Five alternatives to traditional performance ratings
Traditional performance ratings have long been embedded in organisational systems, yet many HR leaders across Southeast Asia are questioning their effectiveness. Annual or biannual rating cycles often create anxiety, encourage short-term behaviour, and fail to capture the complexity of modern roles. In fast-moving sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and financial services, static ratings struggle to […]
Five ways CNY traditions influence workplace engagement in Asia
Lunar New Year is one of the most significant cultural periods across Southeast Asia, shaping not only social life but also workplace dynamics. In markets such as Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and parts of Indonesia, the season carries deep meaning around renewal, respect, and shared prosperity. These values continue to influence how employees relate to their […]
Five strategies for employee wellbeing programmes
Employee wellbeing has emerged as a critical focus area for organisations across Southeast Asia, particularly as workforces navigate post-pandemic realities. The region’s distinctive blend of cultural values, rapid development, and varying healthcare systems creates unique challenges for HR professionals implementing comprehensive wellbeing initiatives. Mental health awareness is growing, though stigma remains a significant barrier in […]
The First Word: Elevating efficiency through modern agreement management
Across the Asia Pacific, agreement management is undergoing a shift that’s reshaping how organisations operate, compete and scale. As business conditions grow more complex, driven by shifting regulations, rising compliance demands and digital acceleration, managing agreements efficiently has become critical. In fact, 77% of leaders in high-performing organisations credit agreement management with driving success in […]
The First Word: Reshaping employee benefits to attract and retain top talent
Workplaces in Asia have undergone significant transformations in recent years. Rapid technological advancements, economic shifts, and changing demographics have reshaped the way people work and what they expect from their employers. At the same time, they have also influenced talent management strategies. According to Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development’s (CIPD) Asia Employee Benefits Report […]
Five elements of effective succession planning
Succession planning remains critically important for organisational stability across Southeast Asia, where market growth and demographic shifts are creating unprecedented leadership challenges. As regional businesses expand internationally, the need for structured approaches to talent development has never been more pronounced. The cultural context of leadership transitions varies significantly throughout ASEAN countries, requiring succession frameworks that […]
Five ways organisations build mental health support systems
Mental health in the workplace has become an increasingly critical concern for organisations across Southeast Asia. The region’s dynamic and rapidly evolving business landscape presents unique challenges for employee well-being, with rising stress levels, economic pressures, and cultural stigmas surrounding mental health creating significant obstacles for workforce mental wellness. As companies recognise the intrinsic link […]
Five HR compliance changes affecting Southeast Asia
The regulatory landscape for human resources across Southeast Asia continues to evolve at a rapid pace, creating both challenges and opportunities for organisations operating in the region. As governments modernise their labour frameworks to address changing workplace dynamics, HR professionals must remain vigilant to ensure compliance across multiple jurisdictions. Recent legislative developments reflect the region’s […]
The First Word: Why belonging matters at work
Three in five respondents (62%) in Singapore would quit their jobs if they didn’t experience a sense of belonging at work, with Gen Z workers (67%) being the most likely to consider resigning. Randstad – the world’s largest talent agency – today released its 2025 Workmonitor research in Singapore. The study surveyed 750 talent locally […]
Five strategies for cross-border talent management
The dynamic landscape of Southeast Asian business demands innovative approaches to talent management that transcend national boundaries. As organisations in the region continue to expand and integrate across markets, the ability to effectively manage and mobilise talent becomes a critical competitive advantage. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) economic community has significantly reduced barriers […]
