An Employer's Role:Building Optimal Workplaces

There should be a culture of safety and health in all workplaces to reinforce the message that poor safety management could lead to costly losses. Those who create workplace safety and health risks will be held accountable. All employees and stakeholders are encouraged to take responsibility for workplace safety and health, and proactively plan to minimise risks.

 Find out more about safe and healthy workplaces.

To enhance labour-management relations, there should be channels and opportunities for meaningful communication between management and employees/unions. At the national level, the tripartite partners (Government, Employer Associations and Unions) will continue the consultative process in the formulation of key industrial relations policies to balance the interests of employers and employees, and work towards maintaining the climate of industrial harmony.

Find out more about harmonious industrial relations.

Employers must be fair, objective and equitable to all workers. Good employment practices will not only ensure the welfare of the workers, but also inspire optimal performance. The basic employment interests of employees should be safeguarded, such as the timely and accurate payment of wages, as well as the provision of leave and retrenchment benefits. Employers should also provide ample training and career advancement opportunities, and reward employees through performance-based wage policies, and effective performance management systems. Work-life friendly practices could also be implemented to allow employees to balance work and family commitments.

Find out more about good employment practices.

Singapore has in place a defined work pass framework to facilitate the employment of foreign manpower in Singapore. The framework is strictly enforced to ensure that foreign nationals seeking employment come through regular channels, and are properly managed. Employers are required to take good care of their foreign workers' welfare and interests, including ensuring proper accommodation, adequate rest, and timely payment of salary.

Find out more about the responsibilities of employers of Foreign Workers.

Find out more about the guidelines for employers of Foreign Domestic Workers.

Employers need to build up a workforce that is skilled and adaptive to keep pace with an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing business environment. This can be achieved by helping the employees to sharpen their competencies, upgrade current skills and acquire new skills. Employers are encouraged to take up the programmes and incentives provided by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and step up training and job redesign efforts.

Find out more about WDA's training programmes and incentives.