By Wong Wei Han, TODAY, 3 May 2014
While foreign companies operating in Singapore are free to decide on their human resource policies, they must respect cultural norms here and should not publicly advocate causes that could sow discord among Singaporeans, said Social and Family Development Minister Chan Chun Sing.
While he did not name any company in his strongly-worded post on his Facebook page — only saying that Singaporeans had asked for his views on the recruitment practice of a multinational company here — My Paper reported on Wednesday that investment bank Goldman Sachs is planning a recruitment and networking dinner for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students.
Noting that Singapore is a largely conservative society and that the Republic’s norms will be decided by Singaporeans, Mr Chan wrote: “Foreign companies here should respect local culture and context. They are entitled to decide and articulate their human resource policies, but they should not venture into public advocacy for causes that sow discord amongst Singaporeans.”
He added: “While different groups may express their different points of view, everyone should respect the sensitivities of others and not create division.”
Mr Chan also stressed that employment in Singapore is based on merit and ability, adding that discrimination, “be it positive or negative; whether based on race, language, religion or sexual orientation, is not aligned with our social ethos and has no place in our society”.
The firm’s event listing webpage states that the recruitment and networking dinner is scheduled for the middle of this month at its office here, for participants to find out more about the company and “discuss issues and concerns regarding being ‘out’ in the workplace”.
A source at the bank told TODAY the event would be a small-scale dinner and stressed that it was no different from other recruitment events where those interested can learn about the opportunities in a particular industry.
The webpage also states that Goldman Sachs will sponsor the coming Pink Dot event next month. Pink Dot is a non-profit LGBT advocacy movement.
Goldman Sachs is among several international financial institutions known to be active in advocating workplace diversity, with employee support groups developed globally for LGBTs, disabled individuals and war veterans, among others.
Credit Suisse and JP Morgan, for example, also organise LGBT networks for employees. But this stance has no bearing on recruitment strategies, the latter told TODAY, adding: “JP Morgan supports diversity in workplace, including LGBTs, but not exclusively.”
Wanted by Goldman Sachs: LGBT employees
By Samantha Boh, My Paper, 30 Apr 2014
By Samantha Boh, My Paper, 30 Apr 2014
IN WHAT could be a first here, renowned investment bank Goldman Sachs has made a specific recruitment call to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students.
Next month, it will hold an LGBT recruitment and networking dinner at its Singapore office, where attendees would be able to "discuss issues and concerns regarding being 'out' in the workplace with participants".
An event listing on the company's website also made reference to its support of the Pink Dot event that is to take place in June.
Goldman Sachs has been firm on being inclusive, regardless of gender, race or sexual orientation, boasting a list of employee networks such as The Disability Interest Forum, The Goldman Sachs Women's Network and LGBT Network.
Human resource experts told My Paper that given the labour crunch, companies should be mindful about closing doors on any specific group of people.
Erman Tan, president of the Singapore Human Resources Institute, said: "It is good for employer branding as it shows that they are open and unconventional in their approach.
"It can appear very attractive, especially to the younger generation."
Such a move would also send a strong signal to the rest of the LGBT community that it is an organisation that does not discriminate against any type of talent, said Linda Teo, country manager of Manpower Staffing Services (Singapore).
"As companies strive to be globalised and be competitive in their own industry, it is imperative to have a good diversity of talent for their workplace, regardless of gender, sexuality or race," she said.
Companies here are becoming more accepting of LGBT employees, but multinational companies clearly take the lead in this.
Many Asian or local firms remain conservative, said experts.
Ms Teo said it might just be a case of being "unsure of what to expect or how to manage their interactions with co-workers", which can be resolved with open communication or adjustments in work processes, when necessary.
But there are those who choose to just not shine the spotlight on the issue.
Ronald Lee, managing director of PrimeStaff Management Services, said companies evaluate any application based on an individual's competencies. "They don't ask personal questions like one's sexual orientation," he said.
Mr Tan said: "Some companies have the policy not to talk about it but once you declare it to them, they become unfavourable towards you."
Jean Chong, co-founder of lesbian group Sayoni, said: "Singapore is very backward in this aspect, so it is good that major financial institutions are taking the lead.
"But the world is changing and, sooner or later, this will no longer be a big deal."
No comments:
Post a Comment