Workplace Fairness Act in Singapore: What SMEs Need to Know to Stay Compliant

📢 What is the Workplace Fairness Act in Singapore?

Singapore is introducing the Workplace Fairness Act (WFA)—a groundbreaking new law that mandates fair employment practices across all workplaces. The Act is designed to prevent workplace discrimination and promote inclusive hiring and management practices. The WFA will be administered by the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) and will make several previously advisory guidelines legally enforceable. For small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore, this means it's time to take workplace fairness seriously—or risk falling afoul of the law.

👩‍💼 Who is Affected?

All employers in Singapore, employing 25 employees or more, will be required to comply with the Workplace Fairness Act. However, SMEs may be the most vulnerable, as many lack formal HR policies, structured grievance procedures and the experience navigating these nuances.

The Act explicitly prohibits discrimination in employment decisions based on the following protected characteristics:

• Age

• Gender

• Race

• Religion

• Marital status

• Family responsibilities

• Nationality

• Disability

• Mental health conditions

Employment decisions from hiring and promotions to performance appraisals and dismissals, every stage must be free from discrimination and handled fairly.

⚠️ Why This Law Matters?

Until now, fair employment practices were strongly encouraged but not mandatory. With the Workplace Fairness Act, failure to comply can result in:

• Employees filling discrimination claims with TAFEP.

• Potential Penalties Under the Workplace Fairness Act depending on the nature and severity of the violation.

  
  

SMEs in Singapore must take action now to:

• Ensure managers and HR staff are aware of the workplace fairness act and what is covers

• Develop new or refine existing internal grievance handling process.

• Get up to speed in terms of implementing the grievance process across all types of potential employee grievances.

  
  

🛠️ How Solace HR can help?

At Solace HR, we specialise in helping small and medium enterprises in Singapore comply with the new Workplace Fairness Act through three targeted services:

1️⃣ Workplace Fairness Act Introduction & Training

We simplify the legal language and break down exactly what the WFA requires. Going beyond the act, our interactive training sessions help leaders and HR teams confidently manage grievances and prevent discrimination at work from start to resolution.

2️⃣ Fractional HR Support (Hourly)

Don’t have a full-time HR team? No problem. We offer on-demand HR consulting to handle employee grievances from start to finish—professionally, empathetically, and in compliance with the law.

✅ Start Preparing for the Workplace Fairness Act Today

Don’t wait until the law takes effect to start reviewing your policies. Taking proactive steps today will help your company stay compliant, reduce risk, and build a more respectful workplace.

👉 Contact Solace HR to book your Workplace Fairness Act training or fractional HR consultation.

📧 enquiry@solacehr.com  🌐 www.solacehr.com