HR Magazine sat down with Peck Yeow Gan, Human Resources Director for Asia, AXA, to find out how her team are leading the way on gender equality in the workplace. In addition, we find out how she overcame some of the early challenges in her career.
How does the support you provide differ at different stages in people’s career?
For young executives who have just entered the workforce, we offer different types of training to hone their skills that are helpful for their career development. For mid-level women employees who are moving up the career ladder, we are in the process of developing more leadership courses, from individual empowerment such as self-defence lessons in Thailand to leadership programmes in Indonesia. For women employees who are starting a family or are mothers, we provide more diverse paid-leaves to accommodate their needs.
How do you deal with potential resistance from senior management?
It's about understanding that a diverse workplace is an asset, as women can contribute to greater diversity in approaches and perspectives. This can lead to better decision-making, more effective and successful collaboration and partnership.
How can you create an inclusive workplace culture?
Connecting with employees and gathering their thoughts regularly is an important part of it. We conduct a Pulse Survey among our employees on a bi-annual basis, which gauges their thoughts across a number of topics and asks for their ideas on how to make the company a better workplace. Ideas are then shared with the leadership team with recommendations provided.
How did you overcome some of the problems you've faced in the past?
I remember very well when I first started in the insurance world. I was unfamiliar with the industry, having been in the telecommunications industry for 20 years. It was a steep learning curve, particularly as the position I took had been vacant for 6 months.
I was overwhelmed by a new industry, new colleagues, many insurance-related acronyms that I was not previously exposed to, and above all, work that had been outstanding for months and a high attrition rate in the organisation. Nonetheless, I convinced myself that nothing is impossible. From that point onwards, I worked extremely hard, often the first to arrive in the office and the last to leave, including at weekends.
My efforts paid off and through this, I have learned that the right mindset and attitude can overcome any obstacle as long as you have the will.
What advice would you give to a young woman who is just starting her career?
Do not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and take on new challenges. I started my career with an HR role for the national transportation company in Singapore. During my stint there, I was rotated to manage various facets of the function, from industrial relations to employee benefits and talent acquisition—while it was not an easy job, it provided me with good exposure to HR. Being open to opportunities early on in your career will enable you to gain experience, which are not only essential to your professional growth but can also open up new directions as you develop your goals.
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
