Singapore launches pilot for flexible executive hiring to boost productivity

The Fractional Directory, a New Zealand-based search technology firm, is set to deliver a fractional staffing pilot programme funded by the Singapore Government. The initiative aims to assess how flexible executive hiring can improve business productivity and leadership access for companies in Singapore.

Programmeme details

The pilot is backed by the Ministry of Manpower and a range of Singapore Government agencies. It will pair local companies with experienced executives on a fractional basis-meaning leaders serve multiple firms on flexible, short-term engagements rather than taking up traditional, full-time roles.

This marks the first time a national government has formally supported the concept of fractional leadership. The project will run throughout 2026 and gather data on time-to-hire reductions, cost savings, and the impact of fractional hiring on company productivity. Early targets include reducing time to hire by over 80% for start-ups and SMEs, as well as cutting hiring costs by 40-60% compared to standard executive appointments.

Government focus

Singapore's engagement with the fractional model comes in response to a growing number of senior professionals aged 40-65 and rising demand for high-impact, flexible leadership. The programme will also inform policy around workforce development in Singapore and potentially across the Asia-Pacific region, as policymakers and private sector leaders evaluate alternative approaches to leadership hiring.

Regional context

While New Zealand's business sector has yet to adopt fractional executive models at scale, the international trial comes at a time when the country is seeking solutions to sluggish productivity growth. The latest OECD Economic Outlook highlighted New Zealand's weak labour productivity, stating, "Insufficient supply of high-skilled labour... and low productivity growth will temper (New Zealand's economic) recovery."

The Fractional Directory has mapped more than two thousand senior leaders across New Zealand, Singapore, and Australia, with a goal to help businesses access leadership quickly and flexibly.

Leadership perspective

"Singapore is testing a practical way to bring critical leadership skills into businesses faster and for only as long as it's needed," said Michelle Allbon, Co-founder and CEO, The Fractional Directory.

The pilot is also intended to give real-world evidence of the business impact produced by fractional executives. Organisations participating in the programme will be able to connect directly with pre-vetted senior talent through The Fractional Directory's platform, which organises leaders by specific skills and expertise.

Productivity impact

The Fractional Directory plans to publish results from the Singapore trial in 2026. These findings are expected to guide business leaders and policymakers across the region in considering new approaches to leadership, talent management, and flexible work structures.

"If a business's goal is to increase productivity, having the right people in the right jobs for the right amount of time is critical. By focusing on capability first, our directory gives organisations immediate access to leaders with the skills they need. The pilot will generate real-world evidence of how that flexibility translates into stronger, and more productive, Singaporean business outcomes. There's broad scope for New Zealand businesses to enable similar growth," said Allbon.