TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Flexible working hours are becoming increasingly trendy in the job market amid Taiwan's labor shortage and the effects of the low birth rate. For some employees, it gives them a chance to increase their income and to be free from a traditional nine-to-five job schedule.
Experts point out that by providing flexible working hours, companies can fill the labor shortage and attract middle-aged people and second-time employed women. Young adults are also more keen on a more fluid schedule, leading them to liking their job more.
"Having flexible working hours is one of the ways for a company to increase its pull factors," Huang Kai-yuan, a human resource manager at a local job bank said. However, experts also express concerns about this change in the job market that may affect workers' employment stability and well-being.
Flexible working hours may impact employees' long-term benefits, such as retirement and old-age pension issues. This shows that while promoting flexible working hours, it is necessary to balance the needs of enterprises and the rights and interests of workers.
As it is inevitable for companies to adopt flexible working hours and expand recruitment, the government, businesses, and related professionals must find solutions to safeguard the well-being and rights of workers.