Five sustainable people practices HR should prioritise
Sustainability in HR extends beyond environmental responsibility to encompass workforce resilience and long-term capability building. Across Southeast Asia, organisations are increasingly expected to balance commercial performance with responsible employment practices. Investors, regulators, and employees alike are scrutinising how organisations manage people sustainably. In markets such as Singapore and Malaysia, ESG reporting requirements are strengthening accountability. […]
Five signs employee burnout is becoming systemic
Employee burnout is no longer an isolated wellbeing concern but an organisational risk across Southeast Asia. Prolonged workload pressure, economic uncertainty, and rapid digital adoption have intensified expectations in many industries. In financial services hubs like Singapore and manufacturing centres in Vietnam and Thailand, sustained performance demands are testing workforce resilience. While individual burnout cases […]
The First Word: When layoffs hit, more than jobs are lost
In 2025 it appears there’s been no shortage of listicles and human interest pieces detailing the hundreds of thousands whose careers have been impacted by the rise of AI (which saw 4,0000 roles cut at DBS earlier this year) and slowing economic growth. Most recently, Agoda laid off 50 employees in Singapore, citing “enhancing operational […]
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 […]
The First Word: Safeguarding employees and business resilience in prolonged rainfall
This year, Singapore is enduring some of its wettest months on record, with frequent flash floods, transport delays, and safety concerns disrupting daily life and posing significant challenges for businesses. These conditions are driven by weather patterns similar to that of a La Niña phenomenon, which has brought prolonged heavy rainfall to the region. La […]
Five creative office design ideas for increased productivity
Workplace design is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about creating an environment that fosters productivity, engagement, and employee satisfaction. Across Southeast Asia, businesses are rethinking their office spaces to adapt to new working models and the needs of their teams. From creating open, collaborative spaces to investing in technology-driven design solutions, organisations are exploring […]
Scaling startups with innovation and strategy
In the ever-evolving landscape of HR, having a forward-thinking approach is crucial. Reno Rafly, the VP of People Experience at Paxel Indonesia, exemplifies this mindset through her strategic vision and commitment to fostering talent. With over 15 years of global HR experience, she merges cutting-edge research with practical application to drive organisational effectiveness. Navigating the […]
Featured List: Most intelligent and effective workplaces in Southeast Asia
The First Word: Designing workplace experience for a dynamic workforce
The iconic workplace culture of the early 2000s has crumbled in the face of a global pandemic, largely impacting the concept of the physical office space. The transformation from the traditional workplace to hybrid and remote working models is not just a fleeting trend; it’s a fundamental shift in how a new generation of employees […]
The Reading List: How can managers support employees during conflicts?
Here is some light reading material curated by Chief of Staff Asia to keep you updated over the weekend. How Can Managers Support Employees During The Israel-Hamas War? | Forbes Leaders must promote open dialogue without inciting conflict and acknowledge the humanity behind every pair of eyes in meetings. By demonstrating empathy and compassion, […]
