TECHNOLOGY IS KEY TO THRIVE IN THE NEW NORMAL OF WORK: GLOBAL HEAD OF HR, BANK OF SINGAPORE

THESE ARE INDEED CHALLENGING AND UNCERTAIN TIMES. OUR ROLES AND NEW WORKING ARRANGEMENTS WOULD BE DIFFERENT AND ORGANIZATIONS AND EMPLOYEES NEED TO EFFECTIVELY ADJUST AND PIVOT TOWARDS THIS 'NEW NORMAL', SAYS JEFFREY CHIAM, GLOBAL HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCES, BANK OF SINGAPORE, IN AN INTERACTION WITH PEOPLE MATTERS

- Mastufa Ahmed

Jeff has more than 20 years of HR experience in global financial institutions, of which about 10 years are senior HR appointments in the private banking business.

Jeff was previously Regional Human Resources Manager of ING Private Bank and subsequently Head Human Resources Asia for Bank Julius Baer. Prior to joining Bank of Singapore, he was Managing Director, Organization, and People with Temasek Holdings responsible for employees in Singapore and international offices in China, India, U.S. and U.K.

Jeff holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree from Monash University, Australia on a Colombo Plan scholarship as well as a postgraduate Diploma in Education from the Institute of Education, Singapore.

What measures are you taking at Bank of Singapore to keep your employees safe along with keeping the business continuity plan intact? What are your top challenges?

The health and wellbeing of our employees are of paramount importance to us.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in February, we have put in place preventative measures at all our offices globally while ensuring business continuity across our network. Face masks were distributed to all employees, and hand sanitizers were placed in offices. Cleaning regimes in common areas such as the branch lobbies, lifts, corridors, and toilets were also stepped up. Staggered work hours and safe-distancing within the office premises were implemented as well. Similarly, spilled organizational operations and work from home arrangements have been implemented for the majority of employees. Employees whom we deem to be vulnerable - those who are pregnant or have pre-existing health conditions – are amongst this group.