Going for job interviews can be stressful, especially when you’re not aware of what your potential employer is legally allowed to ask you.
For women, some of these questions may concern childbearing plans. The Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) lists the guidelines for what is considered a “fair job interview”. Set up in 2006 by the Ministry of Manpower, National Trades Union Congress, and the Singapore National Employers Federation, TAFEP promotes the adoption of fair, responsible and progressive employment practices.
One of the questions employers should not ask is, “Are you planning to have children soon?” But this doesn’t mean that they won’t broach the topic. In fact, out of over 3,000 women who participated in Her World’s What Women Want Survey in 2020, 25 per cent of them were asked about their childbearing plans by a recruiter or potential employer. Of these women, 72 per cent mentioned their plans, while the other 28 per cent chose not to reveal them. And, among those who had childbearing plans, about one-third chose not to tell the recruiter or potential employer about it.
FIELDING THOSE QUESTIONS
What should you do if you find yourself in such a situation?
“According to the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices, it is discriminatory to ask an interviewee about their childbearing plans. Employees must be recruited purely on the basis of merit, and their family or caregiving responsibilities should not be factored into recruitment,” says Shailey Hingorani, head of Aware’s Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Advisory.
This story is from the April 2022 edition of Her World Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2022 edition of Her World Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
How Can I Imbue An Element Of Fun To My Watch Wardrobe?
Karishma Tulsidas answers.
Who Says Women Aren't Funny?
You might have chuckled at their satirical take on Singaporean idiosyncrasies, or perhaps even shared their tongue-in-cheek parodies on Tiktok. Meet Chiou Huey, Farah Lola and Nicole Liel - three Singapore comedians who are shaking up the local entertainment scene.
The Beauty Of Speaking Up
Why are we so afraid of sharing feedback at beauty establishments after an unsatisfactory experience? Instead of complaining on social media or leaving a bad Google review, one could consider a different and more constructive) approach.
Should You Travel With Your Work Bestie?
While not all trips result in ruined friendships, the potential fallout is even trickier to manage when your colleague's involved. Content strategist Cherry Tan learnt her lesson the hard way.
Invest, Don't Trade
Managing funds for Asia's wealthiest families changed Stephanie Leung's relationship with money. The chief investment officer for Stashaway tells us how she takes a personal approach to her investment strategy.
How Do I Show Someone I Care About Them At Work?
Jason Wee answers.
Hey Bosses,Get Ready For Gen Z
They're not lazy, entitled or difficult; their lives just don’t revolve around work how a new generation is reshaping the workplace and why employers should care.
Are You Feeling Anxious About Money?
You're not alone. With higher costs of living, increased GST and inflation, plus the real risk of being laid off, it’s no wonder that many individuals are worried about making ends meet. We speak to experts about how to recognise and manage the effects of financial anxiety.
"I SHARED MY BREAK-UP ON INSTAGRAM...AND MY EX TRIED TO SUE ME FOR IT"
How does one move on from a partner's infidelity? For Maya, domestic life could not have been more perfect, until the housewife discovered her husband's affair with their daughter's preschool teacher.
Not just a vessel
Behind social media's obsession with the Stanley water bottle.