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Yvonne Chan, Head of People and Culture, believes that engaging in cross-departmental activities helps employees forge stronger connections with the organisation, build new relationships, and develop a shared sense of purpose that often extends beyond their immediate roles.
At Jardine Engineering (Singapore), people development isn’t confined to a single initiative — it’s a well-oiled ecosystem. The company has demonstrated a strong, holistic commitment to nurturing talent at every level.
At the Employee Experience Awards 2025 in Singapore, the team was recognised for the following awards:
- Gold for Best Executive Coaching Programme;
- Silver for Best Campus Recruitment Strategy, and
- Bronze for Best HR Communication Strategy.
According to Yvonne Chan, Head of People and Culture, Jardine Engineering (Singapore), much of this success stems from fostering cross-departmental collaboration. By encouraging employees to engage beyond their core roles — whether through projects, committees, or bonding activities — the company cultivates stronger connections, fresh perspectives, and a shared sense of purpose that amplifies every HR effort.
When asked how the team defines "employee experience", and what aspects they prioritise most, Chan shares: "At Jardine Engineering Singapore, we define employee experience (EX) as the entire journey an employee takes with us — from onboarding through every stage of their career. It encompasses how they feel at work, what they learn, and how supported and valued they are throughout their time with the company.
"As someone who leads with empathy and a people-first mindset, I’ve anchored my leadership around the way we engage, the way we get things done, and the way we think. This philosophy empowers my team of Freshmakers to be intentional in how we listen, respond, and act — always with our employees' needs in mind."
I encourage the team to approach employee experience with both heart and structure, so that our efforts bring real, lasting value to the people we serve.
We prioritise key pillars that drive a fulfilling experience: training opportunities, career development, employee wellbeing, and recognition. These efforts are grounded in a culture of open communication and inclusivity — ensuring every employee feels heard, respected, and genuinely part of our Jardintarians’ family.
Q Can you walk us through your most high-impact EX initiative that led to your success at the awards this year? What business need did it solve, and how was success measured?
Our most impactful EX initiative was our training framework, which earned us a gold award. It was designed to address performance gaps, high turnover, and a lack of leadership succession. The framework offers structured training tailored to different levels, focusing on both upskilling and reskilling. Key components include internal training, on-the-job learning, soft skills development, and business-aligned learning paths. Participation is directly linked to KPIs and career progression, fostering a performance-driven learning culture.
Success was reflected in a notable increase in employee engagement, demonstrated by higher participation rates in training programmes, a significant reduction in executive-level resignations, and a marked rise in internal promotions over recent years. The framework has not only enhanced retention and productivity but also supported sustained capability building throughout all levels of the workforce.
Q How do you balance personalised employee needs with scalable EX programmes?
We balance personalisation with scale by offering a flexible, employee-centric learning model. Our Training Framework enables employees to select learning paths that align with their specific roles and career aspirations while still supporting company-wide KPIs. This autonomy ensures that development remains both relevant and motivating.
The framework is supported by a blend of training modes, including internal training sessions, on- the-job learning, work-study programs in collaboration with institutions, and support for employee-driven learning objectives. This creates a consistent yet adaptable development experience.
By embedding learning into our performance appraisal process, we reinforce accountability without limiting individual preferences. The programme is scalable across roles and departments yet personalised enough to support diverse aspirations and development goals.
Q What are some underappreciated drivers of employee engagement that you think deserve more attention?
One often-overlooked driver of employee engagement is cross-functional collaboration. Employees who participate in initiatives beyond their core responsibilities — such as cross-departmental projects, company-wide team bonding activities, or serving on company committee — often develop a stronger connection to the organisation. These experiences broaden their perspectives, build new relationships, and instill a sense of shared purpose that may not be achieved within their immediate roles.
Another underrated factor is the celebration of small wins. While major milestones often take the spotlight, recognising everyday achievements — such as improving a work process, handling a difficult customer with professionalism, or stepping up to support a colleague — can significantly boost morale. These moments may seem minor but acknowledging them shows employees that their ongoing efforts matter. Regular, meaningful recognition fosters a culture of appreciation and motivation, driving deeper engagement and a more connected workplace.
Q Finally, what is the most important message that you'd like to share with your team as you plan ahead?
To my incredible Jardintarians: your dedication, resilience, and passion are what drive us forward every day. As we look ahead, let’s reaffirm our commitment to fostering a workplace culture that embraces diversity, champions inclusivity, and empowers every individual to thrive.
As someone who believes in leading with empathy, openness, and collaboration, I am dedicated to creating a work environment where every voice matters and everyone feels empowered to grow.
"I strongly believe that when we support one another and recognise the strengths each individual brings, we build not only better teams — but a stronger, more inclusive culture."
Looking forward to the future, let’s continue nurturing a high-performance environment that also cares deeply about people. Let’s invest in growth, create space for development, and celebrate our differences — because it’s those differences that make us stronger.
Together, we’re shaping more than just success — we’re cultivating a culture we can all take pride in. I’m excited for what lies ahead and have full confidence in our ability to move forward as one united, future-ready team.
Read more interviews on why organisations have won trophies for their HR practices - head over to our Winning Secrets section!
Photos: Provided
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