Daily Lesson from Life 22 August 2008

"Baby perks vex SMEs

Bosses are worried that the Govt's plan to extend maternity leave will add to already rising business costs. -
Fri, Aug 22, 2008 The Straits Times

BOSSES of small businesses in Singapore are worried that the Government's plan to extend maternity leave to four months will add to already rising business costs.

Companies with leaner workforces say they may not be able to find the staff to cover the duties of women employees who take the full four months off, and could be forced to recruit and train temporary replacements who may not be up to mark.

'It'll be painful...Everything is about rising costs and we've got to bring in someone else to do the job,' "

Singapore population is dwindling. Or should I said: Pure Singaporeans' population is dwindling, and had been so for a while now. The government finally decided to take actions to address this worrying long term trend. If Singapore cannot reproduce itself, less people will be working and contributing to the funding of elderly care. Gross GDP growth will be impacted too as there are not enough working adults to pay for it!

So, in view of the graveness of the issue, the government has to take the lead and fund as much as possible the efforts to get the 'pure Singapore citizens' stork up!!

Lessons for me:

1. certain issues required bold and long term solution and determination. Government has to take some $ from the big big reserve and surplus to do this. It will be futile to ask the SMEs (Small & Medium Enterprise) to foot the bill as THEY themselves are fighting for survival in the tough business situation!;

2. Doing the Right Things Right is NOT easy. Every decision or recommendation has it's pros and cons. Good and bad. Pluses or minuses. For long term strategic decision, you have to take the risk after legitimately minimize or eliminate the risks;

3. Pregnancy takes a while to deliver. So, in theory, the SMEs onwers have time to plan and respond when some of their staffs' are pregnant and how do cover for them during the maternity period'! There can always, or almost always, possibilities for us to explore and find innovative solutions to this situation. So, chill and tell yourself: It can be doing with efforts and everyone prayer were heard!

Happy having babies and get the money out earlier!!