These are the local firms adopting flexible time-off policies

a woman on a staycation

More so recently, you must have heard of overseas firms adopting flexible work weeks and unlimited annual leave. It seems like the trend is moving over to Singapore, with some firms implementing these time-off policies.

Want to know the names? Stay on this page.

#1: Mambu

Mambu is a Berlin-based startup with offices across the globe, including Singapore.

The fintech firm has a summer four-day workweek policy in place for all of its offices worldwide. Specifically, from June to August, its employees in Singapore get to enjoy an additional day off a week.

To senior application consultant Heemank Verma who works in Mambu’s Singapore office, this is something exciting. He mentioned that employees are always looking forward to the three months early on at the start of the year.

“Our company does not (condone) micromanagement, people take ownership of their work. I feel like that is a fundamental basis of the four-day work week,” he added.

To that, Mambu’s APAC managing director Myles Bertrand noted that the company focuses on productivity, output and results instead of the quantity of time spent working. With policies like that in place, people are likely to be more motivated when reporting for work.

#2: Deloitte

Deloitte is a professional services firm that has jumped on Netflix’s famous “no vacation policy”.

Instead of keeping track of the number of leave days an employee has, individuals have the freedom to decide for themselves. To be exact, different leave types like compassionate leave, marriage leave, and public holidays in-lieu are combined into a flexi-leave arrangement.

According to Melvin Wong, senior account manager at Deloitte Singapore, he meets with his supervisors to plan the calendar of events at the start of each financial year. This, in turn, allows him to plan his annual leave around major client activities.

In addition to the flexi-leave arrangement, Deloitte has also introduced a flexi-work scheme as part of its work-life integration programme. Employees will have the privilege to choose to work from home or alter office hours if they have to attend to other personal commitments.

#3: Facebook

Last on our list, we have a familiar name – Facebook.

Apart from the 20 days of annual leave employees have, Facebook also awards two Choice Days. Choice Days are times where individuals can take days off to volunteer, celebrate a special event, or simply do something they enjoy.

In the past year, the multinational conglomerate also came up with special leave days to support its workers amid the ongoing pandemic. This year, its Singapore office will give its employees three additional company-wide days off, all in the name of rest and recharge.

Final thoughts
a man looking at his laptop

Image Credits: vulcanpost.com

Jealous? Don’t be. Ms Deanna Lim, a representative from recruitment agency Robert Walters Singapore, said that more companies are expected to welcome such flexible leave policies.

“This allows them to stay competitive within their industry. Increasingly, we also see more firms adopting different initiatives and revising their existing employee benefits so they can support the formation of family units,” she added.

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Staycation Ideas That Won’t Break The Bank

By definition, staycation is a holiday taken at home or near your own home. Taking a much needed rest after countless hours of work is truly rewarding. However, the thought of spending on your short vacation may pull you back. Fret not! Budget or time constraint will not stop you from traveling within the wonders of our country.

STAYCATION FOR THE FAMILY

There are two local hotels that offer family packages perfect for a staycation. These hotels are Park Hotel and Village Hotel. The former entices you with two rooms for the price of one! What’s more? Park Hotel Clarke Quay has an exclusive family package that enables children under the age of 12 to stay there for FREE! This package includes breakfast, complimentary kid’s meals, in-house amenities, internet access, and weekend room upgrades. Book a room at parkhotelgroup.com to spend more time with the ones you love.

Now, the latter emphasizes on the nostalgic aura exuded by the Village Hotel Katong. For a little over S$250, you may enjoy a memory-inducing accommodation for two adults and two children. Take your children to the olden days by playing a free Singaporean family game set or by immersing yourselves in authentic Peranakan high teas. This ultimate staycation embodies the #throwback that Millennials overuse today. Booking period for this package is until December 30, 2019!

STAYCATION WITH FRIENDS

There are two ways to go about it – you can either camp out or slumber in. For camping out, you may consider forming a tent at East Coast Park. Skate or cycle your heart away, before indulging in a barbecue feast or picnic by the view. Having no bicycle is not a problem as you can rent from there.

For squads who prefer staying in, you may consider staying at Hotel G or Hotel Mi. Hotel G’s wide selection of 308 rooms are categorized from Good to Greater. Oh! I forgot to mention the affordable rates that start from S$128. The place is a surefire steal considering that it is nestled between Bugis and Dhoby!

I am sure that you are wondering about Hotel G‘s aesthetics. The rooms are decked out in an artistic or rather vintage-style manner. Its gym sways to the industrial design with its grey brick walls and monochromatic portraits. Burning calories through the punching bags, treadmills, and cycling machines is tiring. So, relax at the bar called Ginett. It serves up French wines that cost about S$6 at least.

Lastly, you may score a room for about a hundred-dollar a night at Hotel Mi. It stretches your buck as you can enjoy the in-house amenities such as the pool and the gym. The rooms are airy with a delightful modern look. However, the real steal is its superb location. It is merely a minute away from the Downtown Line. Spoil your options at it is surrounded by a slew of cafes, marts, and stores!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1 & 2

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How To Fuel Up Your Money After Vacation

With a burnout heart, my friends and I decided to go on a week-long vacation to Bangkok. We have been working so hard for the past months that our bodies craved for a break. There is nothing wrong with giving yourself a reward from time to time. We all need and deserve it.

However, you may hit a financial iceberg when you go overboard. This happens to many Singaporeans who are on a vacation. They think that they can throw caution out of the window and spend like there is no tomorrow!

During our trip, we maximized each day by going to several tourist attractions from day to night. We spent more money than our perceived expenses. After our week-long sabbatical, I decided to fuel up my funds.

STEP # 1 – EXAMINE THE DAMAGE

As with everything, the first step is awareness. Find how much your vacation has cost you. Accept the fact that you cannot undo the expenses you have drained while you were on a vacation. You cannot bring back the time you bought a new sarong to comply with the temple’s dress code! While you cannot take back the S$200 you spent in a posh bar, you must still know how much you spent during your trip.

Ask yourself the following questions:

a. How much did I spend on a daily basis?
b. How much is my credit card bill?
c. Can I afford to pay in full?
d. When will my next paycheck arrive?
e. Will I need to take some money from my emergency fund?

You may not realize how overwhelming your financial state is while you were on a vacation. So, now is the time to see the total damage. Knowing where you stand financially can help you to recover with ease.

STEP # 2 – TAKE NECESSARY ACTION

After identifying the financial holes, it is time to take action. Rewrite your budget in accordance to your current financial situation. Allot a portion of your funds to repayment of your credit card bills or lost savings. Make things easier by downloading budgeting apps such as Mint.

During the recovery period, you must do your best to tone down your spending. Eliminate or cut down optional expenses for the next few months. Dine out less and take fewer trips to the shopping malls. Minimize your spending by steering away from temptations! Do not worry about bending down as your financial diet will not last forever.

You may also earn money by taking up a part-time job. Get extra money without sacrificing your main source of income.

STEP # 3 – LEARN FROM MISTAKES

You have learned your lesson by facing its consequences. The next time you go on a vacation, you will know better. Use what you have learned to strategize your itinerary. Perhaps you can dwell on experiences rather than buying too many souvenirs for your family. In Bangkok alone, souvenirs start at S$5. Besides, these souvenirs may end up as clutter in someone else’s home. Do not get me started with the overpriced food in tourist spots!

Before going on a vacation, you can start writing down a budget that will include your expenses and a cushion (i.e., emergency funds). I remember when we were shocked by the S$215 boat ride in the Floating Market. I had to withdrew more money on that day. Providing a travel cushion can prevent this. Stick to the budget as much as you can!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

There are many ways to fuel up your overused wallet such as creating a new budget or eliminating optional expenses. Follow these tips to recover financially from your vacation splurge! Ensure that going overboard does not happen again.

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You Must Put These Items In Your Financial Bucket List

Tandem skydiving in Miami…check! Owning a car…check! Climbing Mount Kinabalu…check! Scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef…check!

These statements are just some of the items that you can put in your bucket list. Most of these do not come cheap! Hence, you must ignite your passion for getting your finances in order. Add items that will relate to achieving the bigger financial picture. Here are just some that I can suggest:

1. DIMINISH YOUR CREDIT CARD DEBT

Instead of wishing for a million dollars in your savings, it will be easier to pay off your credit card debt. Numerous personal finance experts advocate making a “list of debt” and starting with the highest interest rate. Afterwards, the person shall focus on the rest. This can be effective in the long run.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

However, using the “snowball strategy” can be effective too. This involves eliminating all the smallest items first before working your way to the highest items. After all, the most important thing is to pay more than the minimum.

2. HAVE A SUFFICIENT EMERGENCY FUND

How many times have you read an article that discusses about the mere purpose of having an emergency fund? Too many to mention, right? For individuals who are trying to turn their finances around, saving up a sufficient emergency fund is a milestone that is worthy of celebration.

Re-frame your thoughts and peek into the future! If you have plenty of wealth to tap, you can finance a trip to Australia or other items in your bucket list.

3. SAVE FOR A 7-DAY VACATION

Requesting for a significant time away from work can be difficult to sell to your employer. But, you can argue that taking a week-long vacation can rejuvenate your mind and body. Taking care of your wellbeing will make you more productive at work.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Remember that you will likely need to achieve many other goals on your financial bucket list before taking a sabbatical. These other goals include paying off debt and setting an emergency fund.

Sources: 1, 2,  & 3

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Stay At Asia’s Most Beautiful Beaches For Less Than S$81 A Night

Whether you are having the an indulging weekend off or having an intimate beach wedding, the surest way to ensure that you get the most stunning moments on print is to have it taken at the beach! Not only will you get gorgeous pictures of the event but also the photographer will follow you along the romantic sandy shore aisle.

If your only concern now is to get the most breathtaking beach resorts at affordable prices, stay as long as you desire at Asia’s Most Beautiful Beaches For Less Than S$81 A Night (airfare not included)

1. BORACAY, PHILIPPINES

Boracay at Dusk

Boracay at Dusk (Image credit: Chewy Chua, via Flickr)

Dubbed as the tropical paradise in Asia, Boracay has something for everyone, from luxurious spas to exhilarating water sports. Here in one of the most popular go-to island in the Philippines, you shall enjoy meals for less than S$10! Watch the sun set over the white sandy beach and sleep at its decent resorts costing as low as S$34 a night!

Here are the recommended places to stay at, courtesy of Agoda – a renowned online global hotel platform:

a. Boracay Holiday Resort

Rooms from S$66.70

Online Rating: 7.4/10

b. Levantin Boracay Resort

Rooms from S$33.88

Online Rating: 7.9/10

c. Hey Jude South Beach Resort

Rooms from S$56.55

Online Rating: 8.2/10

d. Shore Time Hotel

Rooms from S$77.71

Online Rating: 8.4/10

2. KOH PHANGAN, THAILAND

Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan (Image credit, soma-samui.com)

Thailand is a country full of amazing beaches. Nestled in its southeast region is Koh Phangan. Due to its monthly “full moon parties”, Koh Phangan is place mostly clamored by young travelers. Full moon parties are infamous for its night-long music, cheap drinks, and affordable food. Rest assured the crowd will go mad at this once in a blue moon experience!

Start the party at these recommended places:

a. Buri Beach Resort

Rooms from S$51.56

Online Rating: 7.4/10

b. Da Kanda Villa Beach Resor

Rooms from S$27.14

Online Rating: 7.4/10

c. Cookies Salad Hotel

Rooms from S$32.05

Online Rating: 8/10

d. Beyond The Blue Horizon Resort

Rooms from S$42.91

Online Rating: 9/10

3. BAC MY AN BEACH, DA NANG, VIETNAM

BAC MY AN BEACH

Da Nang Beach (Image Credit: http://danangbeaches.visitwonders.com)

One of the most impressive beaches in Da Nang city that tourists will enjoy is the Bac My An beach. It is a place filled with white sands, clear blue water, and quality resorts. Surprisingly, rooms at Da Nang are available for as low as S$13 a night! What’s more? The street vendors offer can satisfy your hunger for less than a dollar!

Rest after long demanding days at work in these recommended places:

a. Gold Coast Hotel

Rooms from S$73.74

Online Rating: 7.1/10

b. Fansipan Hotel Danang

Rooms from S$80.44

Online Rating: 7.8/10

c. Grand Mango Hotel Danang

Rooms from S$48.40

Online Rating: 8/10

Have an unforgettable trip! 🙂

Sources: 1 , 2, & 3

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