The First Word: Reimagining work-life balance with tech for new parents
Returning to work after childbirth is one of the most vulnerable periods in a parent’s personal and professional life. While Southeast Asia has made significant strides in parental leave policies and flexible work arrangements, many working parents still face a major gap: the lack of accessible, everyday support during early caregiving. As a mother of […]
Five methods of adapting performance reviews for hybrid work
The landscape of work has dramatically transformed in Southeast Asia, with hybrid work models becoming the new norm across industries. As organisations in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia navigate this complex terrain, traditional performance review approaches are proving inadequate. The region’s diverse workforce, characterised by dynamic technological adoption and evolving workplace cultures, demands innovative […]
The First Word: Can coaching be a game-changer for businesses in Asia?
Companies across Asia are facing an alarming leadership crisis, one that’s directly impacting their bottom line. With turnover rates climbing and employee disengagement on the rise, businesses that neglect leadership development are losing millions in hidden costs. Managers are key to aligning employees with the company’s goals, setting expectations, clearing obstacles, and helping teams navigate […]
Five employee recognition programmes driving engagement
In the rapidly evolving business landscape of Southeast Asia, employee recognition has transcended traditional reward mechanisms to become a strategic imperative for organisational success. The region’s dynamic workforce, characterised by its diversity, technological adaptability, and increasing global connectivity, demands sophisticated approaches to acknowledging and valuing employee contributions. Organisations are quickly realising that meaningful recognition is […]
The First Word: Training and growth as key job factors
Nearly a quarter of the workforce (24%) has quit their jobs due to the lack of development opportunities. Randstad Singapore has released further data from its 2025 Workmonitor survey, covering 750 locally-based employees and job seekers. The study found a significant gap between employees’ desire for training in technical skills, especially in artificial intelligence (AI), […]
Five approaches to developing local leadership talent
Leadership development represents a critical challenge for organisations navigating the complex and rapidly evolving business landscape of Southeast Asia. The region’s economic transformation demands innovative strategies that can effectively nurture and cultivate homegrown talent capable of driving organisational success in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. The unique cultural, economic, and social dynamics of Southeast Asia […]
The First Word: Strategic shift for HR, business leaders and managers
The 2024 Graduate Employment Survey in Singapore[1] revealed that 87.1% of graduates secured employment within six months of completing their final exams, a slight drop from 89.6% the year before. While the difference may seem minor, those of us working closely with young professionals recognise a deeper trend: many graduates are entering the workforce with […]
Five essential HR metrics for the digital age
The digital transformation sweeping Southeast Asia’s business landscape has fundamentally reshaped how organisations approach human resource management. As technology evolves at an unprecedented pace, HR professionals must adapt their measurement strategies to remain competitive and strategic. In an era of rapid technological advancement and complex workforce dynamics, traditional HR metrics are no longer sufficient. The […]
Five ways organisations build mental health support systems
Mental health in the workplace has become an increasingly critical concern for organisations across Southeast Asia. The region’s dynamic and rapidly evolving business landscape presents unique challenges for employee well-being, with rising stress levels, economic pressures, and cultural stigmas surrounding mental health creating significant obstacles for workforce mental wellness. As companies recognise the intrinsic link […]
The First Word: Balancing technical and human skills in the AI era
The rapid advancement of AI and automation is undeniably transforming industries worldwide. A World Economic Forum survey revealed that 41 percent of employers are planning to downsize their workforce because of AI automation. This shift is already visible, with more companies increasing their investments in AI and tech-driven processes. It extends beyond manual tasks to […]
