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In light of findings following the investigations, TAFEP will not be taking action against Ubisoft Singapore, and has closed the case.
Singapore's Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) has concluded its investigations into Ubisoft Singapore, following reports alleging workplace issues at the company in July 2021.
In a statement to Human Resources Online, TAFEP shared that given its findings, it will not be taking action against Ubisoft Singapore, and has since closed the case.
Per a statement by Ubisoft Singapore, TAFEP had found the company to have a structured system in place to handle any workplace misconduct reports, and that past reports were handled appropriately. Employees' salaries were also concluded to be performance-based.
The findings, shared in TAFEP's statement, are as follows:
Salary disparities
TAFEP noted that Ubisoft Singapore has a "structured process" for remuneration, adding that it "does not disadvantage Singaporeans based on nationality or race".
It cited the company commissioning an independent HR consultancy firm to review its salary structure, after which the findings were share with TAFEP for review, over and above TAFEP's own sample checks.
TAFEP shared: "The findings show that employees’ salaries were performance-based, and there were reasonable justifications where there was disparity, such as differences in experience or seniority."
Workplace harassment
TAFEP's investigation showed that Ubisoft Singapore handled the workplace harassment reports that it received "appropriately", noting that it has a structured system to this effect, which includes hiring independent third parties to conduct investigations, and providing a confidential reporting platform for employees.
Every report it received had been investigated, TAFEP noted, and appropriate actions were taken by against the perpetrators where reports were found to be true, including written or verbal warnings and demotion. Arrangements were also made to minimise future work interactions between both parties, where relevant.
"For example, Ubisoft Singapore had looked into reports of workplace harassment perpetrated by the company’s former managing director. Following Ubisoft’s investigations, the company demoted the perpetrator to a single contributor role, removed him from the Singapore office, and served him with a final written warning," TAFEP shared.
Concluding the statement, TAFEP reminded that all employers are expected treat any report of workplace harassment seriously. "Employers have an important role to create a safe workplace that is free from harassment, and should put in place proper grievance handling or harassment reporting procedures.
"Through its policies and actions, an employer can determine its organisation’s culture. Employees should also treat others respectfully at work."
Employers, it added, should also remunerate employees fairly, taking into consideration factors such as ability, performance, contribution, skills, knowledge, and experience.
For any employer who fails to provide a safe environment or is found to have discriminatory employment practices, TAFEP will work with the Ministry of Manpower to take enforcement action against the company, including a review of the firm’s work pass privileges.
A brief background on the case
On 23 July 2021, TAFEP received anonymous feedback on Ubisoft Singapore where the writer made reference to three online articles alleging that there were workplace issues at Ubisoft Singapore, namely, sexual harassment, racial/local-foreign salary disparities, and toxic culture.
Following the review, Darryl Long, Managing Director, Ubisoft Singapore, said: "We’ve put best practices in place at Ubisoft Singapore to ensure a safe, respectful, inclusive, and equitable workplace for every member of our team.
"We will continue striving to be an exemplary employer in Singapore and the region, one that attracts and retains the best talents and creates amazing games that enrich the lives of our players."
Image / 123RF
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