Redesigning Jobs to Attract and Retain Talent
Tourism has long been a cornerstone of Singapore’s economy. As the nation reopens to the world after overcoming past crises like bird flu, SARS, and the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses are presented with both challenges and opportunities. For the sector to thrive, focusing on employees’ well-being and growth has become more critical than ever.
Adapting to New Realities
The pandemic brought unparalleled uncertainty, forcing businesses to innovate and adapt. While the tourism industry faced severe disruptions, the resilience of employers and workers emerged as a unifying theme. As businesses recover, they must focus on understanding shifting consumer behaviours, embracing innovation, and redesigning jobs to align with digital transformation.
Valuing Employees, Creating Success
The lifestyle sector—including food services, retail, hotels, attractions, and travel—relies heavily on its workforce. Employers who prioritise employee well-being and development often outperform those who don’t. Building an inclusive work culture, providing reskilling opportunities, and involving employees in transformative decision-making are essential steps to foster loyalty and productivity.
Workforce Singapore (WSG) has partnered with forward-thinking employers to navigate these times. Through initiatives like the Service Industry Transformation Programme (SITP) and Career Conversion Programmes (CCP), businesses have been able to adapt and thrive.
Success Stories in Transformation
So Pho, a food and beverage chain, optimised operations using SITP by revamping manpower schedules and job roles. Their efforts reduced daily man-hours, enhanced service delivery, and introduced a front-of-house ambassador role that improved both customer and staff satisfaction.
Similarly, Aux Media Group pivoted from organising mass events to offering extended reality (XR) services. By reskilling nearly 40% of its workforce through CCP, the company not only avoided retrenchments but also increased salaries for trained employees by up to 20%. This transformation allowed the company to expand operations and hire additional staff.
Futureproofing the Workforce
The reopening of borders and the relaxation of safety measures have brought relief, but new challenges such as rising costs and talent competition remain. Businesses must attract and retain talent by offering meaningful roles, equitable rewards, and opportunities for growth.
The tourism sector’s journey through adversity has demonstrated the power of adaptability and innovation. Employers must embrace the lesson learned: employees are the foundation of a company’s success. By investing in their workforce, businesses can ensure sustainable growth in an evolving landscape.
