Three tips to reduce the workforce gap

Recruitment agency Reeracoen has offered up Singapore-based employers three hiring tips to help them navigate a forecasted unemployment rate increase. Reeracoen's in-house forecast predicts Singapore's unemployment rate to increase between 2.72 to 3.62, according to its announcement. To close the workforce gap, the recruitment firm advised employers to "revisit" the following hiring strategies and expectations:

• Use recruitment experts to help employers match suitable candidates and vice versa to find the right fit the first time.
• Consider offering flexible working arrangements to allow for the hiring of semi-retired/ retired adults and stay-at-home parents.
• Decrease entry skill requirements, invest in tools and in-house training instead.

The advice to reduce entry requirements and boost in-house training comes as Singapore faces an "acute skills shortage," according to Reeracoen. It pointed out that by lowering expectations and offering further upskilling, employers can expand their wider pool by tapping on fresh graduates and those who may be shifting careers.

"We know of many Singapore workers who are seeking a career switch and fresh graduates trying to make a start in life," said Reeracoen Regional general manager Kosuke Soejima in statement. "These talents may not have all the experience and skills needed for certain jobs yet, but with upskilling, we believe they can do a good job."

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Reeracoen's efforts

The hiring agency took its own advice and implemented an "infrastructure" that trains fresh hires and those who finding a new career path. According to Reeracoen, this initiative grants new hires access to mentors, upskilling, as well as a strong support network.

It also plays a bigger part of their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in their recruitment and talent development, said Reeracoen.

"Our training programme ensures that everyone graduates with the essential skills needed to be a good adviser," said Reeracoen Group CEO Kenji Naito in a statement. "This model is a win-win for everyone and allows us to do our part to close the growing talent gap in Singapore and give back to the community we operate in by investing in its people."

According to the company, they hope to raise awareness among hiring managers so they can "challenge the status quo and think differently."