Indranee Rajah on parents feeling guilty about taking childcare leave: Workplace norms & culture have to change

One of Singapore's latest measures to support marriage and parenthood is an increase in childcare leave, but this will need to be accompanied by changes in workplace norms and culture, said Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office.

At present, when an employee takes time off, colleagues may have to shoulder the additional workload, while employers may have to find someone to cover the absence.

As such, even with greater access to leave, parents may still feel reluctant to take time off.

In an interview with CNA938 on Sep. 2, Indranee, who chairs the government's Interagency Marriage and Parenthood Reset Workgroup, was asked about the suite of new marriage and parenthood measures unveiled by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the 2026 National Day Rally on Aug. 23.

Support measures for parents

Among the measures announced was increased childcare leave provisions.

Parents' childcare leave entitlements will now be tiered according to the number of children they have, rather than the age of their youngest child.

The other measures include a new SG Child Support Package, which will provide up to S$62,000 for each Singaporean child from birth to age 17, additional public housing ballot chances for each child aged 18 and below, as well as lowered fees at government-supported preschools.

Changing workplace norms and culture

Right now, workplaces are already operating under tight manpower conditions, said Indranee:

"The moment one person is out of play, somebody else has to step in, bear the load, or you have to scramble to find somebody to cover."

She noted that the government has already taken the first step by footing the cost of childcare leave, so employers do not have to bear the expense themselves.

This gives employers additional resources to compensate colleagues who cover for employees on leave, or to hire additional help where necessary.

The next step, however, is for workplaces to adapt their practices, she said.

At any given time, employees may need time off to not only care for their children, but also their ageing parents, and attend to other family-related needs.

Employers should therefore consider measures, such as job redesign, job sharing, and flexible work arrangements, and ensure these arrangements are implemented effectively.

Giving employers sufficient notice when possible would also help them plan for absences, Indranee said.

"So, if you're a parent who's going to take childcare leave, it's in instances where you can try to give as much notice as possible, because it helps the employer to plan," she said.

Have contingency arrangements

However, she acknowledged that advance notice may not always be possible.

In such cases, having contingency arrangements as part of normal human resource practices could help workplaces cope with unexpected absences.

Such arrangements would also benefit employees who are not parents but need to take time off unexpectedly for family-related reasons.

"This is the second part that we are working on," she said.

"To see how we can work with employers and tripartite partners to really change workplace norms and cultures such that it becomes more family-friendly, not just to parents of children, but anybody who needs to take time off for family-related reasons."

Indranee said the new childcare leave entitlement will not take effect immediately, explaining that the government is still working through operational issues and amendments to the legislation.

"We will announce the start date as soon as we can," she said.

More than just a financial incentive

Indranee also clarified that the government’s latest approach is not simply about providing financial incentives for people to marry or have children.

"It's about understanding that different people have taken into account different considerations," she said.

Through focus group conversations, Indranee said the workgroup found that Singaporeans weigh a wide range of factors when deciding whether to marry or have children.

These include cost, personal aspirations, and time.

"What we really want to do is to ensure that all Singaporeans who want to marry and have children feel assured and confident and able to do so, knowing that the government has their back, knowing that the government is willing to give support."

But government support is only one part of the equation, she added.

"This is an additional piece that we’re still working on — knowing that whole of society gives support as well."

Gaps that still have to be addressed

When asked what gaps remain, Indranee pointed to four areas the workgroup is still working through:

1. Relationship formation;
2. Fertility and maternal health;
3. Workplace norms and culture; and
4. Education

Ultimately, she said the workgroup hopes to see a Singapore where marriage and parenthood are viewed as "sources of joy and strength", and where those who aspire to them feel confident about taking that step.

It also wants marriage and parenthood to be valued and supported across society, with fewer practical barriers for families and better experiences for parents.

This includes creating more family-friendly public and shared spaces, strengthening community support and giving families greater assurance as their children grow.

And over time, Indranee said, the government hopes these efforts will contribute to an improvement in Singapore’s total fertility rate.