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Most businesses do not offer employees the soft skills training or flexible working policies needed to prepare for an inclusive workforce

 

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach - 30 May 2019 - The majority of hiring managers and employees in Asia Pacific see value in employing or working with mature workers, people with disabilities or special needs, and returning mothers, according to PERSOLKELLY's 2019 H1 APAC Workforce Insights report. However, most organisations are not fully preparing employees for a more inclusive work environment due to a lack of soft skills training or flexible working policies.

 

Diversity and inclusion coaching -- a key aspect of soft skills training -- is increasingly important in today's fast-changing workforce. Yet across the region, only 16 percent of respondents have access to diversity and inclusion trainings in their companies. China (23%), Thailand (22%) and Australia (22%) are the top three countries with such programmes in place.

 

In terms of the flexible working policies offered in Asia Pacific, more than half of respondents surveyed shared that they are not offered flexible working arrangements (61%) or family-friendly policies (67%).

 

"Organisations are facing different sets of challenges when it comes to driving workforce integration," said Jessica Ang, Regional Head of Corporate Brand Marketing, APAC, PERSOLKELLY. "To prepare for the transforming workforce and truly impact change, business leaders must engage with their employees to overcome challenges and champion an inclusive workforce."

 

Soft skills training and flexible working policies are identified as two key practices that can help dispel current misconceptions of working with mature workers, people with disabilities or special needs, and returning mothers.

 

Some of the concerns raised by respondents about working with mature workers and people with disabilities or special needs include their physical capabilities, ability to adapt to change and need for flexibility. For returning mothers, their perceived lack of availability and focus are cited as top issues.

 

Across the region, Vietnam and China have the highest levels of concern about working with mature workers (96% and 95% respectively), people with disabilities or special needs (92% and 93%), as well as returning mothers (91% and 93%).

 

While concerns exist, returning mothers are appreciated for their ability to multi-task and focus. 95 percent of respondents recognise the benefits of having mature workers in the workforce, citing their experience as the main advantage.

 

Similarly, receptivity towards hiring and working with people with disabilities or special needs is high (83%). These groups of workers are seen as being able to provide an additional perspective to business challenges and are regarded as loyal employees.

 

"It is evident that there are many benefits to having an inclusive workforce. To promote and manage a more inclusive workforce, businesses need to equip their employees with the right set of skills. Trainings such as soft skills development and flexible and family-friendly work arrangements will also benefit organisations as they can improve employee satisfaction and retention," adds Ang. "In addition, such offerings can enable mature workers, people with disabilities or special needs, and returning mothers fulfil their potential at work."

 

To help organisations prepare for the workforce of the future, PERSOLKELLY outlines a Total Transformation Framework within the 2019 H1 APAC Workforce Insights report, available for download here.

About PERSOLKELLY’s APAC Workforce Insights

PERSOLKELLY and Ipsos undertook quantitative research with hiring managers and candidates across Asia Pacific in January -- February 2019. The survey focused specifically on the perceptions around working with people aged 55 years and above, people with disabilities or special needs, and returning mothers, specifically around the benefits and concerns of working with each group. The survey also sought to understand the various trainings available in the business around APAC and the level of satisfaction employees had with these trainings. The data and insights are based on the responses of 7,277 hiring managers and candidates. Percentages will not always total to 100% as respondents could select more than one option for certain questions.

About PERSOLKELLY

PERSOLKELLY is one of the largest HR solutions companies in Asia Pacific that provides comprehensive end-to-end workforce solutions. It combines resources and operational expertise of its key brands i.e., Kelly Services, Capita, PERSOL in Asia Pacific, First Alliances, BTI Executive Search, and PERSOLKELLY Consulting.

 

Headquartered in Singapore, PERSOLKELLY spans over 50 offices across 13 countries/regions including: Australia, mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

 

PERSOLKELLY is a joint venture between PERSOL Holdings, Japan's second largest recruitment firm and Kelly Services Inc., a global leader in workforce solutions.

 

For more information, please visit www.persolkelly.com

Source http://www.media-outreach.com/release.php/View/8867#Contact