http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-letters/story/the-case-work-life-balance-20131003
In the light of the continuing difficulties faced by some European economies and the increased competitiveness of our regional neighbours, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's warning that others seek to "steal our lunch" seems timely ("Work-life balance? 'Know trade-offs too'"; Sept 25).
However, I hope our leaders do not dismiss off-hand the desire for work-life balance and will empathise with this goal of Singaporeans.
First, wanting work-life balance is a legitimate aspiration.
It is natural for humans to have higher aims. American psychologist Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs posits that after meeting their physiological and safety needs, humans seek to meet higher-order needs: love and belonging, esteem and, finally, self-actualisation.
Do we want a Singapore where the only concerns are material ones?
Second, work-life balance and economic competitiveness are not mutually exclusive.
Surely, economic competitiveness comes from higher productivity and creativity, not longer working hours?
It would be great if people could work diligently, yet efficiently, up to 6pm each day and then, focus on other aspects of their lives.
But the culture in many organisations, probably even some government agencies, is for people to work late. A stigma attaches to those who leave punctually.
But as Parkinson's law states: Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.
Often, inefficient meetings and processes suck up time. Do employees really achieve more by spending additional hours at the office?
Third, work-life balance will positively impact family life and volunteerism - goals that the Government promotes.
Mr Lee said many young people are very altruistic.
They could act on these altruistic impulses even more if they had the time.
And wouldn't work-life balance probably have far greater impact than any financial incentives could have on couples wanting to have more children?
I believe Singaporeans can have our lunch and eat it too. And perhaps have a family to eat it with.
Tan Soon Meng
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