A Call to Action for a More Inclusive and Supportive Workplace
The past two years have been nothing short of challenging, especially for those of us who tend to view the glass as half-empty. In 2021 alone, I witnessed at least ten friends leave their jobs, while many others graduated directly into the turmoil of a tumultuous job market. It’s no wonder that many are now grappling with unemployment.
The situation feels reminiscent of the ‘This is Fine’ meme: sitting in a burning house with no escape (or in this case, an unsatisfactory job market), it’s easy to feel defeated and question the purpose of trying to improve our workplaces. Perhaps our parents were right to remind us to be grateful for any job, even if we are merely scraping by.
Yet, amid this adversity, there are always outliers—those resilient individuals who bounce back and strive to make a positive impact. Inspired by companies like Candlenut, which have implemented progressive workplace changes, these youths are committed to creating improvements that could shape the future of work.
The Youths Who Care
While some may argue that the pandemic has revealed the worst aspects of our workplaces, Wendy Tan sees a silver lining.
At just 33, Wendy heads Youth Development at NTUC (Young NTUC) and was instrumental in developing the first Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) certified training program focused on mental well-being in the workplace. Additionally, she is an alumna of the National Youth Council’s SG Youth Action Plan (SG YAP) panel, which crafted Vision 2025—a five-year roadmap aimed at empowering youth to address issues they care about through grassroots initiatives and policy recommendations.
Wendy dedicates her time to mentoring youths, guiding them through their challenges to realize their ambitions. “If there’s a positive outcome from Covid-19,” she reflects with a hint of irony, “it’s that more companies are finally prioritizing digital transformation, mobility, and mental well-being.”
Her current mentees under YAC Season 3 chose to focus on job and mentoring themes. Observing the evolving work environment, they concluded that 2022 must bring more inclusivity and fairness—values at the heart of SG YAP—by providing equal employment opportunities and fair career progression.
Youths: A Force for Change
Initially, Wendy believed today’s youths were primarily self-centered. However, her engagement with them has shifted her perspective. “Many youths, including my Young NTUC leaders, challenge me to think about our actions and inactions,” she shares.
“During YAC sessions, I’m struck by how deeply they care for their country and their desire to create a better future. As a consultant under the Jobs and Mentoring theme, I see their projects focusing on making workplaces more inclusive and equitable.”
The optimism and creativity of these young individuals, combined with their fresh insights on topics like job security and sustainability, motivate Wendy to continue mentoring despite her busy schedule. Her experience on the SG YAP panel allowed her to connect with other young leaders who share her passion.
Wendy’s relationship with her mentees is symbiotic. Her work in the Labour Movement taught her that workplace issues often intersect, and solutions must consider the broader picture. In the search for solutions, YAC participants not only provide new ideas but often take on responsibilities themselves.
She fondly recalls a team from the first YAC season who aimed to bridge information gaps for youths regarding exciting job prospects in ASEAN. This group evolved into the ASEAN Business Youth Association (ABYA), now recognized as a leading organization nurturing future business leaders in the region. Just last year, with support from NYC’s Asia-Ready Exposure Programme, ABYA organized various industry sessions, helping 3,000 youths pursue their career aspirations.
Wendy observes that youths will step up for change if they feel a sense of purpose behind it. They need to be heard and supported, and through the YAC platform, Wendy and her fellow mentors strive to provide that encouragement to achieve their vision of a fair and inclusive workplace.
Less Talk, More Action
At NTUC, Wendy and her team regularly engage with young working adults. A prominent concern raised recently has been the lack of mental health support and resources in workplaces. The WSQ course aims to foster a culture that destigmatizes mental health issues, offering training in peer-to-peer support and psychological first aid. This course can be tailored to address specific issues within different sectors or companies.
Consider this training a vital step towards creating a supportive workplace culture where colleagues can share their concerns openly, providing immediate assistance to one another and seeking help from qualified professionals as needed. Ultimately, Young NTUC envisions a community of peer supporters within the workforce.
But what about supporting youths who aren’t yet in the workforce? Wendy highlighted Young NTUC’s career programs, which include mentorships, career symposiums, job matching, and workplace advisory services. Over the past two years, these initiatives have benefited more than 6,000 youths, many of whom received much-needed guidance.
Additionally, NYC has allocated $30 million from the National Youth Fund to empower youths to lead ground-up initiatives aligned with SG YAP themes like jobs, sustainability, mental well-being, and support for vulnerable groups.
While much work remains before SG YAP concludes in 2025, youths are already making strides in 2022.
The Future Belongs to Youths
Wendy firmly believes, though it may sound cliché, that “youths are truly the future.”
“They are highly adaptable and brimming with untapped potential,” she enthuses. Her hope is that they won’t hold themselves back.
Despite the challenges of the past two years, youths have continually demonstrated their capacity to effect change, both in their workplaces and beyond. While many waited for someone else to initiate progress, these young individuals took the initiative to shape their own futures.
“Your age is not a limitation. Young people are far more capable than they realize. With confidence, we can achieve not just the goals set for 2022, but also the overarching vision for 2025.”
