Protection for Employees and Whistle-blowers during Workplace Bullying Investigations

Dr Wan Rizal asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether more needs to be done to protect employees and whistle-blowers during workplace bullying investigations within organisations; and (b) if so, what additional measures are being considered.

Dr Tan See Leng: The Tripartite Advisory on Managing Workplace Harassment encourages employers to implement practices to prevent and deal with harassment cases, including bullying, at the workplace while ensuring that whistle-blowers will not be penalised. Workers who experience retaliation can approach the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices for assistance. When the new Workplace Fairness Act comes into force in end-2027, employers will be required to put in place grievance handling processes for workplace harassment and discrimination and must protect the confidentiality of employees who report grievances to the extent possible. Employers will be prohibited from retaliating against employees and whistle-blowers with genuine grievances and financial penalties can be imposed on those who do so.