The First Word: Why human skills matter in a tech-driven world
Some of the most influential professionals I’ve met in recent years didn’t come from finance, consulting or luxury initially. They began their journeys in hospitality—welcoming guests, managing teams under pressure, and learning to listen beyond words. Today, they’re leading change in industries that, until recently, wouldn’t have imagined hiring them. What’s happening isn’t a coincidence. […]
Five employee experience trends reshaping Asian workplaces
The landscape of work in Southeast Asia is undergoing a transformative evolution, driven by rapid technological advancements, changing workforce demographics, and the lasting impacts of global workplace disruptions. HR professionals across the region are witnessing an unprecedented shift in how organisations approach employee experience, moving beyond traditional management models to more holistic, human-centric strategies. As […]
The First Word: Closing the AI talent gap for a future-ready workforce
As artificial intelligence (AI) makes ever-greater inroads into organisations’ operations, closing the AI skills gap has become crucial to embrace the opportunities that such technologies bring while managing its risks effectively. To acquire the right talent quickly, some companies choose to leverage AI-proficient data scientists from within the organisation. While this may be a short-term […]
Five remote work policies driving success in Southeast Asia
The landscape of work has undergone a dramatic transformation in Southeast Asia, with remote work emerging as a critical strategy for organisations navigating the post-pandemic business environment. As technology advances and workforce expectations evolve, companies across the region are reimagining traditional workplace models to attract and retain top talent. The shift towards remote and hybrid […]
The First Word: What middle managers really want – privacy
As organisations across Asia adapt to hybrid work and evolving collaboration norms, one group is often left out of the workplace design conversation: middle managers. Positioned between leadership and teams, they juggle competing demands, manage sensitive information, and operate under constant pressure to perform—yet their specific needs are frequently overlooked. While leadership often emphasises visibility […]
Five strategies for building trust in virtual teams
The rise of remote and hybrid work models has transformed the workplace landscape across Southeast Asia, presenting both unprecedented challenges and opportunities for organisations. As companies in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines increasingly adopt flexible work arrangements, building trust within virtual teams has become a critical priority for HR professionals. Navigating the […]
The First Word: How to land your dream job in this economy?
With the job market constantly evolving, it is increasingly more challenging for job seekers to secure a job. According to a recent survey we at Robert Walters Singapore conducted, about 88% of jobseekers feel that their job applications often go ignored. Half of the candidates who responded to the survey mention that they send out […]
Five ways organisations leverage HR data
The digital transformation of human resources has revolutionised how organisations approach workforce management in Southeast Asia. As businesses across the region increasingly recognise the strategic value of data-driven decision-making, HR professionals are becoming pivotal in translating complex information into actionable insights. The convergence of advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and sophisticated HR technologies has opened up […]
The First Word: Rethinking quiet quitting in a changing workforce
The phrase “quiet quitting” has gained traction in recent years, sparking debate among employers, workers, and workplace experts alike. Far from a new phenomenon, it reflects a growing sense of disconnection between employees and their workplaces — one that recent data suggests is affecting nearly 59% of today’s workforce. Instead of resigning formally, quiet quitters […]
Five principles of inclusive leadership in ASEAN organisations
The landscape of leadership in Southeast Asia is rapidly evolving, driven by increasing diversity, globalisation, and the complex multicultural environments that define the region. Inclusive leadership has emerged as a critical competency for organisations seeking to navigate the intricate social and professional dynamics of ASEAN countries. As businesses become more interconnected and workforces become increasingly […]
