Tripartite Alliance Award 2023: More employers adopting fair and progressive employment practices

A record 31 organisations and three individuals were honoured today, 3 November 2023, for their commitment to fair and progressive employment practices at the Tripartite Alliance Award (TAA) 2023 ceremony held at the Fairmont Hotel.

The event, organised by the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP), saw Manpower Minister Tan See Leng gracing the occasion as the guest of honour.

The Tripartite Alliance Award, which is conferred by tripartite partners Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), and NTUC, celebrates organisations and individuals that have championed fair, responsible, and progressive employment practices in Singapore.

Dr Tan, also Second Minister for Trade and Industry, remarked, “Winning organisations can take pride in having exemplary employment practices that keep employees at the heart of business operations and progress.

“And I believe that as responsible and forward-thinking employers, they also gain a sustainable competitive edge as they are better able to attract and retain talent who can drive greater productivity and success for their businesses.”

Highest number of winners

This year’s award saw unprecedented applications, with 116 organisations vying for the honour and 31 emerging victorious.

Notably, over 20 per cent of the winners were small and medium enterprises (SMEs), underscoring the fact that organisations of all sizes can be progressive.

Tripartite Alliance Limited Chairman Stephen Lee said, “This increasing participation is very positive. It shows that more organisations are seeing the importance and value of having fair and inclusive workplaces and being exemplary employers.

“By keeping their employees at the heart of their progress, employers can better differentiate themselves in a tight labour market. It also enables their employees to contribute their best to the business.”

Among the innovative practices adopted by the winners were the introduction of a personalised career companion for employees, the use of technology to create a more inclusive workplace, and being pioneers in implementing telecommuting in Singapore.

Top awardees

DBS Bank, nominated by NTUC, was one of the standout winners, clinching the Pinnacle Award for their holistic people-centric strategies.

Their commitment to fair recruitment, employee growth, and mental health support, among other initiatives, set them apart as a leader in progressive employment practices.

Another Pinnacle Award recipient, Michelman Asia-Pacific Pte Ltd, was awarded the TAA for Age-Inclusive Practices and Fair and Progressive Employment Practices.

They have shown dedication to fostering an inclusive environment where employees spanning various age groups are valued for the diverse traits, talents, and experiences they bring to the table.

All awarded organisations have adopted the four Tripartite Standards, namely:

• Tripartite Standard on Employment of Term Contract Employees
• Tripartite Standard on Flexible Work Arrangements
• Tripartite Standard on Grievance Handling
• Tripartite Standard on Recruitment Practices

This ensures a comprehensive approach to fair employment practices.