- Singapore launches 32 pilot programs under the Alliance for Action on Empowering Multi-Stage Careers to support mature workers in extending or reshaping their careers.
- Initiatives include job redesign, flexible work, mid-career upskilling, and phased retirement across sectors like hospitality, finance, caregiving, and manufacturing.
- Tripartite leaders highlight the need for age-inclusive workplaces as longer life expectancy and healthier ageing drive flexible, non-linear career paths.
With the rapid ageing of Singapore's workforce, companies here are stepping up efforts to build age-inclusive workplaces, with 32 rolling out pilot programmes to help older employees extend, reshape or transition their careers.
The initiatives were rolled out recently at the launch of Alliance for Action on Empowering Multi-Stage Careers for Mature Workers (AfA-EMW).
The programmes come under the broader mandate of the Tripartite Workgroup on Senior Employment, co-chaired by Manpower and Health Senior Minister of State Koh Poh Koon, NTUC Deputy Secretary-General Desmond Tan, and SNEF Vice-President Tan Hwee Bin. Together, they have been working on how to strengthen employment pathways for seniors as Singapore faces a rapidly ageing workforce.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Koh said increased life expectancy and improved health are shifting perceptions of work such that people are increasingly looking toward flexible and nonlinear career paths. “People may want to switch sectors, take up part-time jobs, or move into mentoring as they enter different stages of life”, he added.
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Participating employers will test solutions over the next few months in areas such as job redesign, flexible work models, mid-career upskilling and phased retirement. The pilots span a wide range of sectors, including hospitality, manufacturing, security, financial services and caregiving.
Examples include Singapore's Mandai Rainforest Resort hiring seniors in roles matching their personal interests, which are supported by an AI-driven scheduling tool; Homage offering structured pathways for mid-career professionals to transition into community care; and HSBC helping its older employees shift into new functions through targeted training and certification.
Leaders of unions say these programmes demonstrate a strong tripartite commitment towards establishing a workplace where mature workers can continue making meaningful contributions. Findings from the trials are expected to inform future policy and support organisations in cultivating resilient, multigenerational workforces.
