NTUC works with SMEs to build fairer and safer workplaces

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Key Survey Findings on Gender Discrimination in Workplaces

 

Through conversations and engagements with women organised by U WAF and the People’s Action Party Women’s Wing (PAP WW) over the years, the issue of workplace gender discrimination emerged as another key issue. In a survey jointly conducted by U WAF and the PAP WW to study the issue of gender discrimination in workplaces, 23% of respondents believe there is gender discrimination at the workplace. Out of the respondents, only 40% of women surveyed, as compared to 60% of men, are willing to report gender discrimination that they had witnessed or experienced, possibly suggesting that women are less likely to report gender discrimination. In addition, the fear of retaliation and lack of clear reporting procedures were main reasons that discouraged the reporting of workplace gender discrimination. Survey results also showed that only a third of respondents say that their companies have clearly communicated a policy against workplace gender discrimination.

 

The survey was conducted from 10 January 2022 to 10 February 2022 with more than 3,000 respondents comprising men and women. Key survey findings and the profile of survey respondents can be found at Annex A.

 

Implementing Robust HR Policies to Manage Workplace Gender Discrimination and Harassment

 

To build fairer and more progressive workplaces, four SMEs signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NTUC today, pledging to implement fair recruitment and employment practices, and maintain a work environment that is safe from harassment with proper grievance handling procedures. Representing NTUC for the signing of the MOU was Ms Yeo Wan Ling, NTUC Director of U SME and U WAF. 18 more SMEs will also sign the MOU on 5 March, bringing the total number of SMEs that sign the MOU to 22. These SMEs are existing partners with NTUC U SME.

 

The SMEs that have signed this MOU are deepening their commitment to cultivate safe workplaces by working with U WAF to implement a robust policy to manage gender discrimination and workplace harassment. This can include introducing proper grievance handling procedures that allow employees to report harassment cases without the fear of retaliation, and disciplinary actions for employees who have participated or encouraged acts of workplace harassment. 

 

U WAF will take a three-pronged approach to assist SMEs with the following:

 

i) Creating greater awareness about workplace harassment and gender discrimination by engaging SME employers via dialogues, talks and webinars;

ii) Providing advice and resources such as a sample Human Resources policy for SMEs to assist them in formulating clear policies and setting up of communication procedures and channels for reporting workplace grievances; and

iii) Providing training for SMEs’ HR and management personnel to equip them with the necessary skills to manage such workplace grievances.

 

Through this approach, U WAF aims to create and cultivate safer workplaces where all employees can thrive.

 

Ms Yeo Wan Ling, NTUC Director of U SME and U WAF said, “According to SingStat, Singapore has about 280,000 SMEs, and these SMEs account for 70% of employment , comprising a significant portion of the workforce. Our survey findings have underscored the pressing need for more SMEs to establish clear and accessible anti-gender discrimination policies to cultivate better workplaces where everyone can thrive. In relation to workplace harassment, we have also identified the need for SMEs to communicate their policies clearly and to establish processes to manage workplace harassment. In general, more needs to be done to raise awareness of avenues available to report workplace harassment and gender discrimination while protecting whistleblowers who report such incidents.”

 

Ms Yeo added, “As such, we would like to encourage more SMEs to tap on our resources and knowledge base for guidance to develop effective policies, and to join us in committing to make workplaces safe and fair for all. U WAF will continue championing fair, inclusive and progressive workplaces for all employees.”