Mindset change needed to stem discrimination at work

There is discrimination at the workplace in Asia, not only in Singapore, whether based on age, race, language or gender (“Penalise firms guilty of age discrimination”; April 7).

The carrot-and-stick approach would not suffice by itself; firms would always find ways to overcome regulations and adopt practices that suit them the most. A mindset change is required in government and the private sector.

First, a government must acknowledge the discrimination and put in place measures that reduce such occurrences. This can be done via education and rewarding companies with non-discriminatory practices.

Firms should be required not to ask for one’s particulars (age, race, sex, spoken/written language and religion) in one’s job application. Job ads with these requirements, including nationality, should be banned.

Even the use of the word “preferred” should not be allowed if a government is serious about reducing discrimination at the workplace. Individuals should be hired on merit and not on other factors.

Certain jobs may require some physical and personal attributes, which may be the exception. By and large, though, human capital today is about an individual’s skill sets and attitude.

Imposing fines on companies or barring them from government contracts, though, may not be all that effective as some of these firms have deep pockets.

It is better to not patronise their products or services and to shame them in public, which place pressure on them to comply with best practices.

Second, a government should, via corporate tax incentives or training grants, reward companies that actively promote the hiring of experienced individuals.

It is about the university of life and not the university institute of higher learning. Life experiences can help one resolve complex issues and stay calm in stormy waters or times of uncertainty.

Third, governments in Asia may want to study the models used in the West where discrimination is less of an issue.

To conclude, a more holistic approach is required, as such problems are embedded in the system. It takes one or two generations to wipe them out.