MENU

MENU

Donate Now
Login

Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Advisory

home Women’s Care Centre
Print

NOTICE: The last day of WHDA service was May 31, 2024.

For women experiencing distress and/or violence in the workplace, you can reach out to AWARE’s Women’s Care Centre for information and support. Additionally, our Sexual Assault Care Centre serves individuals of all genders and is also available for support. For further guidance and assistance, you can contact the TAFEP Workplace Harassment Resource and Recourse Centre.

We launched our Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Advisory (WHDA) services five years ago at AWARE to support individuals facing workplace harassment and discrimination. Our goal was not only to support affected parties but also to understand the barriers they encountered in seeking justice and to advocate for stronger legal protections.

We are proud that our research and advocacy efforts, informed by our experiences with WHDA, have contributed to the introduction of the Workplace Fairness legislation and the Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Workplace Arrangement Requests. In light of these significant developments, AWARE has decided to discontinue the WHDA services. 

Our commitment to fostering progressive workplaces continues. We will keep monitoring the impact and efficacy of the new laws and policies.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our clients, donors, and all supporters who have contributed to WHDA’s success and impact.

Resources you might find useful

These posters illustrate examples of workplace discrimination and harassment (contact us if you would like any hard copies to put up!):

Client Feedback

 

“When I found myself facing pregnancy discrimination at my workplace, I went online and looked for help. All I could find were expensive lawyers and I didn’t feel they would understand my case. When I came across AWARE’s WHDA, it seemed too good to be true: a special place, almost tailor-made for my situation. I sent an email and an advisor immediately gave me a call. I felt so relieved to be able to explain my situation to her, and felt completely heard. For my appointment at AWARE, she prepared everything upfront and was knowledgeable about my rights in relation to my employment contract. She also assured me that she would be there for me along the way to fight for an outcome that would satisfy me. After that, she gave advice on how I should draft emails, and supported me via phone and email. It took two months for my dispute to be resolved with my employer. I was so relieved! I could not have done this without WHDA. Thank you for all your support.”

– a WHDA client

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand AllCollapse All

If your question is not covered in the above Frequently Asked Questions, you may email the WHDA service at whda@aware.org.sg.

  • 1 Can I use the Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Advisory service?

    This service is open to all individuals aged 18 and up, of all nationalities, including LGBTQ individuals. It’s open to non-union members.

    As with all of AWARE’s services, WHDA is primarily aimed at women. However, men experiencing gender-based discrimination and harassment (such as being denied the use of flexible work arrangements because caregiving is “not a man’s job”) can use the service as well. (Note that male clients might not be eligible for some aspects of the service, such as counselling; clients in need of such services will be referred to other resources.)

  • 2 How does WHDA work?

    Step 1: Call WHDA (6777 0318, Monday–Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.) or email whda@aware.org.sg, and briefly describe the workplace issue you are facing. 

    Step 2: Our Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Advisor will schedule a phone call with you. Depending on your case, we can also hold the session over Zoom or face-to-face.

    Step 3: Attend your session. The advisor will provide you with practical information and support on your options during your scheduled session.

  • 3 What support will be provided to me?

    This is a free service providing advice and support (both practical and emotional) to individuals. You will be offered a consultation of no more than one hour with a Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Advisor. The service will explain the various options available to you and give you appropriate information to navigate your situation. This may include:

    • General advice on coverage under the Employment Act, Employment Claims Act, Child Development Co-savings Act (CDCA) or Retirement and Re-employment Act, and if your case is relevant under the wrongful dismissal guidelines.
    • Where applicable, advice on your employment dispute and seeking the appropriate recourse.  
    • Advice for drafting and/or preparing the necessary documents before filing a report with the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP), filing a mediation request with Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) or registering your claims referral certificate with the Employment Claims Tribunal (ECT) for adjudication. WHDA can also make referrals to TAFEP or TADM.
    • Advice on which documents may assist your case.
    • Where applicable, we can also make appointments for you with our counselling team and volunteer lawyers from AWARE’s Women’s Care Centre and Sexual Assault Care Centre
    • If necessary, WHDA can offer befriending services (i.e. accompaniment to TAFEP, TADM and ECT, with the relevant authority’s approval.

    Please remember, however, that WHDA is not an emergency service. If you fear danger at any point, you can reach the police at 999. Also, it is your responsibility to prepare all the required documentation for reporting your case. AWARE will not approach your employer(s), and the service is not designed to be involved in any investigation.

  • 4 Is the WHDA service free to use?

    Yes. Where applicable, some associated services, such as AWARE’s counselling services, charge a low (means-tested) fee. Your advisor will clearly inform you of these fees upfront.

  • 5 What do I need to prepare and bring to the appointment?

    You are not required to bring anything to your session.

    However, you are free to send our advisor relevant documents before or after your session to seek their advice or illustrate the details of your case. Documents may include:

    • Employment contract
    • Resignation/termination letter
    • Any form of communication that proves harassment/discrimination, e.g. email conversations, text messages, etc.
  • 6 If I use the service, will other agencies and/or my employer(s) have information on my case?

    No. The Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Advisory service respects your decisions and your privacy. We will not release any information to other agencies without your permission. The service will not approach your employer(s), and it is not designed to be involved in any investigation.

  • 7 Can I use the WHDA service even though I am unclear about whether my situation qualifies as either harassment or discrimination?

    Yes, the Advisory is equipped to respond to any queries and uncertainties you may have.

  • 8 Do I have to have been already dismissed or demoted to use the service?

    No. You can approach us at any point—even before you have been dismissed or demoted, or seen a negative change in employment terms and conditions.

  • 9 I already know what action I want to take. How will WHDA help me?

    The advisor can explain and guide you through the requirements of each agency that you intend to approach and what to expect from them.

  • 10 I am experiencing sexual harassment at my workplace. Should I call WHDA or AWARE’s Sexual Assault Care Centre?

    WHDA and SACC work hand in hand on cases of workplace sexual harassment. You can call either helpline number.

  • 11 When can I set my WHDA appointments?

    The advisor is able to set appointments with clients from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. from Monday to Friday, except for public holidays. The last appointment slot is at 5.30 p.m.

  • 12 Where will the appointment be held?

    WHDA services can be provided over email, phone call, Zoom or face-to-face per your needs.

  • 13 Who can I contact with questions about scheduling my appointment, or other logistics?

    If you are not sure when your consultation is, or it has not yet been confirmed, please email the WHDA service at whda@aware.org.sg.

  • 14 After the first appointment, I feel that I am able to handle my issues independently. Can I stop using the WHDA service?

    Yes, you may stop using the service whenever you like. You can always reach out to us if you change your mind later.

  • 15 Will WHDA keep my personal information and case details confidential?

    At AWARE, we take confidentiality very seriously. Conversations/details you share with us will be kept confidential. However, in certain situations (such as harm to self or others, or in the case of a court request), we may have to let local authorities, including police or Child Protective Services, know some of your information. Be assured that we will do our best to work with you so that we do not have to break confidentiality. Before we decide to break confidentiality, we give very serious consideration to what the impact of this may be on you and any others involved.

    For our privacy policy, click here.

  • 16 What other resources are available to me for matters relating to workplace harassment or discrimination?

    Relevant Legislations and Tripartite Guidelines

    1. Protection from Harassment Act (POHA)
    2. Employment Act and Employment Claims Act
    3. Child Development Co-savings Act (CDCA) 
    4. Retirement and Re-employment Act
    5. Tripartite Advisory on Managing Workplace Harassment
    6. Tripartite Guidelines on Fair and Progressive Employment Practices

    Where to seek help

    1. Ministry of Manpower if you have enquiries on the above legislations and coverage
    2. Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices if you encounter discriminatory practices
    3. Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management if you have a salary dispute or have been wrongfully dismissed