The Working Caregiver Reality
You're Not Alone
Over 200,000 Singaporeans balance work and caregiving. This is a recognized national challenge, and support is growing.
- 40% of family caregivers in Singapore are employed
- Working caregivers provide an average of 20 hours/week of care
- Many reduce work hours or turn down promotions
- Caregiver stress impacts workplace performance
- Employers increasingly recognize caregiving responsibilities
Flexible Work Arrangements
Know Your Rights
Under the Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangements, employers should fairly consider requests for flexibility. Prepare a clear proposal showing how you'll maintain productivity.
- Flexible hours: Start/end times that accommodate care needs
- Compressed work week: Longer days for more days off
- Remote work: Work from home some or all days
- Part-time work: Reduced hours with adjusted responsibilities
- Job sharing: Two people share one full-time role
- Staggered hours: Different schedules from typical 9-5
Talking to Your Employer
Conversation Script
"I'm caring for my elderly parent who needs regular support. I'd like to discuss flexible arrangements that let me maintain my productivity while managing caregiving. Could we explore options like [specific request]?"
- Choose the right time—not during a crisis
- Be clear about your caregiving situation
- Come with specific requests, not just problems
- Propose solutions that work for both sides
- Emphasize your commitment to your work
- Ask about Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP)
Leave Options in Singapore
Advocacy Note
Singapore doesn't currently have statutory paid caregiver leave, but advocacy groups are pushing for this. Some progressive employers offer caregiver leave voluntarily.
- Annual leave: Use for caregiving appointments and emergencies
- Unpaid leave: Many employers allow additional unpaid leave
- Family Care Leave (if offered by employer)
- Medical leave: For your own health needs
- No-pay leave: For longer caregiving periods
Respite Care for Working Caregivers
Subsidized Day Care
AIC subsidizes senior day care centres. Depending on income, costs can be as low as $10-20/day. Call 1800-650-6060 to find centres near your home.
- Day care centres: Structured programmes while you work
- Dementia day care: Specialized for cognitive impairment
- Home respite: Care worker comes to your home
- Residential respite: Short-term nursing home stays
- Community befriending: Volunteers visit your loved one
Practical Tips for Managing Both Roles
Elderwise Helps
Use Elderwise to coordinate care with family members, track your loved one's health remotely, and receive alerts—so you can focus at work while staying connected.
- Build a care team: Don't try to do everything yourself
- Use technology for monitoring and coordination
- Establish emergency backup plans for work and care
- Set boundaries on work hours when possible
- Communicate proactively about potential conflicts
- Take care of your own health—you need energy for both roles
Key Takeaways
- 140% of Singapore caregivers work while providing care
- 2Flexible work arrangements are encouraged under Tripartite Guidelines
- 3Prepare specific proposals when discussing flexibility with employers
- 4Day care centres provide subsidized care during working hours
- 5Build a care team and use technology to manage both roles effectively