Preparing for the Workplace Fairness Act: Insights and Action for HR
6 Aug 2025, 9.30am-11.30am (2 hour virtual)
Course Overview
Singapore is set to introduce its first dedicated legislative framework to address workplace discrimination through the Workplace Fairness Act (WFA). Once enacted, the WFA will, for the first time, give employees in Singapore a statutory right to bring discrimination complaints directly against their employers – a significant shift in the employment landscape.
Although the WFA is expected to take effect only in 2026/27, employers should not wait. The WFA signals a broader trend of increased scrutiny on workplace practices and a likely rise in internal complaints and external claims. Now is the time for HR leaders to get ahead – by reviewing existing policies, strengthening dispute-handling processes, and preparing their teams to respond effectively and lawfully.
In this 2-hour interactive masterclass, we will:
- Examine what the WFA tells us about Singapore’s future approach to workplace fairness and legal redress.
- Share practical strategies for managing workplace disputes today – under current frameworks such as the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management and the Employment Claims Tribunal – and how these may evolve under the WFA.
David Smail
Partner, Head of Employment, Singapore
David Smail heads the firm’s Singapore Employment practice. He works with multinational employers to solve complex HR and employee relations issues, as well as managing their overall employment legal risk. His practice spans the entire employment life cycle from hiring to firing (and beyond).
Having practised in Asia for more than a decade, David has a strong understanding of the regional issues around the Asia Pacific region with a focus on South and Southeast Asia. He helps clients achieve outcomes that are not only compliant with local laws but also take into account local nuances and cultural norms.
Michelle Chua
Associate, Singapore
Michelle is an employment lawyer with extensive experience in both contentious and non-contentious employment issues. She regularly advises multinational employers on cross-border employment arrangements, termination of senior executive and C-suite employees, implementing company policies and managing disciplinary issues.
Agenda
Welcome and Introduction
- Session goals and context
Part 1: Understanding the Workplace Fairness Act (WFA)
- Overview of the WFA and current developments
- Key concepts: protected characteristics, prohibited conduct, and enforcement
- What the WFA means for recruitment, grievance handling, and termination
- What organisations can do now to prepare – aligning policies and culture
- Discussion: Early compliance priorities and practical questions
Part 2: Handling Employment Disputes – Lessons from Today, Preparation for Tomorrow
- Current legal pathways: TADM, ECT, and civil courts – what HR needs to know
- Managing grievances and disputes: documentation, investigations, and risk mitigation
- Legal considerations in dismissals: just cause, procedural fairness, and recent case law
- How the WFA may influence dispute resolution processes going forward
Q&A and Key Takeaways
- Recap of key insights and practical steps
- Resources and ongoing support
Register today
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*9% GST applies to Singapore based companies and individuals.
**Group discounts applicable.
***The mode of delivery for this virtual class is Zoom.
- All bookings are final.
- Should you be unable to attend, a substitute delegate is welcome at no extra charge.
- HRO Masterclass Series cannot provide any refunds for cancellations.
- HRO Masterclass Series reserves the rights to alter the programme without notice, including the substitution, amendment or cancellation of trainers and/or topics.
- HRO Masterclass Series is not responsible for any loss or damage as a result of a substitution, alteration, postponement or cancellation of the event.