Meet Desiree Tan 👋
Desiree Tan is a dynamic HR leader with over 14 years of experience transforming organizations across the APAC region. She is passionate about creating thriving work environments that empower high-performing teams and drive sustainable business success.
Insights from Desiree Tan
1) On Culture: What’s one thing you or your team does regularly to build a strong, positive workplace culture?
Our team prioritizes regular celebrations as the heartbeat of our workplace culture. We've created multiple channels to acknowledge both big wins and small victories—from timely spot awards and service anniversaries to spontaneous shout-outs during team huddles. By intentionally celebrating learning moments alongside successes, we've fostered an environment where people feel genuinely appreciated for their contributions and growth. These consistent recognition practices have boosted morale during challenging times and reinforced our values.
2) On Impact: What’s one HR initiative you led or supported that made a clear impact on your team or company? What changed because of it?
OKRs
My team and I championed the adoption of OKRs across the company, aligning HR initiatives directly with organizational priorities. This approach gave every HR team member clear visibility into how their contributions built our workplace culture. The results were transformative—fostering stronger cross-functional partnerships and creating a unified goal-setting approach that has since expanded beyond HR to enhance overall organizational effectiveness.
3) On the Future: What’s one key skill or mindset you think every HR professional in Singapore will need in the next 5 years - and why?
While everyone is buzzing about AI revolutionizing HR (no, I haven't been replaced by ChatGPT yet!), I believe the most crucial skill for HR professionals in the coming years will be mastering the art and science of strategic workforce management. As our talent landscape evolves with demographic shifts and changing work expectations, HR leaders must develop sophisticated approaches to workforce planning that balance data-driven insights with human-centered design. Those who can effectively analyze workforce trends while creating meaningful employee experiences will be the ones who build truly resilient organizations capable of thriving through constant change.
4) What’s one HR initiative or practice you believe more companies should adopt to build stronger teams or workplaces - and why?
I believe more companies should prioritize psychological safety in the workplace. When leaders model vulnerability and openness, teams innovate more freely. HR plays a crucial role by equipping managers with the skills to foster environments where diverse perspectives are valued and mistakes become learning opportunities. In my experience, organizations that cultivate psychological safety see improved collaboration, higher retention, and a stronger sense of belonging—ultimately driving both wellbeing and business performance.
5) What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting their career in HR or people leadership?
My advice to HR newcomers is to become genuinely curious about the business you support. Take time to understand how your company creates value—the most impactful HR professionals can connect people initiatives directly to business outcomes. Build relationships across departments, especially with finance and operations teams who can help you translate your people strategies into the language of business results. And remember to maintain your sense of humor along the way; our field works with humans in all their wonderful complexity, and sometimes a light touch is what helps navigate the challenging moments that inevitably arise in people leadership.
6) What’s one workplace trend you’re excited about - and one you’re cautious of?
I'm excited about the rising emphasis on 'skills-based organizations' where career paths and roles are built around capabilities rather than traditional job titles. This shift democratizes opportunity by valuing demonstrated skills over credentials and creates more dynamic internal mobility.
Connect with Desiree Tan.
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As Singapore marks 60 years of progress, SG60: 60 People Leaders Shaping Workplaces honours the people leaders building cultures where people thrive.
Each spotlight captures authentic experiences and actionable wisdom from HR professionals making a difference in Singapore’s evolving world of work.