SINGER FINANCE
Q: What practices has Singer Finance adopted to tide over the challenges brought about by the economic crisis?
A: Singer Finance adopted employee-centric strategies to navigate the challenging period – including transparent communication, agile decision making, flexible work, diversification and innovation, performance recognition, a customer-centric approach, collaborative problem solving, skills development and community engagement – to help employees feel valued and to support them in thriving.
Q: The pandemic has come and gone but the changes that it brought to the work culture are here to stay. Is this true for your organisation?
A: Absolutely. Singer Finance recognised the need to adapt swiftly, enabling remote work and prioritising employee wellbeing. Flexible work arrangements, tech driven collaboration and heightened empathy are now our cornerstones.
On the other hand, we encourage employees to strike a balance without continually working from home.
I am proud to lead an organisation that embraces change, learns from challenges and harnesses newfound strengths for sustained success in the post-pandemic world.
Q: Given the unprecedented migration of working people, what has been your approach to retaining talent?
A: At Singer Finance, our approach to retaining talent in the face of unprecedented workforce migration has been multifaceted and innovative.
Our strategy centres on promoting internal advancement, acknowledging performance, offering enticing incentives and prioritising employee development, to make Singer Finance an appealing and fulfilling place to work.
Q: What lessons have you learnt from participating in the Great Place to Work Sri Lanka survey?
A: It has been a transformative experience.
The survey has reinforced the notion that employee wellbeing is the cornerstone of sustained success, prompting us to continually invest in professional development and work-life balance.
Being recognised as one of the best workplaces in Sri Lanka for five consecutive years is a testimony to our commitment to creating an inclusive environment where diverse talents thrive.
I’ve learnt that building and sustaining a great workplace is an ongoing endeavour, requiring adaptability, and an unwavering dedication to employee happiness and growth.
Q: And what measures has Singer Finance taken over the last 12-18 months to harness the potential of the workforce?
A: At Singer Finance, we have prioritised unleashing the untapped potential of our workforce over the past 12-18 months through several strategic initiatives including training and development programmes, creating a culture of continuous learning. Transparent communication channels have facilitated collaboration and innovation.
Recognising the importance of diversity and inclusion, we established affinity groups and initiatives that celebrate employees’ unique backgrounds and perspectives.
By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, we’ve unlocked latent talent, resulting in heightened engagement, creativity and overall organisational success.
Leadership voids created by migrations were filled by promoting internal talent and through continuous development programmes, resulting in the appointment of our second female branch manager, which is a rare opportunity in non-banking financial institutions.
Q: Could you outline how the company enables the ‘employee experience’?
A: At Singer Finance, we prioritise the employee experience by fostering a culture of respect, growth and wellbeing. We offer opportunities for professional development through training and mentorship.
Regular feedback mechanisms and open communication channels ensure that their voices are heard and valued.
By cultivating a collaborative and inclusive environment, we create a great workplace that drives engagement, loyalty and a shared sense of purpose among our team members.
– Compiled by Yamini Sequeira
Telephone: 0777 876376 | Email: thushana@singersl.com | Website: www.singerfinance.com
