An In Good Company podcast with Bryan Ong, Director Talent Acquisition at KPMG in Singapore
Navigating talent acquisition challenges
How does your organisation approach talent acquisition? Is it just about filling vacancies, or do you see it as a strategic move to drive transformation?
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Bryan Ong is Director of Talent Acquisition at KPMG in Singapore. He joins Dan to talk about talent and change, and how organisations can use their talent strategy to align with future needs and navigate unforeseen challenges. Bryan talks about why hiring should be seen as a strategic move for transformation and innovation, not just filling vacancies. Bryan’s insights provide a comprehensive roadmap – covering employer branding, embracing AI and fostering a culture of innovation – all to help leaders transform their talent acquisition strategies.
“People are at the heart of everything we do. Talent acquisition is the business of acquiring talent through different ways and channels, which explains why changes in the organisation are so intrinsically tied to talent acquisition.”
Talent beyond recruitment
Talent acquisition can’t just be about filling vacancies but should be seen as a strategic initiative that aligns with the organisation's long-term goals. Start by anticipating your future needs and unforeseen complexities, and your talent acquisition strategies will be proactive and forward-thinking. We do a lot of work on great candidate experiences. Their journey is a differentiating factor which could be key if candidates get multiple offers. From application to interview, from outcome to onboarding, we want to ensure consistency so that people don’t feel different from the day that they went for the interview, to three months into the job.
The role of employer branding
Employer branding has been in the market for a while, playing an increasingly valuable role in attracting and retaining top talent. Social media and digital channels are used increasingly to showcase the company's culture, values, and leadership. Having a strong employer brand not only attracts potential candidates but also enhances employee engagement and retention. However, it’s not an exact science to deliver, requires a certain skill set to create and is very hard to measure how it resonates with job seekers.
Fostering a culture of innovation
Organisations must cultivate a culture of innovation to stay competitive. Bryan shares examples of how KPMG encourages employee-led initiatives and supports creative ideas through pilot programs and hackathons. By empowering employees to drive change, organisations can foster a sense of ownership and accountability, leading to sustainable and long-term transformation.
Developing talent for the future
Investing in learning and development programs is key. Help retain top talent by providing opportunities for personal development, equipping employees with soft skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and resilience. Structured L&D programs that focus on these areas can prepare employees for future challenges and ensure their growth within the organisation.
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Listen again
Head to our YouTube / Spotify channels to catch up on previous episodes, including…
046: Compliance vs commitment in business transformation with Paul Wise, COO - Innovation & Services Development Leader, GE Vernova
Coming up
048: Talent transformation and trends with Jane Underwood
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