A new initiative has been launched by NTUC to help its SMEs innovate the way they manage employee-wellbeing, while simultaneously helping workers with savings and benefits.
Called the NTUC In Your Workplace, the NTUC U SME programme was launched by NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng on 23 August 2021 at his visit to Lim Kee Food Manufacturing Pte Ltd (Lim Kee).
Lim Kee is the first SME partner to benefit from this initiative, with its 60 strong workforce enjoying up to $140,000 worth of savings and benefits annually. This will be done through NTUC Membership savings, personal training, and family care support.
Out of the 400 SME partners, 40 have so far been identified to be eligible for the initiative. U SME hopes that this initiative would also encourage more SMEs to come forward and partner NTUC.
NTUC U SME Director Yeo Wan Ling said that this initiative will serve as a big support for SMEs, helping to create happy and resilient SME workers.
She said: “As one of Singapore’s oldest manufacturers of local breakfast and snack delights, Lim Kee has worked with U SME to transform their staff welfare and business marketing needs to meet the demands of the market.
“With their positive feedback on this initiative, we look forward to helping more partner SMEs and their workers.”
Lim Kee’s Head of Business Development Ang Khim Wee said: ““With NTUC’s support in wellness and training through the initiative, we are able to concentrate on our business goals to emerge stronger from this pandemic. When our workers are adequately covered in welfare and training, they are able to contribute to work productively.”
To participate in this initiative, SMEs need to fulfill several requirements. These include having a signed memorandum of understanding with NTUC U SME, with at least 80 per cent of the workforce signed up as NTUC members and achieving at least 50 per cent of the conditions set out in what U SME calls “Better Workplace, Better Worker, Better Job” or 3B criteria.
Better Workplace
Examples of how companies can create a better environment for its workers include having lactation room for pregnant staff to use, the allocation of pantries or proper rest areas and the adoption of Tripartite Standards.
It can also include the provision of clean toilets, microwaves, complimentary drinks or coffee machine, employee engagement sessions, an employee feedback channel, Health Promotion Board programmes and an employee handbook.
Better Worker
To ensure better work prospects for workers, companies can draw out training plans, or have scholarships and sponsorships in place for workers.
Other ways could include the development of an employee recognition programme, mentorships or orientation programmes for staff and volunteering at the company committee.
Better Job
To have better jobs for workers, companies can adopt one of these five initiatives – including digital transformation, job redesign, job rotation, flexible work arrangements and an appraisal system.
Upon achieving the requirements, SME partners stand to 3B benefits in return to help enhance the lives of their workers.
For one, they will get a free fridge, filled with pantry snacks from NTUC FairPrice for a Better Workplace. Employees can also become a Better Worker through access to a free LHUBGO account with 75,000 online courses. And thirdly, employees with senior care concerns can do a Better Job with a free 2-day trial at NTUC Health Senior Care Centre, so that they can have a peace of mind at work, while their aged relatives are being cared for.
Mr Ng said: “As NTUC’s representative to support local SMEs and their workers, NTUC U SME has come a long way in its engagement of SMEs and introducing win-win initiatives that will give partner SMEs an added support to hiring and retaining workers; and help SME workers enjoy better work prospects.
“I am pleased to share that NTUC U SME has surpassed their 400 SME goal and is on track to reaching 500 by end of 2021.”
