Remember the era when HR departments were drowning in piles of paper CVs, juggling endless spreadsheets, and manually scheduling interviews? Thankfully, the paper and file-laden office filled with the sounds of clicking typewriters and phones ringing is far behind us.
In the current digital transformation era, Human Resources (HR) is undergoing a massive overhaul, thanks to artificial intelligence (AI) and cutting-edge technology. This transformation is shaking up how companies recruit, manage, and keep hold of their talent, especially in the fast-paced Southeast Asian market.
If you’re a small and medium enterprise (SME) or multinational company (MNC) operating in this region, you need to keep abreast of the latest developments to attract and retain top talent.
In this article, we break down the current trends in the world of HR so you can stay ahead of the game.
1. The Future of Work is Hybrid
After the world-changing phenomena known as the pandemic, remote working has gone from trend to the new normal, and it’s here to stay.
Companies are mixing things up with hybrid working models, where employees split their time between home and the office. This flexible approach demands a solid digital infrastructure to keep everyone connected and up to speed. Furthermore, measuring performance based on traditional performance metrics can be challenging when people are in different places.
When it comes to hybrid working, consider INFINITY8 your ideal partner-in-crime. We offer a range of flexible workspace solutions, from private offices for solo work sprints to shared spaces for team brainstorming. Our virtual office packages are perfect for teams who are primarily remote but need a professional address.
2. People First: Prioritising Employee Experience and Well-being
Let’s face it: happy employees are productive employees. Contemporary employees, particularly younger generations, place a premium on employee experience (EX). That means organisations must invest in programmes that foster well-being, including mental health support and work-life balance initiatives. A contented and healthy workforce not only adheres to ethical principles but also translates to enhanced productivity and reduced turnover.
In Malaysia and Indonesia, Unilever has partnered with Naluri, a company offering corporate health and wellness solutions, to launch the “Better-U” wellness programme. With a focus on employee physical, mental, and social well-being, the programme includes initiatives like mindfulness training, flexible work arrangements, and wellness challenges. This holistic approach to well-being has led to increased employee satisfaction and productivity.
3. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Not Just a Buzzword
Establishing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace is no longer merely an ethical imperative but a sound business strategy. DEI initiatives attract top talent from a broader pool and contribute to increased innovation and creativity.
Building a team with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences leads to more creativity, better problem-solving, and a more robust company culture. It’s about creating a workplace where everyone feels like they belong.
For instance, Google has implemented DEI initiatives across the APAC region, including unconscious bias training, employee resource groups, and diversity hiring goals. Google launched a programme to support women’s leadership in Japan, focused on LGBTQ+ progress in Taiwan and disability inclusion in Singapore, promoting accessibility and belonging for People with Disabilities (PwD).
4. HR Tech: Your New Best Friend
HR technology (HR Tech) is rapidly reshaping the HR landscape. AI recruitment tools streamline the hiring process, HRIS (Human Resource Information System) platforms manage data and workflows, and digital analytics provide insights to inform HR decision-making.
By investing in HR Tech and upskilling their HR teams, organisations can automate tasks, enhance efficiency, and derive valuable data-driven insights for improved talent management.
For example, IBM’s AI-powered chatbot, AskHR, launched in 2017, has reduced response times and improved employee satisfaction by addressing HR inquiries efficiently. Today, IBM uses over 280 AI mechanisms within its HR function, allowing HR teams to focus on more strategic initiatives like talent development and engagement.
Expanding Payroll and Compliance with EOR Services
As companies expand regionally or globally, managing payroll, tax compliance, and employee benefits across different jurisdictions becomes increasingly complex. This is where an Employer of Record (EOR) can streamline processes by handling payroll, tax filings, and legal requirements on behalf of businesses.
By outsourcing payroll and HR compliance to an EOR, businesses can focus on their core functions while ensuring compliance with local employment laws. This is particularly valuable in regions like Malaysia, where navigating compliance can be challenging. EOR services help reduce administrative burdens and ensure a smooth onboarding and payroll experience for employees.
5. Winning the Great Talent War: Employer Branding and Candidate Experience
Attracting and retaining top talent has become increasingly competitive, especially within the booming Southeast Asian technology and digital sectors. With the rise of remote work and global mobility, employees now have more options than ever before.
To stand out, companies must offer more than just competitive salaries — they need to build a compelling employer brand and deliver an exceptional candidate experience.
Strengthening Your Employer Brand
A robust employer brand that showcases your company’s unique culture, growth opportunities, and benefits is crucial in today’s job market. Developing a strong Employer Value Proposition (EVP) can help differentiate your organisation and attract top-tier talent.
Companies that invest in employer branding see long-term benefits, including reduced recruitment costs, improved hiring efficiency, and better employee retention. Regular employer branding audits and consulting can also ensure your company remains competitive and aligned with market trends.
Enhancing Candidate Experience
A positive candidate experience is essential for attracting and retaining the right talent. Personalised communication, timely updates, and constructive feedback during the hiring process can significantly improve how candidates perceive your company, even if they aren’t hired.
Leveraging AI-powered tools like resume screening and interview scheduling can help streamline recruitment processes and minimise delays, while virtual interviews provide flexibility for remote candidates. Additionally, maintaining a well-curated talent pool allows you to engage with potential hires and stay ahead in the competition for top talent.
By focusing on both employer branding and candidate experience, your company can win the “Great Talent War” and secure a workforce that drives long-term success.
Turning HR Trends into Action
To stay competitive in today’s HR landscape, businesses need actionable steps that can be implemented quickly and effectively. Here are some immediate steps you can take to adopt the latest HR trends:
- Establish Hybrid Work Policies: Define clear policies that balance flexibility and accountability. Ensure you have the necessary digital tools to support remote collaboration and communication.
- Enhance Employee Well-being: Invest in mental health resources, flexible work arrangements, and wellness initiatives that support your team’s holistic well-being.
- Implement DEI Initiatives: Start by providing DEI training to employees, establishing measurable diversity targets, and supporting employee resource groups to foster an inclusive workplace.
- Leverage HR Tech: Begin integrating AI-powered tools like resume screening and interview scheduling to automate recruitment. Also, consider using an HRIS platform to streamline HR workflows and data management.
- Strengthen Your Employer Brand: Develop a compelling Employer Value Proposition (EVP) that highlights your company’s strengths in career development, culture, and benefits. A strong employer brand can attract top talent and improve retention.
The Future of HR
The HR of the future is a dynamic, data-driven function that puts people first. As technology continues to evolve, HR professionals will become strategic partners, leveraging AI and analytics to optimise talent management. With a focus on employee experience, DEI, and well-being, HR will play a pivotal role in shaping company culture and driving business success. The HR department will transform from a transactional to a strategic function, anticipating future challenges and opportunities to create a high-performance workforce.
INFINITY8 is here to support you on your HR journey. Our Talent Solutions help build and promote a strong employer brand, enhance candidate experience, and leverage AI-powered tools to streamline your recruitment process. Whether you need flexible workspaces, talent acquisition services, or employer branding consulting, INFINITY8 has the solutions you need.
Want to learn more about how INFINITY8 can help your business? Get in touch with our team for a no-obligation consultation and a workspace tour today.
