Breaking the Mould: Reimagining Work for a New Era
Breaking the Mould: Reimagining Work for a New Era
Delivered at the Singapore FinTech Festival, this panel discussion explored how new work models like fractional leadership, flexible arrangements, and lifelong learning are redefining the workplace for a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Key Highlights
1. Examples of Shifting Work Models
- Fractional work:
- Fractional work at the leadership level involves seasoned professionals dedicating 1–2 days a week across multiple organisations, balancing expertise and flexibility.
- Fractional work at the employee level allows themto balance financial stability and create their own purposeful ventures.
- Consulting: is more project-based, with consultants deeply embedded in specific tasks.
2. Adapting HR Policies to Modern Needs
- Flexible Work Arrangements:
- New tripartite guidelines in Singapore introduced flexi-place (remote work), flexi-time (adjusted hours), and flexi-load (job sharing) as starting points to modernise policies.
- Employee Support Initiatives:
- Programmes like Unilever’s UI Founders empower employees to pursue entrepreneurial ventures while contributing to the company’s growth.
3. Flexibility Drives Engagement:
- Employees thrive when trusted to decide their work settings, with flexibility fostering loyalty and safeguarding well-being.
- Unilever allows employees to work globally for a month; 15% of the organisation has taken up this perk and none of them has violated this policy, demonstrating the success of such policies.
4. Redefining Retirement and Combatting Ageism
- Evolving Definitions:
- Traditional retirement is giving way to extended careers in the knowledge economy, where senior workers’ experience adds significant value.
- Programmes re-integrating retired professionals as mentors are thriving, particularly in cultures valuing seniority.
- Fighting Stereotypes:
- Ageism affects both young and older workers. Organisations must foster an inclusive mindset to unlock potential across all generations.
By thinking about building a workplace that will be great for our parents, our future selves and our children we are likely to be more empathetic and be able to build a better workplace culture. Redefining work with flexibility, inclusion, and purpose at its core, organisations can empower employees while achieving sustainable growth.
Watch Full Session
Speakers:
- Christopher Pile, Managing Partner, MISSION+
- Kai Ning Lim, Co-founder, The Courage Chapter
- Larissa Murmann, Chief HR Officer, Unilever International
- Vanessa Ho, Co-founder, Fintech Nation