Toolkit to help SMEs better attract & retain talents launched

SINGAPORE: Companies now have an additional resource — Enhanced HR Capability Toolkit — to help them manage their human resources (HR) and to better attract and retain talents.

It is jointly developed by SPRING Singapore and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF).

Launched on Saturday by Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Mr Lee Yi Shyan, the toolkit aims to improve and strengthen small and medium enterprise (SME) human resource capabilities by addressing HR gaps and promoting good HR practices.

Mr Lee announced this at the opening of Sheng Siong’s HQ, Warehouse & Distribution Centre.

An example he cited was Sheng Siong’s new Pick—to—Light and the Put—to—light Warehouse Management System.

Workers scan their fingerprints and collect goods according to the numeric display on the racks and system of coloured lights.

This has increased workers’ efficiency in order picking by 30 per cent and reduced errors.

The enhanced toolkit has two new modules — talent management and succession planning, and employee relations.

This is on top of the existing areas which cover manpower planning, recruitment and selection, compensation and benefits, performance management, learning and development, and career management.

Since the toolkit was started in November 2008, some 3,800 SMEs have benefited from the free HR advisory and information services provided. 180 SMEs have undertaken HR capability development projects.

Mr Lee said he hopes more companies will benefit from this enhanced toolkit.

A dedicated HR portal has also been developed as a resource platform for companies to access case studies of best HR practices. Companies can also locate advisory services offered by HR consultants and other HR—related events and articles.

Mr Lee said in this tight labour market, companies will do well if they have effective recruitment and retention strategies.

— CNA/ck