Job growth, automation and diversity to dominate 2018

THE YEAR 2018 is officially underway and in the world of HR in Singapore, things are looking positive. Singapore's economy grew 3.5 per cent in 2017, exceeding expectations, and hiring across several industries has risen.

But also on the rise are new technologies and disrupting business models, which are reshaping industries and workforces. Equally, calls for a more diverse and inclusive workforce are getting louder, with opportunities for women and contract roles expanding.

Simply put, the way we work, hire, and do business is fundamentally changing. These developments are particularly important for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which represent 70 per cent of Singapore's workforce but don't necessarily have the financial wherewithal to navigate the shifts.