Issue #273 - 11 October 2021 Dear Subscriber, |
|
Flexibility: The Key to Post-Pandemic Staff Retention?
HR practitioners have had to deal with multiple challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic started ─ guiding the workplace transition from physical to virtual, implementing alternative working models that ensure business operations could continue in the best way possible, and taking care of employees' wellbeing and safety are some of them. Now, as more and more economies open up and business regains momentum, another challenge may yet loom ahead: staff retention.
Findings of a UK study by Westfield Health entitled “Emergency Exit: Preventing a talent drain in the UK workforce” featured by the British Chambers of Commerce last week have shown that over half of the UK workforce ─ 16 million workers ─ are looking to change jobs in the next six months, potentially costing UK businesses an estimated GBP48.2 billion in recruitment and posing a substantial threat to the long-awaited post-pandemic recovery. Reasons cited were mental health concerns, burnout and long work hours during the pandemic. Career aspirations appear to have shifted in alignment with new-found priorities that include better work-life balance and wellbeing.
Significantly, however, when asked what companies could do to stem the exodus, 83% of the respondents said that they would stay if their employers made changes, such as offering flexible and remote working options, increasing pay and offering more wellbeing support. Almost half of the respondents view flexibility to be more important than before the pandemic.
Similarly, in Malaysia, a survey by BMCC member IPSOS entitled "Are We Ready to be Back in the Office?" revealed that 74% of the respondents want flexibility in the amount of time they spend going to the office, while 71% felt more productive with a flexible work schedule. A sizeable 40% said they would consider changing jobs if their employers expect them to work away from home full time.
Commenting on the Malaysian scenario, Lars Erik Lie, Associate Director, Ipsos Public Affairs said, "Malaysian employees believe flexibility is the answer to their needs ─ productivity, engagement, and a stress-free environment.
"Employers who fail to understand this need are at the risk of losing talents. Thus, beyond an attractive perk, workplace/schedule flexibility will be a default requirement post-pandemic.”
As employees become more discerning of their company's work culture and approach towards flexibility, now is the opportune time for HR teams to rethink and/or refine their policies on flexible working, not only to retain high-performing employees but also to enhance employer branding and attract quality talent in the post-pandemic business landscape. |
|
Two Weeks to Malaysia Climate Action Week! Have You Registered? The Malaysia Climate Action Week programme is now up on our event microsite, where you can get the latest updates on our line-up of exciting events and speakers! Register now for five days of impactful webinars leading up to COP26! From 25 to 29 October 2021, join prominent thought and business leaders in pertinent discussions on leading-edge climate action initiatives and the much-needed transition to a zero-carbon future: - Incorporating ESG Practices into Your Business (Monday, 25 October, 3.00pm - 4.45pm [MYT])
- How Climate Governance is Shaping Corporations around the World (Tuesday, 26 October, 3.30pm - 4.30pm [MYT])
- Accelerating Transition into Sustainable Energy (Wednesday, 27 October, 3.00pm - 4.45pm [MYT])
- Creating Climate Smart Cities towards Net Zero Ambitions (Thursday, 28 October, 3.00pm - 4:30pm [MYT])
- Race to Net Zero Supply Chains (Friday, 29 October, 10.00am - 11.30am [MYT])
- Climate Change and Food (Friday, 29 October, 3.00pm - 4.00pm [MYT])
|
|
|
Share Your Green Initiatives with Us!
In line with the BMCC’s decision to make sustainability and building a green economy in the digital era one of our focus themes for 2021, we launched the Green edition of our e-newsletter on 22 February 2021 and have published eight issues since then! Check out the September issue here.
Moving forward till the end of this year, the last weekly e-newsletter of every month will continue to be published as the Green edition to share only contents related to climate change and sustainable finance. We continue to reach out to our members for newsletter content related to your green business initiatives, particularly in the areas of climate change and sustainable finance.
Please drop an email to comms@bmcc.org.my if you have relevant story ideas, thought leadership articles, news stories or achievements to share with us.
We look forward to hearing from you! |
|
|
British Chambers of Commerce | BCC Monthly Economic Review – October 2021
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC)'s October Monthly Economic Review has been published . This briefing is BCC's analysis of the key UK and international economic indicators for business. This month's headlines: - UK economic growth weakened in July as service sector output flatlines.
- Inflation in the UK reaches its highest rate since 2012 as job vacancies climb to a new record high.
- BCC forecasts a fall in business investment this year as headwinds mount.
Download the review here.
|
|
|
APEC CEO Summit 2021 (11-12 November 2021) On 11 and 12 November 2021, New Zealand will host the APEC CEO Summit online. APEC brings together political leaders from 21 economies and attracts significant numbers of CEOs from across the Asia Pacific region. The summit features thought-provoking keynote speakers and presentations from global leaders across a number of sessions including: - The state of the world, with and post-Covid including economic recovery and trade.
- The digital disruption opportunity including technology and innovation, digital transformation, and the importance of digital equity.
- The primacy of trust, including sustainability and business as a force for good.
- The sustainability imperative, including sustainable growth, climate change, food sustainability and provenance.
- The future of energy, including clean tech, renewable energy, and energy transition including hydrogen.
Be part of the conversation at the most important meeting of business and government in the Asia-Pacific. More about the summit here.
|
|
|
insigHT2021 (16-18 November 2021) The BMCC is collaborating with the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) as SUPPORTING PARTNER at insigHT2021, a three-day virtual conference for the healthcare travel industry happening on 16-18 November 2021.
Join us to collaborate with key regional healthcare travel industry players as we strategise our business into 2022.
|
|
|
Sterling Member Spotlight | Meet Alan Stevens, Master / CEO, Marlborough College Malaysia
In this issue, we speak to Alan Stevens, Master / CEO of Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM), which was founded in 2012 as a not-for-profit extension of the 178-year-old celebrated UK school. Today, MCM is represented by pupils from 45 countries, six boarding houses, close to 400 employees and a 5-Star “Cemerlang” rating from the Ministry of Education.
Alan speaks proudly of MCM's world-class provision and innovation, and the string of international awards the college has won even while operating under lockdown disruptions. Notably, Alan appreciates the level of acceptance and legitimacy of the independent school sector in Malaysia and sees it as an advantage for industry players. He also values the BMCC as a powerful advocate and source of support to help business flourish.
|
|
|
Inter-state Movement Now Allowed for Fully Vaccinated Individuals
Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that inter-state movement for fully vaccinated individuals will be allowed effective 11 October 2021, as the fully vaccinated rate for the adult population has reached 90%. The government is also allowing fully vaccinated Malaysians to travel abroad without MyTravelPass from 11 October onwards. The key highlights of the announcement are below: - The government agrees that the inter-state movement will be allowed starting 11 October.
- Inter-state travel is allowed only for those who have completed two doses of vaccination.
- Tourism activities in all states are allowed.
- Permission for inter-state movement does not apply to PKPD (EMCO) areas or localities.
- The government allows fully vaccinated Malaysians to travel abroad without MyTravelPass effective 11 October but they will still have to observe the mandatory quarantine period upon their return.
- The Prime Minister reminded the people not to be complacent, and that regulations under Act 342 are still in force.
Prime Minister’s Speech (BM) here.
Prime Minister’s Speech (Unofficial English version**) here.
** Unofficial English translation by the BMCC in collaboration with AmCham. |
|
EY | Building Successful Digital Ecosystems in Southeast Asia In this webinar, EY leaders and guest speakers from the industry will share and discuss their experience in leveraging digital ecosystems as a vital strategy, and the opportunities across key sectors that companies can capitalize on to build successful digital ecosystems in SEA.
Date: Wednesday, 13 October 2021 Time: 11.00am (MYT) View EY-Parthenon related study here.
|
|
|
International SOS | Making Mental Wellbeing a Reality
After more than 18 months of living with the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, are you and your employees feeling burned out? With World Mental Health Day coming up this 10 October, it’s an opportunity for organisations to think about how to make employee mental wellbeing a sustainable reality, while also empowering people to look after their own wellbeing. This webinar will aim to share best practices from other organisations which are leading the way with holistic employee mental wellbeing programmes. Programmes that drive benefits like employee productivity, Sustainable Development Goals, talent attraction & retention, reduced healthcare utilisation costs, and Duty of Care.
Date: Wednesday, 13 October 2021 Time: 2.30pm - 3.30pm (MYT)
|
|
|
InvestKL | InvestKL Update: BITL Series 2021
The inaugural InvestKL Update: BITL series 2021 is a virtual and month-long curation of informative update sessions on various topics, covering business, innovation, talent and liveability (BITL). This series of talks is the capstone event of InvestKL’s Business Ecosystem Collaboration programme (BEC) that will feature a distinguished group of industry leaders and government representatives to share their expert thoughts, experiences and updates.
Date: Thursday, 14 October 2021
Book your preferred slot(s) here and share your questions to the speakers in the same form as we will be having a Q & A for each topic. |
|
|
Orchid Leadership Coaching & Consultancy | ICLS 2021
ICF Malaysia Charter Chapter’s ICLS 2021 (International Coaching & Leadership Summit) Virtual Event brings participants the opportunity of discovery and connection, in addition to shared reflective learning, networking and growth potential, whilst learning together among the most elite leadership and coaching minds in Asia and the global business and coaching community. Tickets are HRDC claimable for registered employers, with up to 28.5 CCEU for ICF Member Coaches.
Date: Monday, 8 November - Thursday, 18 November 2021
|
|
|
IUMW | An Unparalleled Lineup of Speakers Have Come to Share their Secrets @ IAC 2021
On 26-28 October 2021, the International University of Malaya-Wales (IUMW) will stream the all-in-one International Academic Conference 2021 (IAC 2021) that will bring you closer to leading industry and academic players than ever before.
We bring you five Insightful Panels with renowned experts for live discussions and Q&A sessions under the conference theme, Digitalisation in Transformation: Bridging Academia & Industry, giving you unique insights and takeaways for your business, career or professional growth as well as: - Never seen before Research Presentations
- Project Showcase from top student talent pools
- Professional Workshop Series
- Speed Networking
|
|
|
British Council | Study UK Smart Talk Webinar Series and Alumni Awards 2021-22
Check out the latest Study UK highlights from the British Council this week:
The Study UK Smart Talk Webinar Series brings the best of British and Malaysian talent to give inspirational talks to young people. Sign up and attend to the sessions with Dr Amalina Bakri, Ian Yee, Celyn Bricker and Danial Rahman.
The Study UK Alumni Awards 2021-22 are open! Winners can expect recognition on the global stage, a professional development grant worth GBP 500 and a professional networking trip to the UK. Apply here now! |
|
|
The International School @ Parkcity | ISP Online Open Day
We invite you to join our Online Open Day on Saturday, 23 October 2021 via video conference. The Online Open day will start at 11:00 am and will be led by Mr Jonathan Turner, Principal of ISP. He will be joined by the Head of Primary School, Miss Rebecca Findlay and Mr Simon Taylor, Head of Secondary School.
The invitation link will then be sent nearer to the date of the Online Open Day. |
|
|
Milestone Healthcare | Orient Gene RTK Antigen Test Kit Special Promotion
SPECIAL OFFER! RM7.90 per unit of Orient Gene RTK Antigen Test Kit*.
MDA-approved for professional use. Widely used in hospitals and clinics with 98.74% proven accuracy.
*While stocks last |
|
|
Marlborough College Malaysia ─ Online Admissions Morning
Outstanding academic results, in the top 2% of schools globally who offer IB, international award-winning pastoral care set within a 90-acre purpose-built site that includes an organic farm, golf driving range and lake for watersports.
Marlborough College Malaysia is in the top 15 schools in SE Asia and the top 100 schools globally by Spear's Schools Index 2021.
The Master invites you to come meet the staff and see the site. - UK National Curriculum, IGCSE & IB Diploma
- Age 3 to 18 years
- Co-educational boarding and day school
- Full co-curricular programme within the school day
- Lifelong membership of the Old Marlburian worldwide network
Date: Saturday, 16 October 2021 Time: 9.00am (MYT )
|
|
|
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia | BfM Podcast: The Power of Positive Education
An Interview with Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi, Provost and CEO of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
It’s safe to say that everyone is experiencing a level of heightened adversity at the moment, but what are our leaders, academic institutions, and policymakers doing to provide the current generations and incoming workforce with the right knowledge and skills? Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi, Provost and CEO of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, discusses the power of positive education.
Listen to the podcast here. |
|
|
British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce Berhad 201801018075 (1280091-P) E04C0, 4th Floor East Block, Wisma Golden Eagle Realty, 142-B Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur Copyright © BMCC 2021 |
|
|
