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Employees always come first no matter what, Paulene Chong, Head of Human Resources, MCC Singapore, tells us – even in a changing world with evolving company and employee needs.
Since its establishment about three decades ago, MCC Singapore, part of Fortune Global 500 company Metallurgical Corporation of China Ltd (MCC Group), has undergone several transformations and upgrades. Today, the firm’s core business includes investments, urban planning and development, property development, project management, construction, as well as community service.
At the 2022 HR Excellence Awards in Singapore, MCC Singapore's HR team was the proud winner of the silver award for Best HR Team (MNC). In this interview, let's hear from Paulene Chong, Head of Human Resources, MCC Singapore (pictured above, second from left), on how an intense focus on the employee experience, through partnerships with the leadership team, have played a part in this win.
Q Congratulations on the achievement! Could you take us through the highs and lows of your winning strategy?
In MCC Singapore, we aim to provide our employees with a set of unique employee value proposition (EVP) that encompasses components such as career progression, leadership, culture and value, and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), that enables us to identify and retain our talents which these have proven its effectiveness as it has enabled us to stay competitive in the dynamic global economy.
Striking a balance between the company’s needs and a positive employee experience (EX) is always challenging. However, it could be done right with powerful and successful elements such as supportive leadership and employee engagement. Powering up employee engagement with supportive leaders by creating an inclusive work environment in which all employees are given an equal opportunity to contribute to their fullest potential, and fostering a sense of belonging with ownership are the keys to success.
Q How did the HR team identify and align the business & employee needs, and craft out this perfect solution?
In these years, the world has changed, and the responsibilities of companies and employee needs have evolved too. But a simple rule that never changes no matter what comes by in MCC is, employees always come first before anything!
Our supportive leaders have regular and open discussions with management members to explore new trends, refine the organisational culture, and expand current strategies to reach out to a wider scope of talent beyond Singapore and Asia. As we continue to deepen our sustainability strategies and with the leverage of digitalisation and technology, it enables us to expand our business and bring our people beyond Singapore and around the world.
Q Could you share the results that your strategy has delivered – be it on the business, HR, or people side?
It is a war for talent right now in the competitive market, every single company is competing for talent, and this is why EX has been so important to us. From hiring to retirement, we integrate innovative programmes in every stage of an employee’s journey with us. This starts with a series of informative and structured onboarding programmes to get new employees to understand the company’s direction to individual responsibilities that create a sense of confidence and commitment to the company, and what lies ahead.
With the collaborative efforts to build an inclusive and meaningful workplace that transforms individual happiness into collective purpose, we are excited to see a significant increase in employee satisfaction that reached a new high of 91% in 2021. The numbers reflected and recognised the efforts, culture, and values that we have delivered to our people.
Q What is your message to all the stakeholders who have supported you in this journey?
I would like to say a big “Thank You” to our leaders, managers, teams, and people!
Everyone has truly demonstrated the core values of MCC Singapore: have “Confidence” in yourself, be “Persistent” in what you are doing, carry out purposeful work with “Integrity”, and always be ready to “Support” one another at work.
We truly appreciate the belief and utmost trust that all of you have placed in us, and we are confident that MCC Singapore is the right place for like-minded and passionate talent like you to be with us, where together, we can build a better future and make MCC Singapore a better Home.
Q What are you most excited about when you think about the future of HR?
In today’s real world, companies have a broader business purpose where employees will also be looking forward to staying in a meaningful place to carry out purposeful and impactful work.
Company leaders and HR must work hand in hand, to foster a long-lasting culture and a deeper sense of purpose as culture paired with a purpose-driven mission shall inspire employees to realise their personal passion and aspiration. The achievement of how relevant stakeholders can integrate the company’s mission, vision, and purpose into an individual’s sense of purpose is extremely important for the organisation’s growth and employee engagement.
Moving forward and aligning with MCC Singapore’s mission – “Transforming Lives, Inspiring Society”, we are committed to building a better future together with our talented people, to make a difference in Singapore’s built environment, and in turn, transform the industry.
Image / Provided
Read more interviews on why organisations have won trophies for their HR practices - head over to our Winning Secrets section!
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