Successful teams thrive on diversity, bringing together individuals from various backgrounds and strengths. In recent years, the Singapore Government has introduced schemes and initiatives to support inclusive hiring, raising employment rates for persons with disabilities. Between 2018 and 2023, the average resident employment rate for persons with disabilities aged 15 to 64 increased from 28.2% to 32.7%1.
Despite this progress, jobseekers with disabilities still face challenges securing employment due to issues such as misconceptions about productivity and profitability. However, with the right job accommodation and a supportive workplace, these individuals can contribute meaningfully and thrive in their roles.
Singapore Flyer, one of the world’s largest observation wheels, stands as a prime example of an inclusive employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. Through its partnership with the SPD Employment Support Programme (ESP), the company has successfully integrated employees with disabilities into its team.
Transforming Mindset with the Right Support
Singapore Flyer is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce, recognising the immense value it brings to the company. The decision to adopt inclusive hiring practices was driven by a desire to reflect society’s diversity and provide opportunities to individuals with disabilities.
Singapore Flyer is already equipped with accessibility features such as accessible lifts and toilets. However, to accommodate an employee with vision loss, the company, under the guidance of ESP, provided large-screen monitors to enhance the staff’s visibility and efficiency.
The ESP team provides end-to end support for inclusive hiring, with employment support specialists (ESS), social workers, occupational therapists and assistive technology specialists assisting employers in worksite and job role assessments, job matching, job support and orientation workshops.
Proper job matching is crucial to the success of any sustained employment. By aligning job responsibilities with employees’ strengths, businesses can maximise the staff’s full potential.
“We believe that every individual can excel in their role if given the right support and opportunity. We identified roles by analysing job responsibilities and considered how they could be adjusted to meet the needs of employees with disabilities” said Mr Ringo Leung, General Manager of Singapore Flyer.
“We wanted to ensure that the roles remained meaningful and provided opportunity for growth, while allowing for reasonable accommodations where necessary.”
Creating Buy-in and Acceptance
Having supportive co-workers and an inclusive organisational culture are often important factors in helping persons with disabilities sustain in their jobs.
“While we have worked with Singapore Flyer to introduce a few job accommodations such as providing large monitors for people with vision loss and erasable writing pads for those who have hearing difficulties, the key to successful inclusion is fostering a workplace culture where employees accept and support their colleagues with disabilities,” said SPD’s assistant director of employment and training, Ms Lee Hui Lin, highlighting the importance of employee buy-in.
ESP has helped to place Mdm Noorhayati binti Abu Bakar (below) at the Singapore Flyer last year. Surrounded by supportive colleagues in a workplace that values inclusivity, the 63-year-old has settled well into her role as a receptionist and customer service officer.
In 2017, Mdm Noorhayati underwent a corrective eye laser treatment to stop a minor blood leakage. However, the operation led to scarred tissues which resulted in 95% blindness in her right eye. Eventually, she decided to leave her administrative job that she was in for a few years as the prolonged eye strain became too much to manage. Subsequently, she contacted ESP which supported her job search.
“I am thankful for the support I have received from SPD and Singapore Flyer in securing this job. I appreciate that I am provided with a bigger monitor at my workplace, but even more grateful to have understanding and accepting colleagues,” said Mdm Noorhayati.
As for Singapore Flyer, the impact of inclusive hiring has fostered a more collaborative, empathetic, and innovative work culture. Her colleagues would assist her with reading fine print or buying food, as the lack of depth perception caused by blindness poses a risk when navigating uneven surfaces. Inclusive hiring has not only strengthened internal teamwork but has also enhanced Singapore Flyer’s commitment to being a forward-thinking and socially responsible employer.
“ I am heartened that our employees have positively embraced our move towards a more inclusive workplace . Many have expressed a deeper sense of teamwork and community. Through our diverse team, we also hope to show guests, that Singapore Flyer is a destination that welcomes all, where differences are embraced,” said Mr Leung.
Building a More Inclusive Future Together
Mr Leung encourages business leaders to approach inclusive hiring with an open mind and a commitment to making meaningful workplace adjustments.
Partnering a social service agency like SPD ensures a structured and supportive approach, setting employees up for success.
“Our partnership with SPD has played a vital role in advancing our inclusivity efforts, and we will continue to place diversity at the forefront. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with SPD to foster greater inclusion and create meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities,” said Mr Leung.
By prioritising inclusion as a core value, businesses can foster a culture where all employees feel respected, valued and empowered – paving the way for truly inclusive and diverse workplaces.
Schemes and initiatives for employers
The Singapore Government offers several schemes to support employers in adopting inclusive hiring practices for persons with disabilities, such as:
1. Recruitment, Job Placement and Job Support Services: Employers can get recruitment assistance through the Open Door Programme (ODP) Job Portal, and up to 12 months of job support.
For every person with disability placed by SG Enable’s appointed partners which SPD is one — up to 1 year of job support for the new employees will be provided.
2. Open Door Programme (ODP): A Government-funded initiative by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and Workforce Singapore (WSG), administered by SG Enable. ODP provides grants and employment support services to encourage employers to hire, train, and integrate persons with disabilities. Support includes:
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- Job Redesign Grant: Assists in modifying job scopes, purchasing equipment, and making workplace modifications to accommodate employees with disabilities.
- Training Grant: Offers course fee support for employers to train staff in inclusive practices.
- Recruitment and Job Support Services: Provides assistance in sourcing, placing, and supporting employees with disabilities.
3. Enabling Employment Credit (EEC): This scheme offers wage offsets to employers who hire persons with disabilities aged 13 and above, earning below $4,000 monthly. Employers receive additional wage offsets for hiring individuals who have been unemployed for at least six months, applicable for the first nine months of employment.
4. Inclusive Business Programme:This programme supports inclusive businesses by directly allocating them HDB shop spaces when at least 20% of their employees are persons with disabilities. In addition, inclusive businesses that are Small Medium Enterprises will enjoy a 30% rental discount for their first three years of tenancy, with the option of renewing for another three years.
5. In-House Job Coach Programme: Employers are encouraged to hire their own in-house job coaches or identify them within their organisation, so as to build their in-house capability to support the integration of employees with disabilities at the workplace.
These initiatives aim to foster a more inclusive workforce by providing financial support and resources to employers committed to integrating persons with disabilities into their teams.
Source:
- Ministry of Social and Family Development (2024) Singapore Strengthens Inclusivity for Persons with Disability