Embassy of Switzerland in Singapore’s Post

From end of June 2024 , I will be teaching International HRM at Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies. In order to establish the importance of IHRM, here is a short story emphasising its twists and turns. The names used are of a company, SIMS alumni and SIIB students just for fictitious reference. _____________________________ Originally founded in India, Globex(name changed) had recently expanded its operations to several countries, including the Germany and Japan. Nikhil Sharma (name here as a context) , the CHRO, was excited about the international prospects, but soon he faced unexpected challenges needing immediate attention. One morning, Nikhil received an email from Aakanksha Desai the HR Head in Germany, explaining that employees there were struggling with communication issues and cultural misunderstandings. In Japan, as per Nidhi Thapa the HR Head, employees felt disconnected from the main office and were unsure about the company's vision. Also, the team was concerned about the lack of diversity initiatives, which was a significant issue for them. Nikhil realized that managing a global workforce required more than just setting up offices abroad. He needed a robust International Human Resource Management (IHRM) strategy. He reached out to Manish Rathour, an experienced marketing professional , a global cultures expert who could explain to align IHRM for the company. Manish Rathour explained that IHRM was crucial for Globex’s success. He told the CHRO that effective IHRM would help address cultural differences by providing cross-cultural training and strong employer branding. For instance, team in Germany could benefit from workshops on intercultural communication, enhancing collaboration with colleagues from other countries. Furthermore, it was emphasized the importance of creating a unified company culture that resonates globally while respecting local customs. This would help the Japanese team feel more connected and aligned with Globex’s overall mission. Regular virtual town halls and leadership visits could bridge the gap between the headquarters and international branches. Through effective IHRM, Globex was not just a company with international offices, but a truly global organization with a unified, diverse, and motivated workforce. In essence, this story of Globex highlights how IHRM is indispensable for managing the complexities of a global workforce, ensuring that all employees, regardless of location, feel valued, understood, and integrated into the company's fabric.

An Expert’s Guide to Working in Vietnam: Keeping Turnover Rates Low During Tet **Liam Langan, 25, has lived in Ho Chi Minh City for a little over a year. In this piece, he talked to Thijs van Loon of Betterworks Asia to get an idea of the work culture in Vietnam and to offer some tips for foreign managers who want to lower their employee turnover rates.** **Known as “The Golden Period of Recruitment,” the period between Tet (Lunar New Year holiday) in January/February to April is considered the best time for companies to increase recruitment. For managers, this clouds an otherwise celebratory occasion and leaves them worried about their company’s future.** **Irrespective of Tet, in 2019, employee turnover rates in Vietnam reached a worrying 24 percent, according to a Vietnam News Agency report from the human resource consultancy Anphabe. ** **Issues like this are ones Thijs van Loon, founder and director of Betterworks Asia, deals with at his job.** **With close to two decades of experience as a consultant, trainer, and coach, his work at Betterworks Asia provides professional skills improvement and coaching for companies in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.** **As a firm believer in the value of a good manager, particularly after research by American analytics and advisory company Gallup found 70 percent of the variance in team engagement is determined by the manager alone, he is passionate about teaching others how to become effective leaders themselves. Since moving to Vietnam in 2018, he already counts Pizza 4P’s, RMIT University, and MegaMarket among his list of clients.** **Thijs van Loon’s journey as a trainer began in 2004, back when he was working for the Google headquarters in Ireland.** **After honing his skills there, he was recruited by Apple to be the Head of Training for the Netherlands.** **For three years, Thijs van Loon ran all of the workshops while also working with various external parties in B2B, B2C, and B2E training.** **When the head oftTraining for EMIA (Europe, the Middle East, India, Africa) left, Thijs van Loon filled the role.** **These experiences were pivotal for Thijs van Loon’s development as a trainer and coach. ** Thijs van Loon, founder and director of Betterworks Asia, is seen in this supplied photo. **Since arriving in Vietnam, he has identified a few problems managers face here and how best to overcome them. While these are geared towards foreign managers in Vietnam, the principles can be applied to locals too. ** **Problem #1: Understanding cultural differences in Vietnam** **Whenever you go to someplace new, there’s a likelihood you will experience some form of culture shock. In a business setting, it is vital to understand cultural differences to ensure a smooth transition from one place to the next. A question that Thijs van Loon believes is pivotal to ask is, “What’s normal?”. ** **Taking into account what a culture d...

🏆 QI Malaysia secures sixth consecutive triumph at HR Asia Awards 2023! 🏆  We are thrilled to announce that our Malaysian operations have once again emerged victorious at the HR Asia Awards (Best Companies to Work For in Asia) 2023. This time around, QI Malaysia secured wins in both the HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia and the Digital Transformation Award categories.  This achievement marks our sixth consecutive win, underscoring our unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation in creating a workplace that fosters growth, inclusivity, and forward-thinking initiatives.  Being recognised at the prestigious awards is a testament to our dedication to providing an extraordinary work environment—a space where every employee feels valued, supported, and empowered. The Digital Transformation Award highlights our efforts in leveraging technology for operational efficiency and employee empowerment. Initiatives such as AskHR and LinkedIn Learning have been instrumental in propelling us forward, showcasing our adaptability to the ever-changing corporate environment. We look forward to further reinforcing our commitment to a workplace that not only embraces innovation but also celebrates the diversity and inclusion that make us stronger together.  #QIGroup #QI25 #HRAsiaAwards #HRAA 

URC Earns Top Workplace Certifications in 2023! 🌟 URC continues to solidify its standing as a beacon of exemplary corporate culture, securing five prestigious certifications recognizing its business units in the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Myanmar as among the finest workplaces in Asia for 2023. Irwin Lee, URC President and CEO, expressed his gratitude for the multiple distinctions bestowed on the company by saying, “We’re truly honored to be among the best workplaces in Asia. These consecutive recognitions and certifications for our different units are significant accomplishments for the organization, as they show that URC’s corporate culture fosters a flexible, nurturing work environment that lets talents and careers thrive.” 👏 Top accolades earned by URC include: 🏆URC Philippines was certified as a "Best Place to Work", securing the Top 5 spot among all participating organizations in the country and 18th in the Asia Pacific category. URC Philippines was among the honorees at the HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia Awards. 🏆 URC Vietnam also secured a spot on HR Asia's prestigious list, further affirming the company's commitment to creating a workplace characterized by high levels of employee engagement and beneficial HR programs. 🏆URC Malaysia has earned recognition from HR Asia, underscoring its dedication to prioritizing its workforce during the integration of two businesses. This acknowledgment serves to reinforce the organization's commitment to harnessing the synergies that arise from combining the strengths of both entities. 🏆URC Indonesia, not to be outdone, was once again certified as a "Great Place to Work" based on comprehensive employee feedback gathered through surveys. The Indonesian subsidiary earned consistent praise for enhancing its company culture and ensuring an exceptional environment for its employees, reflecting URC's dedication to prioritizing the satisfaction and well-being of its workforce. 🏆 URC Myanmar has been honored as one of the Best Companies to Work in Myanmar for 2023. The Best Companies to Work in Myanmar (BCIM) award acknowledges organizations that excel in fostering exceptional employee satisfaction and experiences, aimed at attracting and retaining top talent. #bestplacestowork #HRAsiaAwards #greatplacetowork #bestcompaniestoworkfor

Excited to Speak at NTW 2024: Learn in the Flow of Work! Join me for an engaging session on June 24, 2024, from 9am to 10am as part of National Training Week (NTW) 2024. My topic, "Learn in the Flow of Work: Integrating Continuous Learning into Daily Activities," will explore how to seamlessly embed learning into daily tasks, enhancing productivity and skill acquisition without interrupting workflow. Key Highlights: -Leveraging microlearning and just-in-time learning -Integration with workplace tools like Microsoft Teams -Accessing short, focused learning sessions and on-demand resources -Real-world examples and case studies on boosting engagement and satisfaction -Practical tips and actionable steps to foster a culture of continuous improvement Don't miss this opportunity to discover how to enhance your learning and adaptability in a dynamic work environment. 📅 Date & Time: 24 June 2024, 9am - 10am 💻 Mode: Virtual Training (via Teams) 📌 Enroll Now: https://lnkd.in/gmwiHzcw Looking forward to seeing you there! #NTW2024 #ContinuousLearning #HR #ProfessionalDevelopment #Microlearning #SkillDevelopment

We realized that Human Resources development became one of the main themes for Awara IT in the first half of this year. We actively expanded the team in various countries and took part finalists in the competition at 5th International Conference HR Brand Central Asia. We helped our customers automate processes and increase employee engagement with gamification. We held many webinars and workshops, business breakfasts and business dinners, talked a lot with general managers, and even more with those who are responsible for the human potential of various businesses.   The importance of HR is constantly increasing since 2020. It has become the norm for HR specialists to join C-boards, becoming drivers of change and agents of innovation.    This applies to companies that: ✅ Are growing rapidly and need qualified employees or need to retrain their current staff. ✅ Faced with the current problems of the labor market. For example in retail it crucial to reduce employee turnover and maintain loyalty. ✅ Need to reduce costs, increase efficiency, focus on boosting employee's satisfaction.   The development of human capital is multifaceted, so modern HR approaches can bring benefits. Awara IT was honored to participate in the HR Brand Central Asia Conference, where we submitted a project for the Best CIS HR Brand nomination. Although we didn't win, making it to the list of finalists was a significant achievement. Our HR Business Partner Shoira Ibragimova also had the opportunity to meet many colleagues and explore various projects, gaining valuable insights to enhance our internal HR solutions.   Our colleagues, Yulia Iostman, BDM, and Liudmila Nicheporuk, Awara IT Academy Lead, attended different events in Europe and Asia, incl. Human Capital Days, HR Business Forum, and our own HR Business Breakfasts in Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan having a fantastic opportunity to showcase Awara IT's innovative tools and their potential to transform business processes. We're excited about the future discussions and collaborations ahead!   How active have you been in the HR field this year?   #HRDevelopment #EmployeeEngagement #HRInnovation #AwaraIT #HRTrends

Nicole McCabe's view aligns with Zeki's global expansion strategy. We've ventured beyond borders, reaching places like Singapore, Hong Kong, and the UK. At Zeki, we believe talent knows no geographical boundaries. By embracing a worldwide perspective, we aim to connect with diverse skills internationally. Zeki's commitment to global growth isn't just about location; it's about creating a network that enriches our team with varied perspectives and strengthens our collective capabilities. #HR #HumanResources #HRM #HRJobs #HRTech #HRDevelopment #Hiring #EmployeeEngagement #WorkplaceCulture #HRLeadership #TalentManagement #Recruitment #HRAnalytics #TrainingAndDevelopment #HRConsulting #PeopleManagement #HRNews #CareerDevelopment #HRProfessional #HRStrategies

🌟 Celebrating International HR Day 🌟 It's hard to believe that it's almost going to be two years since I ventured into the world of Human Resources by chance. I never thought I'd find myself here, but this journey has helped me understand my ability to quickly learn and adapt to even new domains. From navigating complex employee relations issues to implementing impactful initiatives for Fellows, each day has brought its own set of challenges and triumphs. The amount of learning I've gained along the way has been invaluable. Here are a few key takeaways from my HR journey so far: 1. *Adaptability is Key* :The HR landscape is constantly evolving, and being able to adapt quickly according to employee needs is crucial. 2. *Empathy and Communication*: Understanding and addressing employee concerns with empathy, while maintaining clear and effective communication, is vital for building trust and fostering a positive workplace culture. 3. *Strategic Thinking*: Balancing the needs of the employees with the goals of the organization requires a strategic mindset. Making decisions that align with both has been a continuous rewarding challenge. 4. *Continuous Learning*: HR is a field that demands ongoing education, especially on culture pieces, well being , there's always something new to master. 5. *Resilience*: Handling sensitive and sometimes difficult situations has taught me the importance of resilience and staying composed under pressure. Here’s extending my wishes to the HR community who do this complex, adaptive, high stakes and extremely crucial and influential work . #InternationalHRday #HumanResources #LearningJourney #HRProfessionals

I enjoy speaking with individuals who are in charge of the most important asset in any company - People! As a tech entrepreneur, I often talk about how challenging it is to find talent for software projects we are working on. Now, imagine the unique challenge of finding people for SpaceTech. This is exactly the challenge that Chutchapol Youngwiriyakul successfully navigates as the Head of HR at Thaicom! Let's learn from the best! Read more in the interview below: #hrinnovation #leadership #technology #HR #aira

🏆✨Calling All Industry Leaders in The Philippines!  Showcase Your Company's Excellence in the HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia Awards! ✨🌟 Are you ready to shine a spotlight on the exceptional workplace culture and employee-centric practices that drive your company's success? 🚀 The stage is set for you to join the prestigious HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2024 Awards, The Philippines Chapter! Now is the time to demonstrate your unwavering commitment to fostering a workplace where talent thrives, innovation flourishes, and collaboration reigns supreme. Here's why your company should seize this unparalleled opportunity: 1️⃣ Celebrate Your People: Your employees are the heartbeat of your organization, and their satisfaction and fulfilment are paramount to your success. Participating in the HR Asia Awards is a powerful way to celebrate the contributions of your team members and honour their dedication to your company's mission and values. 2️⃣ Attract Top Talent: In today's competitive talent landscape, attracting and retaining top talent is more critical than ever. Being recognized as one of the Best Companies to Work for in Asia elevates your employer brand, making your company a magnet for top-tier professionals seeking meaningful work and a supportive culture. 3️⃣ Drive Business Performance: A thriving workplace culture isn't just about employee satisfaction—it's a catalyst for business success. Companies that prioritize employee well-being and engagement consistently outperform their competitors. The HR Asia Awards provide a platform to showcase how your company's people-first approach drives tangible business results. 4️⃣ Showcase Your Leadership: As a leader in your industry, participating in the HR Asia Awards allows you to showcase your commitment to employee-centric practices and set a benchmark for excellence. By leading by example, you inspire other companies to prioritize employee well-being and drive positive change across the region. 5️⃣ Cultivate Innovation: Innovation thrives in environments where diversity, inclusion, and collaboration are celebrated. By participating in the awards, you demonstrate your commitment to nurturing a culture of innovation where bold ideas are welcomed, and creativity knows no bounds. Don't let this opportunity pass you by! Nominate your company today and embark on a journey towards recognition, excellence, and lasting impact. Feel free to reach out to me for more info! #HRAsiaAwards #BestCompanies #EmployeeExperience #DEI #SustainableWorkplace #MostCaringCompanies #WorkplaceCulture