Five data points HR should track for gender progress
Data plays a critical role in advancing gender equality. Without measurement, progress remains anecdotal and difficult to sustain. Across Southeast Asia, regulatory expectations and investor scrutiny are increasing, placing greater emphasis on transparent reporting. HR professionals must move beyond high-level diversity percentages to track meaningful indicators that reveal structural gaps. In regional organisations operating across […]
Five leadership behaviours that support women through career transitions
Career transitions, whether returning from maternity leave, stepping into leadership roles, or moving across functions, represent critical inflection points for women in the workplace. Across Southeast Asia, these transitions often determine whether talent progresses or exits the organisation. While policies provide structural support, leadership behaviour plays an equally important role. In markets such as Malaysia, […]
The First Word: Solving the “platform squeeze” in the ride-hailing industry
Singapore has seen a strong economic rebound for drivers in ride-hailing, fueled by both a full-scale return to the office restoring daily commuter demand and nearly 16 million tourist arrivals this year. The strength of this demand is evident, with reports of Chinese tourists being undeterred by high costs, such as S$18 for a 10-minute […]
Five HR policies requiring updates in 2026
The rapidly evolving workplace landscape across Southeast Asia demands forward-thinking policy revisions to address emerging challenges. As regional organisations navigate complex regulatory environments spanning multiple jurisdictions, proactive policy development becomes increasingly critical to organisational resilience. Technological advancements, demographic shifts and changing employee expectations are reshaping employment relationships throughout ASEAN economies. HR departments must review and […]
The First Word: Are Singapore office workers grappling with focus?
Singapore stands as a beacon of digital excellence, ranking third globally in digital competitiveness. But beneath this impressive reality lies a paradox that business leaders must address: the very digital tools driving Singapore’s success are silently eroding workplace productivity. The numbers tell a compelling story. In 2024, more than 9 in 10 small and medium […]
Five creative approaches to Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has evolved from a compliance issue to a strategic priority. Companies in Southeast Asia are increasingly focusing on CSR not just as a way to give back but as an integral part of their corporate identity. This Chief of Staff Five looks at innovative CSR strategies adopted by organisations in the […]
Case in Point: How LAZADA remains Stronger Together in times of crisis
When Lazada recognised the severity of the covid-19 pandemic, the company introduced an initiative to better care for employees and frontliners and show gratitude for selflessly persevering in their work as e-commerce peaked during the crisis. LazadaCARES is effective across all Lazada locations. The initiative not only sponsors vaccinations for company employees, but also for […]
Case in Point: How Big C Supercenter nurtures employee volunteerism for community impact
When Big C Supercenter recognised the need to build public awareness among its employees, the company sought a way to harness its workers’ volunteer capacities, engaging them in creating a positive impact on communities while also enhancing their public image. “Big C CSR Ambassadors” encompassess impressive sustainability initiatives through employee participation in blood donations, disaster […]
Singapore requires hourly breaks for outdoor employees
From October 25, 2023, employers in Singapore are required to provide outdoor employees with hourly breaks of at least five minutes when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) reaches 32 degrees Celsius or higher. The new measure is aimed at reducing the risks of heat stress on outdoor workers, who are more exposed to heat […]
Social enterprise partnerships are an opportunity for greater DEI outcomes
Partnering with social enterprises geared towards diversity in employment can help organisations boost corporate excellence, social responsibility, and empowerment of underserved communities. This is one of several insights found in the latest Chief of Staff Asia research paper, on remote working. Navigating Remote and Hybrid Work Boundaries in Southeast Asia is now available for subscriber download […]
