I READ the article, "How to get housewives, retirees back to work? New fund may help" (ST, Nov 15), with delight as it is a subject close to my heart.

Being a housewife myself, I am in favour of the Flexi-Works! scheme, because it will benefit so many mothers who wish to enrich their lives through work and also be at home for the children.

I remember a few years ago, when I had to make the difficult decision to leave my job in order to make more time for the family. I had asked my boss to change my position to a part-time one, as I was confident I could continue to do my job well, but my request was turned down.

It is fantastic that employers are now attracted to the Flexi-Works! scheme through the new fund.

However, financial assistance aside, employers also need to be educated that employees need not be bound to their desks all day in order to be productive.

A happy employee is one who is trusted and also allowed to balance his life. This is more so for women who find it such a struggle balancing a career and being there for their children.

With the Flexi-Works! scheme, I hope to see new, challenging opportunities being offered.

Currently it seems most part-time jobs involve data entry or customer service - positions that do not quite challenge well-educated housewives.

Another benefit I see from the Flexi-Works! scheme is, hopefully, the easing of traffic. With more people working from home or going home at flexible hours, peak-hour traffic would be less.

I hope all companies will adopt the scheme willingly and with an open mind.

Julianna Neo Su-lin (Mdm)