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 […]
Building a sense of belonging in a high-pressure industry
In a high-pressure logistics environment, engagement is often treated as an extra effort, something added on top of demanding operations. For Achmad Ziki Rahmad Hidayat, that approach never made sense. As Head of Employee Engagement at DHL Supply Chain Indonesia, his perspective is grounded in the realities of the warehouse floor and frontline teams. As […]
Five workforce planning mistakes that cost companies growth
Workforce planning is often treated as a technical exercise, focused on headcount numbers and budget alignment. However, in Southeast Asia’s fast-changing labour markets, ineffective workforce planning can directly constrain business growth. Rapid expansion, skills shortages, and evolving employee expectations make planning errors both costly and difficult to reverse. Many organisations in the region continue to […]
Five “people risks” organisations often overlook
The start of the year often brings renewed energy, fresh plans, and ambitious targets for organisations across Southeast Asia. Budgets are approved, strategies are launched, and HR teams shift quickly into execution mode. Yet this period also carries hidden risks that are frequently underestimated or missed entirely. In many organisations, early-year optimism can mask underlying […]
The culture that drives Odfjell forward and defines workplace excellence
What makes a workplace truly great is not just strong systems or impressive results. At Odfjell Management Philippines, Inc., it starts and ends with people. From the moment employees step into the organisation, there is a clear sense of belonging, purpose, and shared pride. This strong foundation of trust and connection is what earned Odfjell […]
Five early-year workforce signals HR should monitor closely
The early months of the year offer HR teams a valuable window into how the workforce is likely to perform, engage, and evolve over the coming months. While formal reviews and surveys may be scheduled later in the year, subtle signals often emerge much earlier. These indicators can reveal underlying risks or opportunities that are […]
Five workforce priorities HR leaders must reset in 2026
Southeast Asian organisations enter 2026 facing a workforce landscape shaped by economic uncertainty, rapid digital adoption, and shifting employee expectations. While many HR teams have already navigated disruption over the past few years, familiar strategies no longer deliver the same results. What worked during recovery or stabilisation phases now requires recalibration. Across markets such as […]
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 […]
Building better work, one conversation at a time
If you spend even a few minutes speaking with Reno Rafly, you immediately understand why Paxel feels different. She talks about people with the same energy others reserve for strategy meetings or product launches. For her, the heart of Paxel’s growth is not just its logistics network but the experience of the people who make […]
Sid Bhasin: Scaling HR with purpose and precision
When you talk to Sid Bhasin, you immediately sense that his view of HR is very different from what most of us are used to. He sees HR as a powerful engine that can shape organizational agility, culture, and long-term capability. For him, HR is not a support unit. It is a strategic product and […]
