaporeans need to level up': Companies say flexi-work could push them to hire overseas " penned by Davina Tham, CNA:
" If flexible work hours become the norm, Ms Tan said she may have to hire more workers from Malaysia where manpower costs could be four or five times lower than Singapore, and farther abroad.
The only reason not to do that would be if Singapore-based candidates have skills that candidates across the Causeway cannot match, and she was concerned that is increasingly not the case.
“Singaporeans, we really need to level up,” said Ms Tan. “I’m just a small company. Bigger companies will be thinking the same thing.
“Why do I need to hire full-time staff now if there are flexi-work hours? Might as well I gather a pool of talent, I pay them by the hour,” she said.
Mr Felix Sim, the founder of blockchain venture builder Salad Ventures, put this another way: “The ‘local’ premium will soon become irrelevant for most businesses.” "
This excerpt highlights the potential consequences of widespread adoption of flexible work arrangements in Singapore. Ms. Tan's perspective reflects the concerns of many employers who are contemplating overseas recruitment due to the cost advantages offered by neighbouring countries like Malaysia. Her statement underscores the importance of skill competitiveness for Singaporean candidates in the face of global talent pools.
Ms. Tan's call for Singaporeans to "level up" speaks to the urgency of enhancing skills and competencies to remain competitive in the job market. It's a reminder of the need for continuous learning and adaptation in today's dynamic work environment.
Considering hourly pay and building a talent pool instead of hiring full-time staff reflects a shift to flexible employment models. This approach benefits both employers and workers, fostering agility in business operations.
Mr. Felix Sim's remark about the diminishing relevance of the "local" premium highlights the evolving nature of talent acquisition strategies. In a globalised economy where remote work is increasingly feasible, employers are likely to prioritise skills and value over geographical proximity.
Overall, this excerpt suggests a changing landscape in Singapore's labor market, where adaptability and skill development are becoming imperative for both employers and employees to thrive in an era of flexi-work and global competition.
Source: Singaporeans need to level up': Companies say flexi-work could push them to hire overseas
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