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According to Esther Er, Senior HR Manager, SE-ASIA Pacific/Taiwan, embedding its refreshed ABC values – Always care, Be curious, Create impact – into everyday practice helped IMI bridge generational divides and build a workplace where collaboration, inclusivity, and purpose fuel performance.
When IMI launched its 'One IMI' business operating model in 2024, the goal was clear: align business growth with a people‑first agenda under a shared purpose. For the Process Automation team in Singapore, this meant tackling one of the most pressing challenges in modern workplaces – fostering unity across generations.
The answer lay in refreshed ABC values that encouraged empathy, curiosity, and meaningful contributions. Through transparent communication, creative engagement campaigns, and employee‑led initiatives, the team turned potential divides into opportunities for collaboration.
Today, IMI’s Singapore workplace stands as proof that when values are lived daily, they spark belonging, innovation, and sustainable success across every generation – earning the team a gold win for 'Excellence in Cross Generational Workforce Management' at the HR Excellence Awards 2025, Singapore.
We learn about the team's winning efforts in this interview with Esther Er, Senior HR Manager, SE-ASIA Pacific/Taiwan, IMI.
Q Tell us about your inspiring HR initiative – what sparked the idea, and how did you know it was the right path to take?
In 2024, IMI embarked on a transformative journey with the launch of the One IMI business operating model—aligning business goals with our people agenda under a shared purpose.
This sparked a key HR initiative—cross-generational workforce engagement—to bridge generational gaps and foster collaboration. To build an inclusive, high-performing culture, we embedded refreshed ABC values: Always care, Be curious, Create impact.
These values promote empathy, continuous learning, and shared purpose:
- Always care – Prioritising empathy and wellbeing
- Be curious – Encouraging exploration and diverse perspectives
- Create impact – Empowering meaningful contributions
We knew we were on the right path when we saw stronger intergenerational collaboration and a renewed sense of belonging across all levels. Our global Employee Value Proposition (EVP) further enhances the employee experience across three pillars:
- Nurture Your World – well-being and benefits
- Thrive in Our World – growth and inclusivity
- Build a Better World – purpose and impact
This initiative not only supports our growth strategy—it ensures every generation feels valued, heard, and equipped to shape a 'Better Working World'.
Q Every journey has its ups and downs – can you share a challenge your team faced and how you worked through it together?
One of our biggest challenges was securing employee buy-in during the rollout of the One IMI operating model. Embedding this transformation required more than structural change—it called for deep engagement across generations and functions.
We tackled this through transparency, consistent communication, and creative engagement. HR aligned initiatives with strategic growth pillars, reinforcing each employee’s role in our shared success. KPIs were tracked monthly and shared during townhalls to maintain visibility and alignment.
To bridge generational gaps, we launched a multi-channel communication strategy using Workvivo, townhalls, and focus groups. Initiatives like Value Activation Workshops, Bias Awareness Training, and the IMI Learn platform helped internalise our ABC values.
Creative campaigns like the One IMI Team Music Anthem and TikTok Talent Showcase—centered on amplifying our ABC Values—energised employee engagement. At the same time, our cross-functional Culture Committee and IMI Way Day events deepened pride and belonging. These collective efforts boosted engagement across generations and led to our Singapore office earning Great Place to Work® certification.
Q What impact has this initiative had on your organisation so far, and what do you hope it inspires in the wider HR community?
IMI’s culture transformation has delivered strong business impact and elevated employee engagement. Our renewed focus on values contributed to improved health and safety outcomes, with a safer work environment across sites. In May 2025, our Singapore office earned Great Place to Work® certification, reflecting our commitment to workplace excellence. Engagement scores rose significantly, with 93% of employees in our One Big Voice survey feeling empowered to help IMI grow. Attrition among regret leavers dropped to 0% in 2024 and 2025. We continue to foster a diverse working environment in which female representation is nearly at 50% this year.
Innovation also surged in 2024 with Growth Hub projects generating £149 million in global orders, driven by a culture of agility and cross-generational collaboration.
These results show that embedding values and fostering a high-performance culture directly contribute to business growth.
We hope this inspires the wider HR community to see culture not just as a people initiative, but as a strategic lever—where values-driven engagement leads to sustainable business performance and a thriving, inclusive workforce.
Q Looking back, is there a moment, person, or value that kept you and your team motivated throughout the journey?
What kept us motivated was a deep belief that our people are our greatest asset. As HR practitioners, we are the architects of a culture that prioritises wellbeing, inclusion, and growth—anchored in our ABC values: Always care, Be curious, Create impact. These values guided every initiative and decision, shaping a workplace where every generation could thrive.
Inspiration came from seeing our people embrace change, share ideas, and support one another. Initiatives like wellness check-ins, our Culture Committee, and creative engagement platforms reminded us that when people feel valued, they bring their best selves to work.
Fuelled by ideation and a futuristic mindset, I was inspired by how our team transformed vision into reality. Together, we harnessed collective energy and self-assurance to turn challenges into breakthroughs—bringing our purpose to life: 'Breakthrough Engineering for a Better World'.
Q If you could offer one golden nugget of wisdom to HR professionals aiming for excellence, what would it be?
Design with purpose, lead with heart. HR excellence begins when we see ourselves as architects of culture. Prioritise people wellbeing, build inclusive systems, and let your values guide every decision. When you empower individuals to thrive, you unlock collective potential. Lean into your strengths to elevate impact. For me, ideation and a futuristic mindset fuel the ability to envision what’s possible and turn it into meaningful outcomes.
When HR leads with intention and humanity, we don’t just support the business—we transform it.
Read more interviews on why organisations have won trophies for their HR practices - head over to our Winning Secrets section!
Images: Provided
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