Beyond the Checkbox: Why WorkRight and PWM Matter for Singapore’s Frontline
WorkRight isn't just about following some rules set by our government agencies. It's about doing right by the people who show up every day at the restaurants, food courts that we frequent, the security personnel that watch over the places we live and work in and even the cleaners and gardeners who make our surroundings so much more beautiful to bask in.
We're proud to share this post from Yuen Keong Nyan, and the story behind it says a lot about why we do this work.
Getting WorkRight right matters most for our entry-level workers. These are the people most likely to be unaware of their full entitlements: rest days, payslips, CPF contributions, OT pay and least likely to speak up when something feels off. A compliant employer isn't just following the rules. They're giving their frontline teams a reason to stay, grow, and trust the organisation they work for.
This is exactly where the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) becomes essential.
The PWM has already made a real difference, uplifting over 150,000 workers across Singapore in sectors like retail, food services, cleaning, and security. It's not just a wage floor. It's a structured framework that ties wage increases to skills upgrading, so entry-level workers aren't just earning more, they're developing, advancing, and seeing a real future in their roles.
For employers, PWM compliance is more than a checkbox. It's a statement: this organisation invests in its people, not just its processes.
AtWith Kinna, we help businesses build the HR foundation that makes all of this real, not just on paper, but in how their people experience coming to work every day.
Great people deserve employers who get it right. We help you get there.
📩 Reach out if you'd like to know where your organisation stands.
Ministry of Manpower CPF Board
https://lnkd.in/gTVnZv_A
Frequently Asked
Common Questions
Why is WorkRight compliance important for entry-level workers?
Entry-level workers are often the least aware of their full entitlements, such as rest days, itemized payslips, and CPF contributions. WorkRight ensures these essential workers are protected, giving them a reason to stay, grow, and trust their organization.
How does the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) help workers in Singapore?
The PWM is a structured framework that ties wage increases to skills upgrading. It has uplifted over 150,000 workers in sectors like F&B, retail, and security, ensuring they don't just earn more, but also have a clear path for career advancement and future growth.
What are the benefits of PWM compliance for employers?
For employers, PWM compliance is a statement that the organization invests in its people. It helps move the business from a place of friction to a place of performance by attracting top talent and reducing turnover through fair, structured wage progression.
Which sectors are primarily covered by the Progressive Wage Model (PWM)?
The PWM currently makes a significant difference in essential sectors across Singapore, including Retail, Food Services, Cleaning, Security, and Landscape, helping workers in these roles see a real future through structured development.
How does With Kinna help businesses implement the PWM framework?
We help businesses build a solid HR foundation that makes compliance real for the employees. We ensure that the link between wage increases and skills upgrading is clearly documented and experienced by the staff daily, rather than just existing on paper.
What specific entitlements are covered under the WorkRight initiative?
WorkRight focuses on ensuring awareness and compliance regarding national standards for rest days, itemized payslips, CPF contributions, and overtime (OT) pay, particularly for workers who may not be comfortable speaking up for their rights.
Can PWM compliance help with staff retention in F&B and Retail?
Yes. By using the PWM as a framework for growth rather than just a wage floor, employers provide their teams with a visible career path. This "people-first" approach is a key driver in attracting and retaining "Kinnas"—the champions who drive your business forward.