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"We 'Win Together' by working as one team and celebrating each other’s successes. We 'Act with Integrity,' making sure we do what is right, even when it’s tough. And we 'Care for All,' looking out for our colleagues and the wider community," Shayne Ang, Head of People Experience, Singapore, shares.
At Sime Motors Singapore, building a workplace where everyone feels supported has always been a core priority. As the organisation navigated evolving challenges — from the COVID-19 pandemic to rapid industry shifts and rising employee expectations, the HR team doubled down on one mission: to champion work-life harmony, recognition, and genuine care.
Through employee surveys, focus groups, and even day-to-day check-ins, the team stayed closely connected to what people truly needed. This commitment to listening and responding meaningfully paved the way for a remarkable achievement: clinching the gold award for 'Excellence in Work-Life Harmony' at the HR Excellence Awards 2025, Singapore.
In this interview, Shayne Ang, Head of People Experience, Singapore, Sime Motors Singapore, discusses how work-life harmony is more than just about having the flashiest programmes. Instead, it’s about understanding people on a human level and co-creating solutions that empower leaders across the organisation.
Q Tell us about your inspiring HR initiative – what sparked the idea, and how did you know it was the right path to take?
Our work-life harmony journey started with a simple goal: to make Sime Motors Singapore a better place to work for everyone. After the pandemic, we faced new challenges, shifting industry landscape and changing employee expectations. We listened through surveys, focus groups, and everyday conversations. What we heard was loud and clear: people wanted work-life harmony, recognition, and care.
So, we put together a plan that included flexible work arrangements, holistic wellness programmes, and a culture of appreciation. We didn’t know if it would be the right approach, but early feedback and seeing people’s morale improved showed us that we were heading in the right direction. Our guiding principle was always to put people first.
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 the biggest challenges was digital adoption by the employees, especially our frontline and blue-collar colleagues. Some were unsure/unfamiliar about the new digital tools and/or apps. They were skeptical to download or participate in the planned activities. We worked through this by running digital clinics, appointing change champions, and making sure our programmes were flexible and inclusive.
We checked in, listened to feedback, and celebrated small wins together. By listening, supporting each other and adapting along the journey, we slowly turned hesitation into enthusiasm.
Q What impact has this initiative had on your organisation so far, and what do you hope it inspires in the wider HR community?
Our initiatives have transformed Sime Motors Singapore into a more connected, resilient, and future-ready organisation. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a remarkable shift: employees are more engaged, energised, and proud to be part of our journey.
Where there was once uncertainty, there’s now a sense of belonging and shared purpose. Attrition rate nose-dived, employee engagement scores soared, and our workplace is now buzzing with new ideas and collaboration. Not forgetting the positive business impact that we see when the employees are engaged.
At the end of the day, we care for our employees, and they can feel it. Whether it’s through our wellness programmes, flexible work arrangements, or simply making time to listen, people know they matter here. This genuine care has strengthened our culture, boosted morale, and made Sime Motors a place where people want to be. We hope our story encourages other HR teams to embrace holistic, inclusive strategies, showing that when you put people first, you create a ripple effect of positivity and performance that benefits everyone.
Q Looking back, is there a moment, person, or value that kept you and your team motivated throughout the journey?
Putting people first kept us grounded through every challenge. Communication was key, whether it was through townhalls, team huddles, or just honest one-to-one conversations; we made sure everyone’s voices were heard. We tracked our progress, always trying to balance what’s best for our people with the company’s goals.
Our Sime Darby Values guided us every step of the way. We 'Win Together' by working as one team and celebrating each other’s successes. We 'Act with Integrity',” making sure we do what is right, even when it’s tough. And we 'Care for All', looking out for our colleagues and the wider community.
These aren’t just words on a wall. Our senior leaders walk the talk; showing up, recognising staff, and championing wellbeing causes.
These genuine approaches built trust and brought us closer together. In the end, it’s about creating a workplace where people feel valued, motivated, and proud to be part of the journey."
Q If you could offer one golden nugget of wisdom to HR professionals aiming for excellence, what would it be?
Listen empathetically and act boldly. Excellence in HR isn’t about having the flashiest programmes, it’s about understanding our people’s real needs, co-creating solutions, and being willing to adapt. Celebrate small wins, empower leaders at every level, and never underestimate the power of recognition and inclusion. When we put people at the heart of every decision, we will build a culture that not only survives change but thrives on it.
Read more interviews on why organisations have won trophies for their HR practices - head over to our Winning Secrets section!
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