What Employers Need to Know About Flexible Benefits in Singapore
- Admin
- Jul 17
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 7
Singapore's labour market in 2025 reflects both resilience and transformation. According to the Ministry of Manpower, total employment grew by 2,400 in Q1 2025, a slowdown from 7,700 in Q4 2024. Meanwhile, resident unemployment rose slightly to 2.9%, and citizen unemployment reached 3.1% in March 2025. Despite cautious hiring sentiment, job vacancies increased to 81,100, raising the vacancy rate to 3.2%.
However, the real transformation is happening in employee expectations. A 2025 Randstad survey revealed that work-life balance has overtaken salary as the top employment priority for Singaporean workers across all generations. Yet only 52% of respondents felt their current employer supported this need adequately, highlighting a growing gap between expectations and reality. This sentiment is echoed in national labour force surveys conducted by the Ministry of Manpower, which show increasing interest in flexible work arrangements and wellness support as key factors in job satisfaction.
As the economy stabilises, employers are re-evaluating how they support their workforce not only through salaries, but through meaningful flexible benefits that enhance well-being and engagement.
Table of Contents
Statutory Entitlements: The Legal Backbone of Employment
Singapore's statutory employment benefits are governed primarily by the Employment Act, which ensures a baseline of protection for employees across industries. These entitlements form the foundation of fair and working conditions.
This approach empowers employees while helping companies manage costs and support a more satisfied, diverse workforce.
Central Provident Fund (CPF)
CPF contributions are mandatory for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. Employers contribute up to 17% of wages, while employees contribute between 5% and 20%, depending on age. These funds support retirement, healthcare, and housing needs.
Working Hours and Overtime
The standard workweek is capped at 44 hours, with overtime compensated at 1.5 times the hourly rate. Employers must issue itemised payslips and pay salaries promptly, typically on a monthly basis.
Leave Entitlement for a Full-time Employee
Employees are entitled to:
Annual Leave: Minimum of 7 days, increasing with tenure
Sick Leave: 14 days outpatient + 60 days hospitalisation (with medical certification)
Maternity Leave: 16 weeks for eligible mothers
Paternity Leave: If the estimated delivery or formal intent to adopt is on or after 1 April 2025, you're entitled to 4 weeks.
Childcare Leave: Up to 6 days for parents of children under 7.
Public Holidays and Rest Days
Employees receive 11 paid public holidays annually. If required to work on these days, they must be compensated with an extra day's salary or time off.
Termination and Final Salary
Final salary payments must be made promptly which falls typically on the last day of employment or within 7 days, depending on the termination scenario.
Flexible Benefits in Singapore: Meeting Modern Workforce Expectations
While statutory entitlements provide essential protections, they are no longer sufficient to meet the expectations of today's workforce. Employees today value more than just compliance. In fact, they seek flexibility, autonomy, and holistic well-being. This shift has prompted employers across Singapore to rethink their approach to benefits, embracing more personalised and responsive solutions.
Wellness and Mental Health Support
Mental health has become a central pillar of workplace well-being. Employers are investing in initiatives such as access to therapy, mindfulness platforms, and wellness stipends to support their teams. These programmes help reduce burnout and foster a healthier, more resilient workforce. Platforms like Tribe Benefits make it easier for companies to offer customisable wellness packages, empowering employees to choose the support that best fits their lifestyle.
Flexible Work Arrangements
The demand for flexible work arrangements such as remote work, staggered hours, and compressed schedules continues to grow. Under Singapore's Tripartite Guidelines, employers are encouraged to accommodate these requests. By embracing flexibility, companies not only comply with policy but also build trust and loyalty among their staff.
Lifestyle and Financial Perks
Modern benefits now extend beyond the office. Transport and meal allowances, paid sabbaticals, and volunteer leave are becoming more common, reflecting a broader understanding of what employees value. These perks help create a more inclusive and engaging workplace culture.
Learning and Development
Continuous learning is a priority for many professionals. Employers are supporting this by funding external courses, certifications, and mentorship programmes. Streamlining access to these opportunities can enhance employee growth while reducing administrative overhead.
Insurance and Health Coverage
To meet diverse employee needs, companies are expanding their insurance offerings to include dental, optical, fertility, and even pet coverage. These additions reflect a growing commitment to supporting employees in all aspects of their lives, both inside and outside of work.
Tribe Benefits: Empowering the Future of Work
Singapore's statutory entitlements provide a strong foundation for worker protection, but the future of employment lies in flexibility, personalisation, and wellness. As wage growth stabilises and employee expectations rise, companies must innovate to remain attractive. Platforms like Tribe Benefits offer the tools to do jus that. By empowering employers to build workplaces where people thrive. With tools for flexible benefits management, employee engagement, and HR automation, Tribe Benefits enables companies to build workplaces that are not only compliant but compelling.
Key Features
Flexible Benefits Wallets: Employees can spend allocated budgets on perks they value.
Integrated Claims System: Reduces admin time and improves transparency.
Custom Perk Catalogues: Employers can curate benefits for different teams.
Wellness & Engagement Tools: Boost moral and retention with curated wellness experiences.
Explore Tribe Benefits today and discover how you can build a workplace where people thrive.
