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Speaking at the awards ceremony, Minister for Manpower Dr. Tan See Leng emphasised the importance of adopting progressive employment practices, noting the impact it would have on attracting and retaining talent.
A total of 31 organisations and three individuals have been awarded by Singapore's Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) for their fair and progressive employment practices, at the Tripartite Alliance Award 2023 presentation ceremony.
The awards ceremony, attended by Human Resources Online on Friday (3 November 2023), was graced by Guest-of-Honour Minister for Manpower Dr. Tan See Leng. Conferred by the tripartite partners, the Tripartite Alliance Award recognises exemplary organisations that have effectively implemented fair, responsible and progressive employment practices, and are amongst the best organisations to work for in Singapore. It also celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions in implementing progressive employment practices and sustaining inclusive workplaces.
It includes a holistic assessment of an organisation’s employment practices and the differing strengths through the following categories:
- Age inclusive practices
- Fair and progressive employment practices
- Work-life excellence
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Tan emphasised the importance of adopting progressive employment practices. "Firstly, Singapore is set to become a 'super-aged' society. By 2030, around one in four citizens will be aged 65 and above. Companies that do not have age-friendly practices and workplaces to attract and retain seniors in the workforce will miss out on a valuable reservoir of skills and experience."
He also shared more on how flexible work arrangements (FWAs) to support workers to better care for their loved ones, while fulfilling work responsibilities and achieving business outcomes will turn into a 'must have', and not just a 'nice to have'. Currently, seven in 10 employers in Singapore are already offering FWAs on a sustained and regular basis.
"Employers who do not embrace FWAs will find it increasingly difficult to attract and retain talent."
This year, the awards saw about 116 organisations participating. Among the 31 winning organisations, three individuals were also conferred awards under the leadership category. More than 20% (seven out of 31) of the winners were small and medium enterprises.
Some progressive workplace practices implemented by the winning organisations included:
- a personalised career companion for employees;
- use of technology and automation to reduce manual handling and redesigning work environment to create a more inclusive workplace for mature, senior and female employees, and
- being among the first to implement telecommuting before it became a mainstream norm in Singapore.
In addition, DBS Bank and Michelman Asia-Pacific were conferred the Pinnacle Award, in recognition of their holistic people-centric strategies and practices above and beyond the scope of the Tripartite Alliance Award.
Stephen Lee, Chairman, Tripartite Alliance, expressed: "It is heartening that more companies see the importance and value of having fair and inclusive workplaces and being exemplary employers to our employees, who are valuable assets and pillars of their organisations. Our winners overcame obstacles and emerged stronger from the pandemic, and their accomplishment is commendable.
"They showed great strength in their journey as exemplary employers and that they can be progressive regardless of size and circumstances."
Lead image / Provided
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