Meet Joshua Ho 👋
Joshua H.H. Ho is a strategic HR leader with over 25 years of experience driving talent, culture, and transformation across public and healthcare sectors.
Insights from Joshua Ho
1) On Culture: What’s one thing you or your team does regularly to build a strong, positive workplace culture?
Our Team has regular check-ins so that we can share information and provide guidance on work that is ongoing. We encourage people to share their challenges so that problems can be resolved as a team. There is no judgement made during the check-in sessions with the sole intention of just understanding our colleagues and helping them succeed.
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?
I led an initiative to make the workplace to be a "Great Place to Work." This involved conducting deep-dive employee engagement surveys, facilitating focus group discussions, and partnering with senior leadership to co-create targeted action plans based on staff feedback.
One of the key shifts was the implementation of structured recognition frameworks and enhanced communication channels between management and staff. As a result, there was a marked improvement in employee engagement scores and an increase in trust in leadership as well as sense of belonging. This not only strengthened our workplace culture but also contributed to improved retention and morale across departments.
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?
The most critical mindset will be agile curiosity, a blend of continuous learning and adaptability. With the rapid pace of technological, demographic, and workforce changes in Singapore and globally, HR professionals must stay curious about emerging trends and be open to acquiring new skills beyond traditional HR. This includes understanding data analytics, digital transformation, and cross-functional business acumen. Being agile means pivoting quickly in the face of change, while curiosity ensures we proactively seek solutions and drive innovation rather than reactively respond to disruptions.
4) What’s one HR initiative or practice you believe more companies should adopt to build stronger teams or workplaces — and why?
Structured cross-functional rotations for high-potential talent. This practice broadens their perspective, fosters collaboration across departments, and helps build a leadership pipeline with a strong understanding of the overall business. It cultivates adaptability and empathy, both critical in shaping effective people leaders.
5) What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting their career in HR or people leadership?
Stay genuinely curious about people and the business. HR is most impactful when it's aligned with organizational goals and deeply understands employee motivations. Listen actively, ask questions, and never stop learning. Your empathy and agility will set you apart.
6) What’s one workplace trend you’re excited about — and one you’re cautious of?
I’m excited about the increasing emphasis on employee well-being and mental health, it’s a vital shift that helps people thrive. I’m cautious about over-reliance on AI in people processes without human oversight; while it drives efficiency, empathy and context should never be compromised.
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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.