There is now a new agency to help companies transform their workplace to be future-ready.
It was launched by the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) with the support of Workforce Singapore (WSG) and is called SNEF Agency for Productivity Practices, Human Resource and Industrial Relations (SAPPHIRE).
Speaking at the launch on 16 February 2017, Manpower Minister Lim Swee Say gave the assurance that government agencies will give full support to SAPPHIRE.
Five Key Programmes
In a joint statement, SNEF and WSG said that SAPPHIRE will have five basic programmes to help employers trigger the transformation process in their companies.
These programmes will cover integrating older workers into their workforce, developing progressive HR practices, making lifelong learning a culture in the company, introducing lean management practices into a company’s operations and focusing on investments in technology and skills upgrading.
“Deep within the earth, under intense pressure and heat, ordinary rocks are transformed into precious stones. As we gear up for the future, many of our SMEs are feeling the heat and pressure too.
“I encourage them to join SAPPHIRE, transform today, to become lean and growing enterprises in our innovation-driven economy of tomorrow,” said Minister Lim.
NTUC Welcomes SAPPHIRE
Also welcoming SAPPHIRE was NTUC President Mary Liew who described it as a timely and proactive approach by SNEF to help companies, especially the SMEs to move forward in a fast changing economy.
“I am confident that together with the support of our tripartite partners, SAPPHIRE will help companies to scale up to raise productivity and embrace good practices so that businesses can be transformed and positively impact the lives of our working people", said President Liew.
Source: NTUC This week
