HR NEWS INTERNATIONAL NEWS
International News Global HR check-up
While stress and “always-on” working levels remain
Demand up in Singapore for inexperienced talent
Checking-in is crucial for supporting people’s well-
consistent throughout the pandemic, the report also
As companies pivot and transform their business
being. According to the latest edition of Cigna’s
shows that family and friends are cited as the strongest
models amid the pandemic, the skills gap has
COVID-19 Global Impact Study, which is tracking
drivers of resilience by more than half of respondents.
widened. In order to secure the right competencies
people’s health and well-being around the world
The initiative aims to encourage employees to
required to drive transformation, two in three
throughout the pandemic, global stress levels remain
continue prioritising emotional health and well-being
employers say they are willing to hire individuals
high with 83% saying that they are stressed. “Always-
by actively reaching out to people they care about.
with micro-credentials or industry certifications
on” working rates have also remained elevated with
to close skills gaps. In addition, majority of
close to eight in 10 checking emails and being constantly
Jason Sadler, President, Cigna International Markets,
them are 'open' or 'very open' and 'somewhat
available after office hours or over the weekends.
said, “This company-wide initiative has demonstrated
open' to hiring candidates with no prior relevant
the importance of the connections we have with our
experience but have undergone industry function
International Markets announced that it reached a
families, friends and colleagues. As we continue to
or industry-related skills training. These are some
milestone of over 3,800 employee check-ins as part
gather data that looks at people’s attitudes towards
of the key findings from NTUC LearningHub's
of a global initiative to bolster mental well-being amid
COVID-19 throughout the year, we must also apply
recently launched survey in The New Normal of
the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
the insights that we have gleaned. This means looking
Sector Skills report.
In tandem with an annual event, a company-wide
at new approaches on how we can better support our
Checking-In initiative was launched to encourage
employees by identifying and mitigating pressures
The Survey, which was conducted with 367
employees to check-in with their colleagues and
that they experience during this period. With friends
business leaders (senior managers or directors
loved ones via video conferencing or in-person.
and family being the pillar of strength for many, we
and above) and 567 full-time employees working
must encourage team members to spend quality
in Singapore, aimed to uncover the latest
Overall, a total of 3,836 people have checked in with
time with their loved ones. As an organisation, we
employment trends and skill sets in-demand as
their colleagues or loved ones with more than eight
have the shared responsibility to equip employees
the workforce settles into the New Normal.
in 10 reaching out to two or more people they care
with means that can minimise their stress levels and
about. Across all markets, 92% felt more connected to
promote their mental well-being. That way, we can all
In general, when asked if their companies had
their colleagues and loved ones following this exercise.
emerge from this crisis stronger and more resilient.” n
sufficient talent to meet their business goals, less than half agreed or strongly agreed, while close to three in four employers find it challenging to fill the roles due to shortage of talent with the required skill sets. Eugene Wong, Chairman, NTUC LHUB, said, "Many industries that were once flourishing have been hit hard by the black swan event that is COVID-19, and many jobs are changing faster before. Some of the most in-demand skills that we see today did not exist a decade ago, and the same pattern will occur—the core skill sets that are essential in the future may not be possessed by employees today. It is crucial to continually scan the horizon to swiftly determine emerging trends, upskill and reskill to gain a firstmover advantage that will provide more opportunities in the future of work.” n
8 HR MAGAZINE WINTER 2020
