Forum: Humanise workplaces by valuing people for who they are and the strengths they bring
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Everyone brings a unique mix of strengths and quirks to the table, yet we often rely on stereotypes to define people. Stereotypes may hold a grain of truth, but they rarely tell the full story.
The same bias affects the workplace, where individuals are often reduced to broad labels – age, mental health conditions, physical limitations – overlooking their unique capabilities. Each person brings a blend of strengths and challenges that shape their contributions.
The truth is, ability is neither binary nor fixed. An older employee may no longer have the speed of youth, but their deep experience can steer teams away from costly mistakes and mentor younger colleagues effectively. Someone with physical limitations might approach tasks differently, but their creativity, problem-solving skills and determination can spark innovations that benefit the entire organisation. These differences are not shortcomings, but strengths expressed in unique ways.
The Workplace Fairness Legislation (WFL) offers Singapore a timely opportunity to shift towards a more inclusive and human-centred workplace. However, fairness goes beyond compliance or focusing only on protected groups. It requires a genuine mindset shift – one where people are valued not for the labels they carry but for who they are and the strengths they bring. Achieving this also requires transparency, open conversations and culture change.
The Singapore Human Resources Institute (SHRI) is committed to supporting this shift. Beyond compliance, we aim to equip HR professionals and business leaders with the tools to prepare for the ground implementation of the WFL. Through targeted workshops, practical toolkits and advisory services, we will help businesses embed inclusive practices into their organisational DNA.
The WFL is not the end but the beginning of a journey towards humanising our workplaces. It prompts organisations to rethink how they hire, evaluate and support their teams, encouraging practical, early changes that can evolve over time.
In today’s competitive landscape, unlocking the full potential of our workforce is not just an ethical responsibility – it is a business imperative. Humanising the workplace by recognising individual’s abilities is key to long-term success and building a workforce that reflects Singapore’s core values of adaptability, inclusivity and progress.
Alvin Aloysius Goh
Executive Director
Singapore Human Resources Institute
