HRO Today APAC Spring 2020 - 4

Editor's Note
Editor's Note
CEO: Elliot H. Clark
Elliot.Clark@SharedXpertise.com
#EachForEqual
Leading in a Time of
Uncertainty
As the world panics around us, it's the responsibility of corporate and HR leaders to
remain calm, allay the concerns of colleagues, and smoothly roll out business contingency
plans.
The COVID-19 pandemic-though we didn't know its scale, nor did it have an official
name at the time-hit Asia about two months before Europe and the United States. Hand
sanitiser, face masks, thermometers, and toilet paper flew off the shelves.
Many companies had to scramble to find supplies while also implementing new ways
of working-split teams, temperature logs, remote working, and more. Rules and
regulations seem to change daily, and as borders close, businesses need to continue to
adapt.
As I write this, Singapore's border with Malaysia is still open, but the head of a
business association has warned companies to prepare for a possible closure. Some
300,000 Malaysians commute from neighbouring Johor every day to work in factories,
restaurants, and other businesses. Most are blue-collar workers whose jobs cannot be
done remotely, so companies will either need to provide local lodging or lay them off.
Businesses are also quickly learning that working remotely is not something that can
just be done at a flip of a switch-at least not done well. In addition to logistical and
technological challenges, loneliness can creep in. Leaders need to be conscious of their
team members' mental well-being, not simply their physical health.
In this issue of HRO Today APAC, we also take a look at gender issues in the workplace,
specifically challenges faced by Japanese women who wish to return to work after
stepping out to have a family. Not only are they competing with recent graduates and a
male-dominated workplace, but after staying at home for several years, they often must
confront a lack of professional confidence too.
An entire industry has cropped up in Japan to service this segment of the market, and
we're fortunate to chat with the founders of several companies working to help women
navigate this transition.
Of course, Japan is hardly the only country where employers scoff at women's ability to
balance work and family. Mrinalini Venkatachalam, the regional director at WEConnect
International and a life-long activist for gender equality, is working to challenge
workplace biases and simultaneously increase supply chain diversity, an area that often
receives short shrift.
As we face new challenges on what seems to be a daily basis-amidst biases that long
predate the current crisis-let's consciously take time to listen to each other, to hear our
colleagues' fears and needs, and then, together, identify the best ways ahead.
Michael Switow
Michael Switow
Editor-at-large
[4]
HRO TODAY APAC
| SPRING 2020
Vice President and Editorial Director:
Debbie Bolla
Debbie.Bolla@SharedXpertise.com
Managing Publisher: Gale Tedeschi
Gale.Tedeschi@SharedXpertise.com
Vice President of Research: Larry Basinait
Larry.Basinait@SharedXpertise.com
Associate Editor: Marta Chmielowicz
Marta.Chmielowicz@SharedXpertise.com
Editor-at-Large: Michael Switow
Michael.Switow@SharedXpertise.com
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HRO Today APAC Spring 2020

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