DiscoverHeadstart On RecordS2E26: How to tell if your employer's leave practices are progressive
S2E26: How to tell if your employer's leave practices are progressive

S2E26: How to tell if your employer's leave practices are progressive

Update: 2025-09-14
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Description

Find out how to discern the hallmarks of employers who do well.

Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times.

Host and ST correspondent Tay Hong Yi chats with Mr Richard Cooper, business leader for benefits for Mercer Marsh Benefits in Singapore. Mr Cooper advises organisations on how to design healthcare benefits, insurance, flexi-benefits and related processes.

The ability to take leave from work for medical and personal reasons is a cornerstone of modern work.

However, it might not always be clear what a good benefits policy looks like, and when an employer is actually stingy or overbearing with what they require staff to do.

Do you have such experiences?

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:00 How job requirements shape benefits policies

4:51 What are best practices employers adopt?

9:58 What does overreach look like?

13:42 Are employees obliged to plan their leave periods around work?

16:47 Should we expect enough employers to keep reserve capacity?

23:22 Why can Nordic countries afford extensive leave?

Read Tay Hong Yi's articles: https://str.sg/w6cz

Follow Tay Hong Yi on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/AAxy

Host: Tay Hong Yi (hytay@sph.com.sg)

Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow

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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties.

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S2E26: How to tell if your employer's leave practices are progressive

S2E26: How to tell if your employer's leave practices are progressive

The Straits Times