HRSINGAPORE Community

Dear HR Community,

The recent announcement on proposed legislation on discrimination and a framework for fairness in the workplace has implications for HR professionals in Singapore.

Ensuring workplace fairness is crucial for creating a positive and productive work environment. Here are some suggested steps that companies here can take to engender workplace fairness:

1. Establish clear and transparent policies: Companies should have clear policies on fair hiring practices, promotion opportunities, compensation, and benefits. These policies should be communicated clearly to all employees, and any changes or updates should be communicated promptly.

2. Train managers and employees on diversity and inclusion: Companies should provide regular training on diversity and inclusion to managers and employees. This can help to raise awareness about bias, discrimination, and harassment, and empower employees to speak up and take action when they witness the unfair treatment.

3. Conduct regular performance evaluations: Performance evaluations should be conducted regularly and objectively, based on clear criteria and measurable goals. Feedback should be provided in a constructive and fair manner, and employees should have the opportunity to discuss their performance and career aspirations with their managers.

4. Encourage open communication and feedback: Companies should foster a culture of open communication and feedback, where employees feel comfortable sharing their opinions and concerns. This can help to identify and address issues of bias, discrimination, or harassment early on.

5. Provide support for work-life balance: Companies should provide support for work-life balance, such as flexible work arrangements, parental leave, and caregiving leave. This can help to reduce stress and burnout among employees and promote a fair and inclusive workplace culture.

6. Monitor and address complaints: Companies should have a clear process for employees to report incidents of bias, discrimination, or harassment, and take appropriate action to address complaints. This can help to ensure that all employees are treated fairly and with respect.

7. Emphasise accountability and transparency: Companies should hold themselves accountable for ensuring workplace fairness and transparency, and regularly communicate with employees about their progress and initiatives. This can help to build trust and confidence in the company's commitment to fairness and inclusion.

8. Provide opportunities for career development: Companies should provide opportunities for employees to develop their skills and advance their careers, regardless of their background or identity. This can help to reduce barriers to career advancement and promote a culture of meritocracy and equal opportunity.

9. Foster a culture of respect and civility: Companies should promote a culture of respect and civility, where all employees are treated with dignity and professionalism. This can help to reduce incidents of bias, discrimination, or harassment, and create a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

Promoting workplace fairness in Singapore companies requires a concerted effort to promote diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. By implementing clear policies, providing regular training, creating a culture of accountability and transparency, and fostering a culture of respect and civility, companies can build a fair and inclusive workplace that benefits all employees.

Do you think that efforts to promote workplace fairness should be the sole responsibility of the HR department?

Please indicate your views using the form below.

Thank you in advance for your views and comments.

Do you think that efforts to promote workplace fairness should be the sole responsibility of the HR department?

Yes: 8.70%

No: 82.61%

Not Sure: 8.70%

It has to be a combined effort with the top leadership taking the lead. - Naresh

It should be top-down and with HR as the focus point. - EL

All stakeholders from the CEO to the section managers have equal responsibilities to promote and build fairness in the workplace. HR may lead and craft policies to ensure and encourage fairness in the workplace but ultimately managers are directly responsible for recruiting and managing employees fairly within the legal framework. - Ann

Everybody plays a part to promote workplace fairness! - Canny

It starts with the top management. It is difficult for HR to drive a culture of diversity, and inclusion, and promote equal opportunity in the company if top management has preferences. Nevertheless, HR should strive to continually influence top management to change their mindset. - Lucy

The workplace is for everyone and hence if only HR is pushing. The policy will not work. Managers will need to take lead to show good examples for their team especially during performance reviews while HR will reinforce by having some initiatives for employees to be able to engage in activities with a diverse pool of colleagues to understand each other's culture. - Jasslyn