SINGAPORE:

A disturbing incident has unfolded at a local bank, where a Singaporean employee has taken to social media to share his harrowing experience with a foreign boss who is allegedly pressuring staff to donate a significant portion of their salary to an overseas charity.

In a compelling post on the 'Ask Singapore' subreddit, the worker, who has been with the bank for nearly three years, described the drastic change in workplace dynamics following the arrival of the new boss, who transferred from the Dubai branch. The employee expressed shock over the micromanagement tactics employed by the new leader, which reportedly caused considerable stress among the staff.

“From scrutinizing how we spend our breaks to mandating immediate email responses, the surveillance became overwhelming,” he lamented.

However, the situation took a turn for the worse when the foreign boss introduced mandatory donations aimed at supporting an overseas charity purportedly assisting displaced individuals in conflict zones. According to the employee, the boss, who is deeply involved in external political activities, mandated that every employee contribute 5-10% of their monthly salary every two to three months, claiming the funds would benefit organizations like the PRCF and the Red Crescent.

When human resources intervened, deeming the mandatory donations inappropriate, the boss retaliated with a series of alarming harassment tactics. Employees faced relentless pressure through gaslighting, exclusion from meetings, and persistent reminders via email and messaging platforms. Many felt compelled to comply just to restore a semblance of normalcy in their work lives.

The worker disclosed that his department is being singled out for these coerced contributions, and despite being on the list of expected donors, he has no intention of complying. He voiced significant concern over the charity's legitimacy, stating, “I would consider donating if it aligned with my beliefs and was managed by a reputable organization within Singapore. Right now, I will not give a single cent to them.”

When he probed the boss for verification on how the funds would be utilized, the boss responded that the company accountant would hold the money until the donations were collected, promising to provide evidence of the remittance afterward. The employee remains defiant, declaring his intent to resist until the end, even if it means risking termination.

“This practice is unethical,” he asserted.

The online community reacted strongly to the post, with many users urging the worker to report the boss for his dubious methods. Suggestions poured in on how to document the disturbing behavior, with one Redditor recommending collecting evidence and taking it to higher management, while others noted the need for legal action.

In light of this troubling scenario, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reiterated a warning last January against using Singapore as a platform for political fundraising. They encouraged vigilance regarding suspicious charity drives, advising individuals to contact relevant authorities if they encounter concerning incidents.

As Singaporean workers navigate these ethical dilemmas, many are left to ponder the limits of workplace expectations and the intersection of ethical conduct and professional obligations. This incident raises broader questions about the role of personal beliefs within corporate cultures and the responsibilities of leadership in fostering a respectful and ethical work environment.