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Paulo Cheong, Vice President, Human Resources, on how Sands China's inclusive practices and community involvement helps it to attract top talent.
In an ever-changing world, Sands China remains people-centric. This would mean continually adapting its strategies to meet evolving needs. Together, its initiatives include cross-functional teams dedicated to employee engagement, regular training for managers, and more.
Its commitment to holistic wellbeing, diversity, and inclusivity also ensures that its approach remains human at its core, adapting to changes while staying true to its values.
Not only does the organisation reap the positive impact of its employee experience strategy in its retention rates and business performance, but it has also won the gold award for 'Best Workforce Innovation' at the Employee Experience Awards 2024, Singapore.
Paulo Cheong, Vice President, Human Resources, shares more on how Sands China's innovative, inclusive practices and community involvement helps it to attract top talent.
Q How would you describe the pillars of your employee experience strategy, and what are the principles you have taken into account to develop this?
Our employee experience strategy is built on four key pillars:
- comprehensive development,
- thoughtful workplace design,
- strong engagement, and
- transparent communication.
We prioritise continuous learning through upskilling programmes, brand ambassador initiatives, and professional education. We ensure a supportive work environment with gender equality, family-friendly initiatives, holistic health support and 'like-a-home' heart-of-the-house environment.
Engagement is fostered through a revitalised service culture and attentive care actions. Transparency is maintained with robust communication channels. These principles are rooted in our commitment to a human-centric experience that respects diversity, promotes wellbeing, and builds mutual trust and loyalty across our workforce.
Q In a world propelled by rapid change, what measures do you have in place to maintain a people-centric, human approach to your EX as it evolves?
In an ever-changing world, we stay people-centric by continually adapting our strategies to meet evolving needs. We prioritise flexibility in our policies, ensuring they support work-life balance and personal growth. Regular feedback loops, open forums, and a culture of listening enable us to respond to employee concerns swiftly.
By embracing technological advancements and fostering a culture of innovation, we keep our workforce engaged and supported. Our commitment to holistic wellbeing, diversity, and inclusivity ensures that our approach remains human at its core, adapting to changes while staying true to our values.
Q What initiatives do you undertake such that the delivery of employee experience is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders in the organisation?
We believe that delivering an exceptional employee experience is a shared responsibility across all levels of our organisation. Our initiatives include cross-functional teams dedicated to employee engagement, regular training for managers on leadership and empathy, and a transparent feedback system that encourages input from all employees. We also foster a culture of recognition, where achievements are celebrated collectively.
Community activities and social responsibility programmes further unite our team, reinforcing the notion that every stakeholder, from top management to frontline staff, plays a crucial role in shaping our employee experience.
Q Do you have words of wisdom to share with others in the industry on the best ways to keep your employee experience consistent and beautiful?
Creating a consistent and beautiful employee experience requires a holistic approach:
Commitment: Stay true to core values and goals.
Authenticity: Foster genuine connections and trust.
Adaptability: Be flexible to accommodate diverse needs and changing circumstances.
Inclusivity: Ensure that every voice is heard and valued.
Engagement: Foster open communication and empower employees to contribute.
Recognition: Acknowledge and celebrate achievements to boost morale.
Wellbeing: Prioritise physical, mental, and emotional health.
Innovation: Embrace new ideas and technologies to enhance the experience.
Purpose: Connect employees' roles to a greater mission and vision.
By integrating these principles into your employee experience strategy, you can create a workplace environment that is not only consistent but also inspiring and fulfilling for your employees.
Q Finally, what is the positive impact of employee experience that you’ve seen on the business as well as the workforce?
The positive impact of our employee experience strategy is shown in our retention rates and business performance. Over 50% of our workforce has been with us for more than a decade, contributing to stability and productivity. This loyalty fosters a positive workplace culture, enhancing customer satisfaction and overall performance.
Our inclusive practices and community involvement have strengthened our brand reputation, attracting top talent.
Ultimately, a happy and engaged workforce leads to a resilient business, driving growth and success in all areas.
Read more interviews on why organisations have won trophies for their HR practices - head over to our Winning Secrets section!
Lead image / Provided
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