The First Word: Moving forward with employee engagement

In our rapidly evolving marketplace, building a company culture that fosters highly engaged employees is not just nice to have, it’s a necessity. Engaged employees are the backbone of a successful business, reporting better well-being, superior retention rates, lower absenteeism, and higher productivity. Engaged teams consistently outperform others and are instrumental in meeting business goals […]
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: Embracing the future of work in Southeast Asia

In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face a myriad of challenges, including technological advancements and competitive market pressures. But most of all, SMEs often operate with limited resources when it comes to their most prized asset — human resources. This is exactly why there is a need to make […]
The First Word: Upskilling to thrive in a competitive market

Upskilling has steadily become a vital strategy for those looking to advance in their respective careers in today’s ever evolving job market. With technological advancements and shifting industry demands, staying competitive means continuously updating and expanding your skill set. Here’s why upskilling is crucial for your career growth and how to effectively incorporate it into […]
The First Word: Five tips for HR professionals in the AI era

The AI revolution is upon us, poised to change the way we live and work beyond our current comprehension. Its impact is rippling across sectors, compelling businesses to adapt swiftly. In fact, PERSOLKELLY’s 2024 APAC Workforce Insights Report, titled ‘Future workplace: Opportunities and Adversities in AI’, found that 80% of Asia Pacific (APAC) employers currently […]
Case in Point: How Forvis Mazars campaigns for auditing, accountancy sector among fresh talents

When Forvis Mazars noticed the talent crunch in the audit and accounting profession, the company swung into action to address misperceptions surrounding this sector and to advocate for the rewarding work, growth opportunities, and personal development that await candidates in this field. The Gen You campaign by Forvis Mazars is aimed at 18-to-25-year-olds who are […]
The First Word: Volatility drives tech workers to interim jobs

Within the technology employment scene, the sole constant appears to be change itself, with employment patterns shifting rapidly. My role as an executive recruiter specialising in interim roles has given me a front-row seat to this evolution. The move towards project-based or fixed-term work is not just a passing trend; it reflects significant transformations within […]
Case in Point: How Trust Bank uses competition to foster innovation, keep employees motivated

When Trust Bank recognised the need for continuous improvement and innovation for their customers, the company realised there had to be changes as well in the way their employees worked. This aligns with the bank’s core value of constant improvement by empowering employees to spearhead a heightened client experience and providing a work environment that […]
Case in Point: How Singtel redefines employee experience with continuous listening, digital transformation

When Singtel caught wind of increasing employee expectations, the company decided to enhance investments into digital platforms to improve collaboration and upskilling efforts within the team. Aside from attracting top talent, the aim was to nurture their existing employees and provide platforms for them to perform their jobs more effectively. EXperience was launched in 2019 […]
The First Word: Leadership blindspot in reskilling due to age bias

Singapore’s workplace culture is undergoing a significant shift, set against the backdrop of a globally fragile economic outlook. Locally, the pressing issue of talent shortage looms large, with 83% of companies reporting challenges in securing needed workforce. The government’s solution to this is straightforward — to reskill local talents. These initiatives not only help workers adapt […]