Singapore could improve on its social inclusivity measures: report
An inclusive workspace with persons with disabilities could mean a larger talent pool, along with unique insights and problem-solving skills
SOME 64 per cent of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Singapore aged 15 to 64 were outside the labour force in 2022 to 2023, according to a report by the Ministry of Manpower. (*see amendment note) In the same time period, about 3.6 per cent were without a job and actively looking for one.
Cushman & Wakefield’s latest Inclusive Cities Barometer 2024 report noted that Singapore could improve on its social inclusivity measures to move towards the best-in-class city Sydney, Australia, on this front.
Wee Wei Ling, executive director of sustainability and partnerships, lifestyle and asset at Pan Pacific Hotels, said that creating inclusive workspaces and integrating people with disabilities into the workforce and community is an ongoing process.
CEO of Abilities Beyond Limitations and Expectations (Able) Erwin Chan concurred and added that even as more employers in Singapore strive towards inclusive employment, finding job placements for PWDs still comes with challenges.
Able is a social service agency which works with persons with physical disabilities, and provides career coaching and job placements for its clients looking for sustainable employment.
Chan said: “From our experience, inclusive employment still has quite a way to go as changes in corporate cultures to fully embrace PWDs are still a work in progress.”
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“The stigma of being disabled also continues to be an issue,” he added. Employers unfamiliar with PWDs have raised concerns with Able about productivity issues and low quality of work.
Chan added that employers have yet to adapt the workplace and roles that enable PWDs to contribute to the organisation’s goals and outcomes.
What more can be done?
When asked about the benefits of creating an inclusive workspace, CEO of Cushman & Wakefield, Singapore, Natalie Craig told The Business Times that a PWD-inclusive workspace could mean a larger talent pool, along with “unique perspectives, insights and problem-solving skills”.
The company therefore aims to have PWDs make up no less than 1 per cent of its workforce. To do so, it will have job redesign programmes and disability awareness talks.
It attained the Enabling Mark (Silver) accreditation in 2023, an award by SG Enable that recognises organisations for their best practices and outcomes in disability-inclusive employment.
SG Enable CEO Ku Geok Boon previously told BT that promoting an inclusive business could mean having disability-inclusive hiring practices, as well as involving the larger business environment.
For instance, companies can engage inclusive employers as vendors in their supply chains and processes. A more diversified supplier portfolio could benefit the business’ operational challenges, as well as promote inclusivity.
SG Enable is the focal agency for disability and inclusion in Singapore.
Ku added that Singapore employers can commit some purchasing power towards social procurement. This could mean helping to develop a viable market for quality products created by PWDs.
Pan Pacific Hotels, for example, supports artists with disabilities by commissioning their artwork and displaying them in gallery spaces. The artwork is also sold at its hotels. The hospitality group was awarded the Enabling Mark (Gold) accreditation.
Tasks at the group are tailored to match the needs, capabilities and interests of employees with disabilities in a practice known as job carving.
The company also offers flexible work, allowing employees with disabilities to report at staggered working hours to accommodate their personal needs. Certified job coaches are also on hand to facilitate job redesigning and easing employees with disabilities into their roles.
Employees with disabilities are paid based on market rates and receive the same benefits as other employees, and are eligible for performance bonuses and salary increments.
Executive director Wee of Pan Pacific Hotels said: “We recognise the importance not just of being inclusive but of also creating a supportive and harmonious environment for people with disabilities and our staff.”
Hence, the pioneer in inclusive hiring within Singapore’s hospitality sector partnered SG Enable and special education schools to provide on-site training across its hotels for PWDs to garner work experience.
Chan added that efforts to embrace PWDs must be part of the wider community as society embraces other areas of diversity as well.
*Amendment note: The article has been amended to reflect the report’s source of origin
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