Decline in workplace attitudes reveals prejudice against people with disabilities in Singapore

In December 2024, the Disability Trends Report 2024 was released, highlighting significant advancements in employment, median income levels, caregiver support, and accessibility for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Singapore over the last decade. However, the report underscored a troubling decline in positive attitudes towards PWDs in workplaces, as indicated by the sobering headline in the MSF report. The methodology for measuring workforce attitudes raises concern, particularly since it primarily relies on input from PWDs and their caregivers without specifying the baseline results from 2019, leaving ambiguity regarding the challenge’s depth and complexity. While the report acknowledges the progress made, it calls for more thorough studies within employment settings to grasp the experiences of PWDs and their co-workers. Policymakers are expected to utilize this report's framework annually until 2030, but questions persist about its robustness in addressing the complex issues surrounding workplace attitudes towards PWDs. Business executives and academia are urged to engage actively in this ongoing narrative on workplace inclusivity and disability. Supporting evidence from a 2018 McKinsey & Company study indicates that younger generations seek employment in organizations that embrace diversity and maintain inclusive hiring practices. In response, many organizations are creating employee advocate groups that facilitate interactions between staff and PWDs. These inclusive engagement activities—ranging from talks to sports events—aim to foster a culture of togetherness, allowing staff to recognize that PWDs can equally meet and exceed job requirements. The commitment to employing individuals who can fulfill job requirements, regardless of physical ability, reflects a significant shift from merely corporate social responsibility initiatives to adopting a comprehensive hiring strategy that taps into a broader talent pool. Ultimately, the conversation around hiring practices is evolving. Employers are discovering that PWDs are often individuals with varying abilities, and their exceptional work ethics frequently align with the qualifications sought by businesses. This newfound understanding may lead to transformative changes in hiring practices, promoting inclusivity and challenging societal perceptions of disability in the workforce.