Singapore HR News and Updates for May 2023

Posted on 30 May 2023 in Business | Suki Bajaj

Let's take a look at Singapore's top HR stories and insights and MOM Latest News for May 2023, including new programmes to strengthen HR profession, workplace support initiatives for older women, tactical hiring strategies, and more!

Singapore Launches 5-Year Plan to Boost HR Profession

MOM has launched a new five-year HR Industry Transformation Plan (HR ITP) that aims to strengthen the HR profession in Singapore and evolve HR's role to drive strategy and operational excellence, leading to increased business value and outcomes. This mainly involves digitalising HR and getting more professionals certified.

According to MOM, the new plan comes as the industry sees demographic changes and rapid technological advancements that are changing the way businesses operate and people work.

Read On

More Workplace Support for Older Women in Singapore Called For

A recent survey report from Singapore Alliance for Women in Ageing (Sawa) highlighted the concerns facing the older female employees in Singapore.

These include caregiving responsibilities, retirement plans, as well as ageism and stereotypes in the workplace - which often portray them as less productive and adaptable than their younger colleagues.

Sawa urged for stronger protection for re-employed employees in terms of pay and workplace practices, as well as support for older women employees juggling domestic obligations and workplace responsibilities.

Read On

More Managers Choosing Internal Job Candidates for New Positions

Based on a recent study, employees are motivated to enhance their chances of promotion by increasing their effort when a new job opportunity arises.

This shows that internal job candidates with inferior skills to external candidates stand a better chance of being selected for an available position because they tend to work harder before a hiring decision.

Furthermore, the study revealed that employees who secured promotions through internal channels continue to exhibit increased effort even after being promoted, without immediate financial incentives.

Read On

Bridging the Disconnect between HR Leaders and Employees in Singapore

The 2023 State of HR Report by the Qualtrics XM Institute highlights the need for HR and people leaders in Singapore to improve the overall effectiveness of employee feedback in enhancing employee experience management.

Qualtrics suggested three priorities to demonstrate HR’s impact. One of them involves making preparations for changes by implementing agile systems and processes that enable them to navigate future.

Read On

Mental Health Issues Impacting Workplace Productivity in Singapore

A recent survey found that mental health issues such as anxiety or depression are causing the country to lose about S$16 billion annually in lost productivity.

According to the researchers, the study is the first of its kind after the onset of the pandemic that estimates the prevalence and economic burden of depression and anxiety symptoms among Singaporean adults and is consistent with global findings.

This sends out an important reminder for all HR leaders to prioritise mental health support at workplaces and take action to ensure that employees have access to the resources they need.

Read On