Does Singapore's workplace culture lead employees to intentionally choose silence to avoid being penalised?
The topic is at the centre of an online debate after Crystal Lim-Lange, the chief executive of leadership consultancy firm Forest Wolf, opined that workers are fully aware of the risks that come with speaking up.
Lim-Lange, who is also an author, was speaking at Vogue Singapore's inaugural Wellness Day on Saturday (June 6).
She later shared a clip of the dialogue session on her social media, where she said most employees "know" they will be penalised if they voice opinions.
Lim-Lange explained in her post caption that employees will watch the room to see what happens to the risk-takers who speak.
"Singaporeans don't speak up because they're damn smart," she said in the video, adding that "they know that their workplaces are not safe enough" to do so.
Hence, workshops about speaking up in the workplace would not work, she said.
She explained that corporate leadership has to put up a mirror to itself first by fixing aspects such as psychological safety, inclusion, learner safety, contributor safety and challenger safety.
@crystallimlange You can’t just tell people to speak up, because the truth is people are smart. They are always scanning the environment, watching to see what happens to those who take risks. Do those brave souls get rewarded or punished? #leadership #mindset #communication #singapore ♬ original sound - Crystal Lim-Lange ✨
Lim-Lange's TikTok video since has garnered more than 56,000 views and raked in over 2,300 likes.
Many agreed with her views on companies stifling feedback and non-conforming opinions.
"Thank you, I feel seen," wrote a netizen.
One user said the local workplace culture favours obedience above thoughtful dissent, adding that "it's better to be quiet, just agree along and not ask or speak up".
"They tell us to speak up, but the moment we do, somehow we become the problem. It’s exhausting," another user chimed in.
Another netizen said: "This is true, in my previous job, I spoke up and was banned from attending briefings."
Is the status quo here to stay?
One user mused: "Do you stay silent when there are things that need to be improved within a system?"
Another netizen offered a more conciliatory approach: "Adapting and adjusting is just a way to get things moving."
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helmy.saat@asiaone.com
