As part of International Women’s Day 2024, our Chief Human Resources Officer Dr Jaclyn Lee reflects on what it means to Inspire Inclusion, and shares personal insights into leadership, career development and achieving that elusive work-life balance.
With the theme ‘Inspire Inclusion’, International Women's Day 2024 offers us the opportunity to reflect on how Certis celebrates diversity and empowerment, not just among women in our workforce but throughout our 33,000-strong organisation. In fostering a truly inclusive environment, our employees will be empowered at work and can thrive in the many workplaces across Certis, both in Singapore and the international markets we operate in.
In this reflection, Chief Human Resources Officer, and mother of three, Dr Jaclyn Lee shares her experience and perspectives on how she inspires inclusion, leadership, career development and what it takes to achieve that elusive balance between work and life.
Inspiring Inclusion
Inclusion may be about celebrating diversity and empowerment. But is it more than just an ideal to strive for, but about making a conscious shift in attitudes and culture.
"Inclusion is more than just having a diverse workforce. It's about creating a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents,” shares Jaclyn, a human resources veteran with more than 25 years of experience.
In her role as Certis’ Chief Human Resources Officer, Jacyln is personally leading the line in inspiring inclusion within the teams under her care, and throughout the organisation.
Elaborating, she shares: “At Certis, we aim to inspire inclusion through various initiatives, both current and in the pipeline:
- Unconscious Bias Training: Equipping our leaders and staff to recognise and dismantle unconscious biases that can hinder career advancement for women.
- Mentorship Programs: Connecting our talented women with experienced leaders to provide guidance and support for their professional journeys.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Recognising that personal commitments shouldn't limit career aspirations, Certis offers options to help employees achieve work-life balance.
- Employee Resource Groups: Providing platforms for women to connect, share experiences, and advocate for their needs.
Hallmarks of Supportive Environments
Where it matters, the environments each of us encounters both at home and in the workplace is crucial to one’s physical and mental well-being, overall happiness, fulfilment and success.
To Jaclyn, a supportive environment thrives on these key elements:
- Inclusivity: Celebrating diversity and ensuring everyone feels welcome and valued.
- Psychological safety: Fostering a climate where individuals feel safe to speak up without fear of judgment or retribution.
- Collaboration: Encouraging teamwork and knowledge sharing to achieve common goals.
- Respect and recognition: Showing appreciation for individual contributions and fostering a sense of belonging.
Tips for Personal Growth and Development
When the surroundings are right, how can each of us continue to grow, and develop our potential? Specific to today’s competitive work landscape, how can we make the best of a supportive environment and thrive?
To this end, Jaclyn believes that "lifelong learning is key to success.”
“Throughout my career, I've actively sought opportunities to develop new skills and knowledge. This included seeking mentors, enrolling in leadership programmes, and participating in industry conferences. By investing in myself, I become better equipped to navigate challenges and lead others.”
Managing Work-Life Balance
Yet, in today’s fast-paced work environments, one has to find balance between the demands of work and life. Women, especially, find themselves having to juggle family commitments and personal career pursuits.
“While achieving perfect balance can be elusive, it's crucial to create boundaries and prioritise both work and personal life,” shares Jaclyn, who enjoys catching up on her favourite Korean dramas in her free time.
“I encourage open communication with colleagues and leaders to set realistic expectations and manage workloads effectively. Utilising available resources such as flexible work arrangements and company wellness programmes can also contribute to achieving a sense of balance,” she adds.
Leadership and Career Development
Besides having realistic expectations and managing team workloads, effective leadership is also about inspiring, motivating and fostering growth.
As a leader, Jaclyn believes in:
- Empowering individuals: Trusting team members with responsibility and providing opportunities to learn and grow.
- Open communication: Creating a safe space for sharing ideas, concerns, and feedback.
- Celebrating successes: Recognising achievements and contributions to boost morale and motivation.
- Mentorship: Sharing knowledge and providing guidance to help others progress in their careers.
Effective Communication
If there was an adhesive for fostering inclusion and bringing people together, it would be clear and concise communication.
Jaclyn’s tips for effective communication to building trust and understanding include:
- Active listening: Paying close attention to what others are saying, both verbally and non-verbally.
- Empathy: Considering different perspectives and communicating with respect.
- Clarity and conciseness: Delivering messages in a way that is easy to understand and remember.
- Openness to feedback: Welcoming constructive criticism to improve communication skills.
By embracing these principles, we can build a Certis where everyone feels inspired, included, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Happy International Women's Day!
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