Five emerging trends in employee wellbeing for 2025
Employee wellbeing is taking centre stage as companies realise that a happy, healthy workforce is key to maintaining productivity and retention. Across Southeast Asia, organisations are adopting innovative ways to support the physical, mental, and emotional health of their employees. This Chief of Staff Five identifies five emerging trends in employee wellbeing, showcasing companies that […]
The First Word: Cultivating a modern, connected workplace with technology
Our workplaces are no longer defined by walls or office hours. Flexibility – in location, time, and structure – has become essential in today’s dynamic work environment. Technology has long been an enabler of flexible work models, and the urgency has grown, especially with Singapore’s pending Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA) Requests that will […]
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 […]
Five key trends in employee retention strategies
In today’s competitive talent landscape, employee retention strategies are evolving rapidly. Retaining top talent requires more than just offering competitive salaries; it involves fostering an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and connected. With the rise of hybrid work models, increased focus on well-being, and demands for career growth, companies need to adapt their retention […]
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 […]
Featured List: Most intelligent and effective workplaces in Southeast Asia
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 […]
The First Word: Safeguarding your employees abroad
In today’s increasingly globalised economy, the movement of employees across international borders is more frequent, presenting numerous opportunities with heightened security risks. As employees travel through regions with diverse geopolitical climates and varying safety standards, multinational corporations face a critical challenge — ensuring the safety of their workforce in a world where threat levels are […]
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 […]
Case in Point: How Carlsberg Malaysia infuses DEI into company culture
In the depths of the pandemic, Carlsberg Malaysia recognised just how crucial it was to operate with a diverse workforce. Thus, Managing Director Stefano Clini aimed to revive the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategy and embody this at the top of all employees’ minds. In 2023, the company launched “Welcome YOU,” signifying a […]
