Five emerging benefits trends shaping Southeast Asian workplaces

The rapidly evolving economic landscape across Southeast Asia is significantly reshaping workplace benefits packages as organisations strive to attract and retain top talent in increasingly competitive markets. This evolution reflects broader societal shifts occurring throughout the region, including changing family structures, technological integration, and evolving employee expectations around work-life harmony. HR professionals across ASEAN countries […]
The First Word: Supporting men’s productivity and resilience at work

In today’s high-pressure work environment, men are often required to adapt and perform at their best while managing the challenges of a rapidly evolving world. The post-pandemic period has highlighted the growing importance of prioritising holistic health. In response to these needs, Nano Singapore has developed Health Hub (https://healthhub.nanosingaporeshop.com/), Singapore’s first AI-powered wellness platform. The […]
Five strategies for managing workplace stress

Workplace stress is a growing concern for organisations across Southeast Asia, impacting both employee wellbeing and business performance. With economic pressures and competitive markets shaping industries in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, HR professionals are under increasing pressure to implement effective stress management strategies. The unique cultural and workplace dynamics in Southeast Asia present both […]
The First Word: Silent epidemic of mental health in the workplace

Strengthening mental health has climbed to the forefront of business agendas, with an estimated 15% of the global workforce struggling with a disorder (WHO, 2024). This is spurring organisations to take proactive steps to support emotional wellbeing in the workplace – from flexible work arrangements to enhanced healthcare benefits. Yet, mental health challenges quietly persist: […]
The First Word: How to support mobile workforces with diabetes

Diabetes has become more than a personal health concern—it is both a workforce issue in the Southeast Asia (SEA) region and one of the fastest-growing public health challenges globally. With projections showing a nearly 70 per cent increase in diabetes cases by 2045, this chronic illness affects not only individuals but entire organisations. When employees […]
Sun Life Financial: Caring for the whole self

PT Sun Life Financial Indonesia has won the Best Health and Wellness Interventions award at the 2024 HR Stars Awards, showcasing its innovative approach to employee wellbeing through its CTRL+Shift+BOLDER programme. This comprehensive initiative addresses physical, mental, and financial wellness, aligning with the organisation’s mission to help employees live healthier, more fulfilling lives. The programme’s […]
HR Tech Update: Wearable tech that enhances staff health and safety

Employee health and safety is a top concern for businesses across Southeast Asia, particularly in industries with higher safety risks like manufacturing, logistics, and construction. Wearable technology has emerged as a key solution, allowing companies to monitor environmental conditions, track physical activity, and detect potential hazards in real-time. These devices, such as fitness trackers and […]
The First Word: Protecting HR mental wellness in a complex world

Human resources (HR) professionals often face the challenging task of balancing the needs of different internal stakeholders, which can be emotionally taxing, especially when dealing with difficult issues like handling conflicts, layoffs, or organisational changes. HR is also often the first line of support for employees during personal crises like health problems or bereavement. The […]
The First Word: How can workplaces outsmart the dengue surge

Dengue fever is an endemic in many tropical countries, including those in Southeast Asia. The region has seen a resurgence of the disease in recent years. Singapore reported over 5500 cases and seven fatalities within the first four months of 2024 alone. Indonesia saw nearly 18000 cases in January 2024, prompting alerts in regions like […]
Sector Report: HR challenges in the Hotels and Hospitality industry