A Focus on People, Not Process: Why HR Leaders in Singapore Must Refresh Their People Skills

February 18, 2023

A Focus on People, Not Process: Why HR Leaders in Singapore Must Refresh Their People Skills

People Before Paperwork: What Covid Has Taught HR Leaders in Singapore About Prioritizing People

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented changes to the way we live and work. For many companies, this has been a time of great upheaval, as they have had to adapt to new ways of doing business while also ensuring the safety and well-being of their employees. As we begin to emerge from the pandemic, it is more important than ever for HR leaders to focus on people once again.

In this article, we’ll look at how HR leaders in Singapore can refresh their people skills and reconnect with their staff—with a focus on building relationships that are based on trust, respect and empathy. We’ll explore practical strategies for connecting with employees, understanding their needs, fostering collaboration and creating a positive working environment.

HR Leaders in Singapore Must Prioritize People

As an HR leader in Singapore, the last few months have been a difficult balancing act. On one hand, you had to help your organization deal with the new realities of remote work and social distancing guidelines—all while keeping employees engaged and morale up. On the other hand, you had to help your managers become more effective in leading their teams virtually—all while ensuring their performance goals were met.

The difficulty is that in times of upheaval and uncertainty, it becomes easy to lose sight of the human element and start relying too heavily on process. To really be effective as a leader you must remember to prioritize people over process by focusing on building relationships with your team members and creating an environment that encourages open communication.

The best way to do this is by being genuinely interested in people’s lives, investing your time and energy in building relationships with them, understanding their needs beyond just work-related matters and showing them compassion during times of hardship or stress. This kind of caring attitude will build trust between you, your team members, and ultimately make for a healthier work environment.

Here are some 6 reasons why HR leaders in Singapore Must Prioritize People over Processes :

Empathy Is More Important Than Efficiency

You know the saying, “you can’t put a price on happiness”? Well, it’s the absolute truth when it comes to hiring and retaining top talent in your organization. Having dedicated HR leaders that make their employees feel valued and appreciated is more important than efficiency and data-driven results.

Why? Because ultimately, employees want to feel heard and taken care of. This is why it’s important for HR leaders to use empathy when dealing with employees – having the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes is not only key for resolving conflicts and issues but also for promoting a culture of understanding and support. At the end of the day, it’s all about people – from hiring them to helping them reach their potential. Being able to create meaningful connections with your employees that go beyond just meeting targets can go a long way in boosting job satisfaction and productivity, leading to happier teams and successful organizational growth!

Employee well-being is critical

The pandemic has taken a toll on everyone’s mental and physical health. Many employees have had to deal with the stress of working from home, managing childcare and home schooling, and worrying about their health and the health of loved ones. As we begin to return to the workplace, HR leaders must prioritize the well-being of their employees. This means offering support and resources for mental and physical health, as well as flexible work arrangements that allow employees to manage their work and personal responsibilities.

Talent Retention is key

The pandemic has created a lot of uncertainty, and many employees are looking for stability and security. HR leaders who focus on people and create a positive work environment are more likely to retain their top talent. By prioritizing employee well-being and offering opportunities for growth and development, companies can build a loyal and committed workforce.

Culture matters more than ever

As we move past the pandemic, companies will need to rebuild their culture and reinforce their values. HR leaders who focus on people can create a culture that is supportive, inclusive, and values-driven. This can help to attract and retain employees who share those values and are committed to the success of the company.

Engagement drives performance

When employees feel valued and supported, they are more likely to be engaged and productive. HR leaders who prioritize people can create a work environment that fosters engagement and drives performance. This can lead to better business outcomes, including increased profitability and growth.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. HR leaders who focus on people can create a culture that values and supports employees from all backgrounds. This can help to attract and retain a diverse workforce and foster innovation and creativity.

Refocusing on the Human Element of HR

The COVID-19 pandemic has sent HR leaders into a tailspin, with a heavy focus on process and policy instead of people—but it’s time to flip the switch back to the human element. We get it—COVID-19 has required attention to process and policy changes, with safety for employees being paramount. But now that the dust is beginning to settle, it’s important for HR leaders in Singapore to shift their focus back on the people in their organizations. Here’s why:


Building stronger relationships
HR leaders are responsible for establishing relationships with every employee in an organization. During these trying times, managing employee morale is essential to ensure an organization runs smoothly. Strengthening relationships between managers and employees can help increase trust and understanding.


Improving communication
It’s not enough for HR leaders to just have an open door policy – employees want communication channels that go both ways. Establishing a productive dialog between HR leaders and employees helps clear any misconceptions among the workforce, which leads to improved efficiency and productivity overall.


Creating a people-focused culture
At its core, HR is all about understanding people — their motivations, their passions, what makes them tick. Prioritizing this kind of understanding creates an environment where people feel safe and appreciated at work — and that’s the kind of culture that retains top talent for years to come!
Now more than ever before, it’s time for HR leaders in Singapore to realign their priorities towards focusing on people first—for the good of the entire organization!

The Benefits of a IHRP Accredited HR Qualification

Forging real relationships with your colleagues is one of the most important elements of being an HR leader. Without a doubt, getting an HR qualification can help you develop the skills you need to create meaningful connections with your colleagues and teams.

At Aventis Graduate School, we offer an exciting suite of Graduate Diploma and Masters Degree in Human Resources is designed to prepare top HR leaders for the responsibility to influence strategy, drive transformation and impact the success of their organisation. With the polarising shifts in the worlds of economics and politics, we take a dive into the implications these present for organisations and their talent – and HR’s role in managing the change and transformations required for their organisations. Check out our courses here! Aventis Graduate Diploma in Organizational Psychology, Aventis Graduate Diploma in Human Capital Management and Roehampton University MSc in Global HRM 

Here are the benefits:

Get Valuable Perspective
When you have a qualification in HR, you get to learn from the expertise of leaders and professionals in the industry. This kind of insight can help you to develop a better understanding of your team’s needs and help you to better plan for their development.

Increase Your Credibility
Having an HR qualification will give you more credibility when it comes to dealing with difficult situations or creating effective strategies for your team. It also shows your commitment to developing yourself professionally, which may be beneficial if you are looking for a promotion or trying to enter a new job market.

Gain Insight into Regulations and Laws
Having an HR qualification will ensure that know the latest regulations and laws related to employees and workplace management. This is especially important for employers in Singapore, as there are very particular regulations that must be followed in order for businesses to be compliant with local laws. Knowing these laws can help ensure that things go smoothly when it comes time to hire new employees or handle employment contracts.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, as we move past the pandemic, HR leaders must prioritize people once again. This means focusing on employee well-being, building a positive culture, and fostering engagement and performance. By doing so, companies can create a work environment that supports their employees and drives business success.

About Aventis Graduate School

Aventis is a Global Graduate School, headquartered in Singapore with more than 60,000 learners across the world. Established since 2007, Aventis collaborates with leading universities across the United Kingdom and the United States to deliver best in class graduate education for working professionals across Asia. Aventis offers an exciting suite of business programmes including Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics & Data Storytelling, Master of Science in Cyber Security, Graduate Diploma in Cognitive Psychology & Mental HealthGraduate Diploma In Business Sustainability & Environment, Social And Governance (ESG), Graduate Diploma in Organizational Psychology, Master of Science in Global Financial Management.

Join over 3,000 Successful graduates. 

Embark on your learning journey with us today, find out more at www.aventis.edu.sg Save on Programme fees with referral and enjoy up to $1,000* savings when you invite your colleagues to join you!

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