Job coaching programs in Singapore are transforming the lives of vulnerable individuals by helping them secure employment and achieve financial stability. In 2023, these programs empowered 409 job seekers from vulnerable groups, such as rough sleepers and those with mental health conditions. An impressive 81% of these individuals were able to find jobs, demonstrating the effectiveness of these initiatives.
Camila’s story (name changed for privacy), a 53-year-old who had been unemployed for ten years due to mental health conditions, is a testament to the power of inclusive hiring. With the assistance of job coaches from the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH), she was paired with a local packaging supplier that was open to hiring individuals from vulnerable groups. Despite initial challenges, Camila thrived with solid support from her understanding supervisors, who were briefed about her condition. Today, she is more confident, has improved her social skills, and earns a steady income.
Another example is Alan (not his real name), a 55-year-old who faced employment struggles due to health issues after a heart operation. After being unemployed for two years, he sought housing at the New Hope Community Services shelter in March 2022. Through the support of job coaches, Alan was connected with a local farming business called Urban Culture, which offered him a role as a delivery driver who could accommodate his medical needs. Alan has gained financial stability and feels valued and fairly treated in his job.
These successful outcomes result from a partnership formed in 2022 between the SBF Foundation, the Singapore Human Resources Institute, the National Trades Union Congress’ Employment and Employability Institute, and the Tote Board. The SBF Foundation, as the social impact arm of the Singapore Business Federation, supports social service agencies like New Hope CS in running job support and retention programs for vulnerable individuals.
Job coaches are the backbone of these programs, providing unwavering support to individuals throughout their employment journey. They offer training, upskilling, and help in identifying suitable job placements with empathetic employers.
However, there are still challenges in recruiting vulnerable job seekers due to a need for more understanding and stigma among employers. Some common perceptions that cause hesitation in hiring vulnerable individuals include concerns about absenteeism, low job commitment, and poor work attitude. SAMH and New Hope CS are addressing these stigmas by reaching out to employers in sectors like food and beverage and retail administration to discuss potential job opportunities and highlight the willingness of vulnerable individuals to work hard.
The SBF Foundation holds engagement sessions with human resources professionals, employers, and social service agencies to share best practices on progressive hiring and support the employability of vulnerable individuals. These sessions aim to create a collaborative environment for sharing experiences and finding solutions. Over the past three years, more than 220 new employers have been engaged, with around 160 hiring vulnerable individuals.
The goal is to encourage an increasing number of employers to be open to hiring from vulnerable groups. This would help alleviate workforce shortages in labor-intensive industries struggling with automation and, at the same time, dignify the lives of vulnerable individuals and boost their self-esteem and income.
The success of dedicated job coaching programs shows that with the proper support and understanding, vulnerable individuals can overcome barriers and find meaningful employment, leading to a better quality of life for themselves and their families.
