Flexible work arrangements will lead to a safe, healthy and productive execution of jobs, especially during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Minister of Labour Mike Henry.
Henry’s comments were made in a speech delivered by Chief Technical Director in the ministry, Deon Jennings at a virtual productivity forum on August 20.
According to Henry, some of the benefits of adopting flexible work arrangement include increased employment opportunities, increased productivity and reduced labour cost.
The labour minister also asserted that flexible work arrangements may help to reduce absenteeism and enhance employee engagement, morale and motivation.
“Although there are several careful considerations that should be made prior to implementation of the flexi-work arrangements, organisations and their employees are positioned to reap significant benefits,” the Minister said.
He pointed out that the implementation of flexible work arrangements will facilitate and enable employers and employees to negotiate and select the hours, days and time that are best suited to the organisational goals.
Despite the Employment Flexi Work Arrangement Miscellaneous Provision Act of 2014 which opened the door for formal implementation of flexi-work arrangements, less than 10 per cent of Jamaican businesses have opted to utilise such arrangements.
