According to a message from the Deputy Minister for Human Resources, Government has amended the Employment Act 1955, under which the maximum working hours per week will be 45 hours. If an employer requires an employee to work more than this number of hours per week, it will be a breach of the Employment Act.
In addition, the amendment to the Employment Act also introduces flexible working regulations, whereby employees can request flexible working hours from their employers depending on their working hours, working day or workplace. This change is intended to protect the welfare of employees and to allow them to enjoy flexible working hours.
Flexible working means that employees are free to adjust the length of their working hours provided that they have completed their required tasks. Flexible working is an alternative to fixed working hours.
In simple terms, flexible working means that employees are free to adjust their starting and finishing times, but each company has different policies. Some companies will use their normal working hours to give employees the option to work one to two hours earlier or later, making the standardised 9-5 working hours into “8-4” or “10-6”.
Some companies will allow employees to choose the hours they want to work, as long as they work eight hours a day, communicate with their team and set targets to get the job done.
Under the Employment (Amendment) Act 2022, which came into force in September, employees who wish to work flexibly must make a formal written request to their employer. Details of the hours, days and location of work must be clearly stated in the written letter.
Upon receipt of the employee’s application, the employer must respond in writing within 60 days, i.e. accept or reject the application. If the employer rejects the employee’s application, he or she must give reasonable grounds for doing so.
