Commentary

5 workplace trends for employee quality of life

In the workplace, an overarching trend we are seeing is that employers are becoming increasingly concerned around issues related to workers' quality of life, and Singapore is no exception. And rather than just consider physical health, the trend is to look holistically at employees' well-being.

How focusing on my employees cost me a promotion

Before I founded Anagram Group and became a corporate trainer/coach, I spent over 15 years in the banking industry – including 5 years in Singapore – working for some of the world's largest banks.

Who is responsible for your employer brand in Singapore?

The unemployment rate in Singapore has hit an all-time low of 1.9 percent for the fourth quarter of 2014. Yet, according to Randstad Source Right's 2015 Talent Trends Report, critical talent scarcity remains one of the top three issues facing employers in Singapore.

Should Singaporean SMEs be getting on the Bitcoin Bandwagon?

Singapore is more than ready for a future with bitcoin. Singaporeans are picking up cryptocurrency faster than anywhere else in the world. But is the rise of cryptocurrencies something that Singaporean SMEs should be getting involved with?

Why Singapore firms need to make each employee special

Why is it that employees you think are so happy at work suddenly and unexpectedly resign?

Singaporeans' growing appetite for overseas property investments

Earlier this week, it was reported that a group of 30 Singaporeans who lost their investment in United Kingdom real estate projects were suing the lawyers who had represented them in the venture. These 30 Singaporeans are among 200 investors from various countries who are suing as they allege that the law firms did not inform them about the risks of the investments.

2015: A good year for Small Business?

As Singaporean businesses close the first quarter and charge into the second, it is worth a quick reflection.

What does flexible working bring to the workplace of the future?

One of the agendas of the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) of Singapore is to decentralise business activities and commercial centres outside of the central business district. For URA, this initiative is a way to achieve a more sustainable growth by distributing business and commercial activities to various parts of the island.

Why you might want to shut your business in Singapore

According to the Business Optimism Index (BOI) conducted by the Singapore Commercial Credit Bureau and released early this year, Q1 2015 marks the second-lowest score in two years. Based on their scoring system, Singapore BOI score was +1.11.

What interest rate means for average Singaporeans

In recent months, it has been tough for one to avoid reading articles that highlight the rising Singapore Interbank Borrowing Offer Rate (SIBOR). In general, the trend is supported by an expectation the days of low interest rate haven is about to diminish.

Key to productivity in Singapore's evolving workplace

The world of work is an entirely different landscape from just 10 years ago, and it is no revelation to say so. Even basic elements such as the hours and location of work have altered dramatically.

Enhancing the employability of Singapore's older workers

Workplace discrimination in Singapore still exists. Some employers still judge job applicants by their age. Most employers, however, as pragmatic business people, have welcomed all employees in a tight labour market.

Why the "Why?" behind your big data is crucial for business success in Singapore

Loyalty programs are a great source of Big Data for retailers, and in a poll conducted in 2013, 91% of Singaporeans said they were more likely to shop at retailers that offered loyalty programs.

BestSeller: 6 steps to win big deals in Singapore

How successful was your last big deal negotiation? Internationalisation of business and professional buying teams have led to demanding requirements on big deal management.

Top 3 trends for luxury marketing in 2015

When it comes to marketing to ultra-high net worth consumers, the game is changing. Particularly seen in the demographical melting-pot that is Singapore, never before has there been such a diversity of background, culture, ethics, social class, and methods of media and information consumption.

Is your business sick?

Singapore businesses face a wide range of unique operational issues, none more so than how to retain staff in a highly competitive market and at the same increase productivity. With a limited labour pool, the answer is not just hiring more people.