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Success Stories
Republic Polytechnic

About Republic Polytechnic

Republic Polytechnic (RP) is a post-secondary educational institution offering diploma programmes. RP practises a paperless and IT-driven work environment where staff are mobile and not restricted to the office. To achieve its goal of nurturing learning, RP believes it needs to start with nurturing its 735 staff. Since its work-life strategy was implemented, there has been quantifiable success in reducing management staff turnover to almost zero percent. Retaining the services of its key performers is of utmost importance as the polytechnic needs competent staff to manage its Problem-Based Learning (PBL). Surveys gathered after company events show that the staff were happy with the arrangements and desired more team bonding.

Republic Polytechnic was awarded the Work-Life Achiever Award 2008.


Flexible Work Arrangements – Telecommuting and Part Time

The telecommuting scheme for administrative staff started in 2004 with only one specified day each week, which limited its effectiveness. In view of certain family circumstances, some staff may be allowed to work from a remote location more than once a week, upon their supervisor’s approval. 90 percent of the administrative staff have since taken up this option and provided enthusiastic feedback. It has allowed them to save on transportation time and also demonstrated the trust that their supervisors have in them. The management also feels that telecommuting enables RP to be ready for business continuity in the event of national crises such as SARS.

Associate Scheme. There is a group of part-time staff who are on a Contract for Service, namely Academic and Administrative Associates. The Academic Associates facilitate fewer classes based on their own schedule and some come in only once a week. They are paid based on a daily rate of facilitating a class. Administrative Associates work from home 100% of the time and at their own pace. They are paid on a task basis. These staff cannot work on a fixed schedule and would have to resign without the flexibility of this scheme. It caters to those who wish to spend more time with their family or have other commitments. RP finds it a cost effective way of retaining talent as well as having them provide a strong support for the full-time workforce.

 

Employee Support Schemes – Continuous Leave Benefit Scheme

If staff apply for 5 continuous working days of leave, they are entitled to claim $250 once a year. No questions are asked and receipts are not required when staff claim this holiday allowance, which is known in RP as the Off-Work Benefit. The management provides this scheme to counter any potential problems arising from insufficient time-outs; it wants to send the message that a full wind-down will result in a more recharged and committed employee. John Young, Assistant Director from Office of Procurement and Technology, said “I have benefited from RP’s innovative work-life balance practices. The holiday allowance given for 5 continuous days of annual leave is an added incentive for my family.”

Employee Quotes

“It does not matter where we are physically. As long as we have access to the Internet, we will be able to work from anywhere! We are working professionals and would be able to produce the same results even when we work from home.”
- Ho Yeng Siang, Assistant Director from Office of Planning and International Operations

“I think RP’s Associate Scheme is perfect for homemakers like me; I have 3 young children. My working time is flexible as it allows me to tend to my children’s daily needs. I am happy to be part of the working society without sacrificing my family life. This is truly work-life balance for me. Thank you, RP, for giving me this opportunity.”
- Valerie Toh, Administrative Associate from Office of Human Resources

“About 10 months after I had my first child, I felt I wanted to spend more time with her. Switching to an Academic Associate ensured that I could still have a part-time career, continue my relations with my department and yet have more personal time.”
- Serene Chen, Academic Associate from Centre for Culture and Communications

 

To find out more about Republic Polytechnic, please visit: http://www.rp.edu.sg