Shared parental leave is an essential policy that supports work-life balance and empowers parents in Singapore.
This type of leave allows fathers to actively engage in childcare and child development. It increases their bonding time with their children, reduces stress, improves mental health, and can even positively impact career advancement. For mothers, it offers shared responsibility in childcare, reduces pressure, and enables them to return to work faster. It is regarded as a progressive step towards promoting gender equality.
Understanding and supporting shared parental leave is essential for creating a family-friendly workplace. By utilising leave management systems, leave apps and e-leave solutions, employers can support their employees in balancing work and family commitments, leading to a more satisfied and productive workforce. These tools not only aid in compliance but also enhance the overall efficiency of managing parental leaves, contributing significantly to a positive work culture.
Understanding shared parental leave
Shared parental leave enables working fathers in Singapore to participate in childcare by sharing up to 4 weeks of the mother’s 16 weeks of Government-Paid Maternity Leave. This shared approach underscores the importance of both parents' involvement in the early stages of a child's life, fostering a more balanced family dynamic.
Eligibility and entitlement
Fathers, including self-employed, are eligible if:
Their child is a Singapore citizen.
The child's mother qualifies for Government-Paid Maternity Leave.
They are legally married to the child's mother.
Fathers may also be entitled to Government-Paid Paternity Leave (GPPL). For children born on or after 1 Jan 2024, eligible fathers can take up to 4 weeks of GPPL. This has to be taken within 12 months of the child’s date of birth. For children born before 1 Jan 2024, eligible fathers can enjoy up to 2 weeks of GPPL, also within 12 months of the child’s date of birth.
Leave arrangements
Shared parental leave can be taken in two ways:
By default, without an agreement, in a continuous stretch within 12 months after the child's birth.
By mutual agreement, flexibility is allowed for taking blocks of weeks or days within 12 months after the child's birth.
The leave is based on the father's working days, capped at 6 days per week. For example, if a father works 6 days a week, he can take up to 24 working days of leave.
Using technology to manage shared parental leave
Employers can facilitate shared parental leave through the use of a leave management system and a leave app. These tools streamline the application and tracking process, ensuring compliance and providing flexibility.
Benefits of a leave management system
Efficiency - A leave management system simplifies the process of managing and tracking shared parental leave.
Clarity - Both employers and employees can easily access leave balances and entitlements through an e-leave app.
Compliance – A leave app also helps ensure adherence to legal requirements and company policies.
Flexibility – With a leave management system, employers can facilitate various leave arrangements to make better planning and resource allocation decisions.
Why use a leave app?
Accessibility - Leave apps provide on-the-go access to leave information, making it easier for employees to apply for and track their leave.
Communication – It enhances interaction between employees and HR, allowing for smoother leave management.
Integration - Leave apps can integrate with other HR systems for a holistic approach to employee management.
What is the best leave management system and leave app?
Adaptive Pay's state-of-the-art leave management system app streamlines your leave processes with customisable e-leave workflows and seamless remote applications and approvals.
Employees can effortlessly apply for leave through the mobile or web app, attaching any necessary documents. Managers are promptly notified and can approve leave requests with ease (even through multiple approval levels).
Upon approval, the system automatically updates the attendance and payroll modules. Plus, employees can conveniently track their remaining leave days and entitlements anytime, anywhere, through the app.
Choose Adaptive Pay for a smoother, more efficient leave management experience. Book a demo today.