As parents, we all know the importance of providing a safe, fair, and nurturing environment for our kids. But what about you, as employees and job seekers? How fair is our treatment in the workplace? In 2023, the proportion of employees and job seekers facing work discrimination in Singapore fell again, according to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM)’s Fair Employment Practices report.
While this signals progress, there’s still plenty of room for improvement, especially when it comes to age-related discrimination.
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Steady Decline in Work Discrimination Since 2018
If you’ve been working or job hunting for a while, you’ve likely noticed how much workplace fairness standards have evolved. In 2018, nearly one in four employees faced work discrimination. Fast forward to 2023, and that figure has dropped to 6%. That’s a huge improvement, and it’s largely thanks to increased awareness among employers about fair treatment practices.
For job seekers, the numbers are also looking better. In 2023, 23.4% reported facing work discrimination during their job search, slightly lower than the 23.8% reported in 2022. This drop is modest, but it shows progress compared to 42.7% in 2018. Employers are learning that treating candidates fairly isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s good for business.
But there’s a catch: even though fewer people are experiencing discrimination, many aren’t speaking up when it happens.
Why Aren’t People Speaking Up?
Source: iStock
Now, let’s get real. You might be wondering why so many employees and job seekers are staying silent when they face work discrimination. After all, if discrimination is down, shouldn’t people feel more empowered to speak up? Well, the truth is, the majority of those who experience it still aren’t seeking help.
In 2023, only 29.3% of employees who faced work discrimination reported it, down from 35.3% in 2022. Many workers fear being marginalized or facing awkward work relationships. They worry that complaining could negatively impact their career progression. And honestly, as parents with families to support, who wants to take that risk?
But here’s where things are changing: MOM’s upcoming workplace fairness legislation aims to provide stronger protection for employees. Workers will be safeguarded against retaliation when reporting discriminatory practices, which should encourage more people to come forward.
Age Discrimination: Still a Major Issue
If you’re over 50 and job hunting, the struggle is real. Age discrimination remains the most common form of work discrimination in Singapore, and it affects both job seekers and employees.
Source: iStock
In 2023, 37.9% of job seekers over 50 years old reported facing age discrimination, compared to just 12.2% of those under 50. That’s a striking difference, and it’s not just happening to a few unlucky individuals. It’s a systemic issue.
The upcoming workplace fairness law will target age discrimination head-on, sending a strong message that employers must value experience and talent over age. But until that law is in place, older job seekers will likely continue to face barriers.
Work Discrimination Based on Nationality and Race
As parents, we want our kids to grow up in a world where diversity is celebrated, and fairness is the norm. But right now, discrimination based on nationality and race is still a reality for many in Singapore’s workforce.
In 2023, many job seekers felt they were unfairly treated because of their nationality or race. While work discrimination in these areas is on the decline, it’s still too prevalent to ignore. MOM’s new legislation will address this, requiring employers to ensure fair treatment regardless of race or nationality.
Companies with formal processes to manage discrimination are on the rise, with more than 63% of resident employees working in such firms last year. That’s a good sign that businesses are becoming more inclusive, but more work is needed to reach full equality.
What Can We Expect from the New Workplace Fairness Law?
So, what’s next for workplace fairness in Singapore? MOM’s new law on workplace fairness is set to be introduced in Parliament later this year, and it’s designed to tackle work discrimination head-on. Employers will no longer be able to discriminate based on protected characteristics like age, nationality, sex, marital status, pregnancy, race, or disability.
But that’s not all. Companies will be required to have proper grievance-handling processes in place, giving employees a clear path to report discrimination without fear of retaliation. And for parents like you, this means more job security, fair treatment, and peace of mind, whether we’re already employed or looking for new opportunities.
What Does This Mean for Parents in the Workforce?
As parents, we’re often juggling work, family, and everything in between. Facing work discrimination can add unnecessary stress to an already full plate. With these new workplace fairness laws on the horizon, the hope is that we’ll all benefit from better treatment, more job opportunities, and a more harmonious work environment.
But change takes time. While the numbers are improving, discrimination hasn’t disappeared. Age discrimination, in particular, is still too common. That’s why it’s important to stay informed about your rights and be ready to stand up for fairness in the workplace.
Time to Take Action
The fight against work discrimination isn’t over. As the numbers show, there’s been great progress, but there’s still a long road ahead. As Singaporean parents, we must continue advocating for fairness, not just for ourselves, but for our kids who will one day enter the workforce.
So, what can you do? If you or someone you know is facing discrimination, don’t hesitate to seek help. With new protections on the way, your voice matters more than ever. And as employers become more accountable, the future of work in Singapore is looking a whole lot fairer.
Are you ready to stand up for fairness in the workplace? The time for change is now. Let’s ensure that work discrimination is a thing of the past.
For you, for your families, and for generations to come.
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