The proportion of job seekers in Singapore who experienced discrimination during their job search fell for the second consecutive year to 23.8% in 2022, from 25.8% in 2021 and 42.7% in 2018, according to research from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). 

At the same time, the proportion of employees who experienced discrimination at work continued to decline to 8.2% in 2022, from 8.5% in 2021. This proportion was significantly lower than 24.1% in 2018. 

During job searches, age (16.6%), race (7.1%) and mental health (5.0%) discrimination were the more common forms of discrimination during job search in 2022.

Meanwhile, in 2022, mental health (4.7%) discrimination was the most common form of discrimination at work followed by age (3.7%), and race (2.6%). 

The Ministry noted that more employees who faced discrimination sought help. The proportion of employees who sought help upon facing discrimination at work nearly doubled to 35.3% in 2022 from 20.0% in 2021. More employees also reported that their firms had put in place formal procedures to manage workplace discrimination in 2022 (59.8%), up from 54.0% in 2021.

Overall, fewer Singapore residents in the labour force experienced discrimination at the workplace (2022: 8.2%; 2021: 8.5%) and during their job search (2022: 23.8%; 2021: 25.8%). The continued improvement follows efforts by MOM, TAFEP (Tripartite Alliance for Fair & Progressive Employment Practices) and tripartite partners to promote fair employment practices.

“This is a good development and could lead to further improvements in workplace fairness in the future,” the Ministry stated. “The further improvement in workplace discrimination from 2018 to 2022 follows the collective tripartite efforts to promote and sustain fair employment practices.”