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The Chapman Consulting Group Surveys 235 of Singapore's HR Heads in Response to Shocking YouTube Abuse Clip

The Chapman Consulting Group, Asia’s leading executive search firm dedicated to the HR profession, today announced the results of its survey into workplace abuse. Responding to a shocking workplace abuse clip posted on YouTube, which featured secretly filmed footage of a manager repeatedly punching a team member in the face, The Chapman Consulting Group polled 250 Singapore based HR Leaders from multi-sector MNC’s to get a better understanding of the issues faced. Matthew Chapman, CEO of The Chapman Consulting Group, also appeared on Channel News Asia’s The Talking Point to discuss the subject of Workplace Abuse.

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The survey results show that whilst physical abuse is rare, Singapore based MNC’s are well placed to respond effectively. Key highlights of the HR Workplace Abuse Survey results were:

  • 10% of Singapore HR Leaders surveyed have personally handled instances of physical abuse in the workplace
  • 71% of Singapore HR Leaders surveyed have personally handled instances of non-physical abuse in the workplace
  • 86% of Singapore based MNC’s have an HR Framework in place that outlines intolerance of physical abuse in the workplace
  • 68% of Singapore HR Leaders surveyed would welcome additional legislation from the Singaporean Government relating to abuse in the workplace

Whilst only 10% of respondents have personally handled instances of physical abuse within their organisations, there is a far higher incidence of non-physical abuse occurring, with 71% of HR heads indicating that they have dealt with this issue at some stage of their career. However, the survey revealed that HR departments are responsive to this issue, with 86% of companies employing an HR Framework outlining their intolerance of abuse in the workplace. Furthermore, 51% of HR leaders polled had received specific training to deal with situations of workplace abuse.

Sadly, despite these policies being in place, there are still hurdles to overcome, especially in ensuring that recipients of abuse have the confidence to come forward. Although 81% of HR heads surveyed believe they adequately inform their employees of their rights, with shocking examples of abuse still being uncovered it appears that not all employees are taking heed of this. Whilst HR departments are actively working to ensure that abuse in the workplace is not tolerated, 68% of HR leaders polled felt that the Singapore Government could do more to assist in this area and would welcome additional legislation.

Matthew Chapman, CEO of The Chapman Consulting Group said “The good news is that instances of physical abuse like we saw in the YouTube clip are rare, according to our survey results. But verbal abuse or bullying is probably more common-place than we all realise and is something which, as HR Leaders, we need to ensure is monitored. Reiterating a zero tolerance policy towards verbal bullying from top level management down and from the HR team, still represents the best way of stamping it out”.

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