More employers in Singapore using temporary or contract staff regularly

More employers in Singapore using temporary or contract staff regularly

SINGAPORE - Flexible staffing arrangements are increasingly becoming a popular employment option in Singapore, according to data released on Monday (Feb 15) by recruitment firm Hays.

Figures from the 2016 Hays Asia Salary Guide show that more than half, or 54 per cent, of employers in Singapore have used flexible staffing arrangements in the past year, eight per cent more than the previous year.

Of these arrangements, temporary or contract staff are the most popular option, with close to a quarter of employers (22%) here reporting that they use them on a regular and ongoing basis.

A further 36 per cent of employers use temporary and contract staff on special projects as needed.

In the guide, which is based on a survey of over 3,000 employers across China, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore, the recruitment firm also revealed that 18 per cent of Singapore firms intend to increase their use of temporary or contract staff in 2016.

Across the region, a significant 66 per cent of employers intend to continue using temporary staffing solutions this year.

Christine Wright, Managing Director of Hays in Asia, said: "Given the speed of change most organisations have to navigate in today's global business environment, being able to tap into a flexible workforce is vital to staying competitive."

She explained that temporary and contract staff are ideal in an environment in which employees are increasingly moving organisations to gather experience, rather than staying with one or two employers throughout their career.

Meanwhile, flexible working options are also gaining popularity across the region, with 70 per cent of employers surveyed offering flexible work hours. Nearly half, or 49 per cent, of employers also said they allowed some employees to work from home, Hays said.

"Asian employers are focusing more attention on the way people want to work. Our research shows work-life balance is increasingly important to candidates across Asia making policies such as flexible hours and leave options a great way for employers to stand out," Ms Wright said.

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seanyap@sph.com.sg

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