Tripartite Connect Empowers SMEs to Redefine Success through Safe, Healthy, Fair and Progressive Workplace Practices

7/24/2025 12:00:00 AMPress Releases

The inaugural Tripartite Connect was launched today, establishing a dedicated platform that brings together SME leaders to redefine success through safe, healthy, fair and progressive business practices.

2.        Jointly organised by the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) and the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council under the Tripartite Alliance Limited (TAL), Tripartite Connect strengthens collaboration among employers, unions, and the Government. It promotes practical, people-centric solutions that benefit both businesses and workers. Minister of State for Manpower, Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, officiated the event.

3.        In his welcome speech, Mr Bob Tan, TAL Chairman, said, “Singapore’s unique model of tripartism has consistently enabled us to achieve win-win-win outcomes – for workers, businesses, and Singapore. That’s why decisions on progressive workplace practices are best made through tripartite consensus, where the tripartite partners come together to balance interests and design optimal solutions. This spirit of collaboration is exactly what Tripartite Connect is about.”

New WSH Council–Singlife Partnership to Incentivise Workplace Health

4.        During the event, a new partnership between the WSH Council and insurer Singlife was announced, where companies that participate in the WSH Council’s Total WSH programme will enjoy discounted group insurance premiums and tailored offerings. Companies that prioritise employees’ health and well-being, for example through regular health screenings and coaching, can achieve both cost savings and improved workforce productivity. This partnership presents a compelling opportunity for businesses to turn their commitment to workplace health into tangible business benefits.

5.        Mr Christopher Koh, General Manager of the WSH Council, said, “Our partnership with insurer Singlife seeks to encourage more employers to recognise the commercial benefit of investing in employees’ health, which is not just good for employees themselves, but also supports businesses’ productivity.”

Strengthening SMEs Through Progressive Employment Practices

6.          Beyond workplace safety and health, the event emphasised the importance for SMEs to adopt fair and progressive employment practices. Practices such as flexible work arrangements and age-friendly initiatives supported by job redesign create workplaces where employees feel empowered and engaged, which in turn contributes to business growth and sustainability.

7.        With the Workplace Fairness Act (WFA) taking effect by 2027, speakers at the event also urged SMEs to review their employment practices for alignment with the new legislation. This would include putting in place grievance handling processes, which would allow grievances to be resolved within the firm, where possible. This encourages employers and employees to settle differences more amicably, while minimising disruptions and building trust.

8.          TAFEP has developed resources to help companies, including SMEs, to implement fair and progressive employment practices. TAFEP offers complimentary workshops and provides e-learning modules, guides and templates that employers and HR can use in their journey to prepare for the WFA and strengthen their workplace practices.

9.          Ms Faith Li, the General Manager of TAFEP, said, “Fair and progressive employment practices benefit both employees and businesses. TAFEP has ready resources to support employers, including SMEs, to prepare their organisations for the upcoming Workplace Fairness Act and to put in place progressive employment practices. By making fair and progressive employment practices the norm, every business, regardless of size, can thrive with people at its core.”

Empowering All to Co-Create a Safe, Healthy, Fair and Progressive Workplace

10.      Tripartite Connect underscores the collective commitment by the tripartite partners to make progressive practices a standard across all workplaces. By empowering SMEs to build safe, healthy, fair and progressive workplaces, Singapore strengthens its foundation for sustainable growth, where businesses thrive and workers are empowered.