Playing for Change, Playing to Win
Last year Singapore Post won the People Management Award at the World Mail Awards 2013 in Madrid recognising their change management programme. Post & Parcel spoke to Group CEO of Singapore Post, Dr Wolfgang Baier to find out what receiving the award meant to him. What service did the People Management Award recognise?
We were recognised for our change management programme called “Playing for Change, Playing to Win”. People and change management were the key focus as SingPost stepped up its transformation to become the regional leader in e-commerce logistics and trusted communications.
We hired some talented people to drive the new and regional businesses while existing talent in the company was strengthened as we stepped up the pace of the change. Using football analogy to communicate the transformation programme and engage with the staff, this programme covers a range of initiatives including futsal games with those working on the front line and ‘Breakfasts with the CEO’ in addition to formal communication sessions. “Playing for Change, Playing to Win” helped to rally the entire organisation which now comprises a diversified workforce including employees that joined SingPost as a result of Mergers and acquisitions activities.
What did winning the award mean to Singapore Post?
We are in the people business and it is important that we stay relevant and transform to meet the needs of our customers. Winning the World Mail Award is testimony to the efforts we have put into training and developing our people so that they keep abreast with the changing postal environment and can continue to deliver on our commitment and promise to serve our customers well. This accolade is really a tribute to all our staff for their dedication and commitment to support a changing industry while maintaining good service to our customers. It motivates the staff too.
How did you feel when you found out the company had won?
It was a gratifying moment. As a transforming organisation, we have been working hard to build a strong team comprising existing and new talents. This award recognises the efforts of not only the SingPost team but also that of our key stakeholders especially the Union which has played an instrumental role in supporting our transformation initiatives.
Since winning the award how has the company continued to show its commitment to people management?
More employee-centric initiatives have been developed since we won the award including the introduction of new communication and feedback platforms and enhanced talent development programmes.
Did the award lead to any new business opportunities?
Winning the People Management Award 2014 has further enhanced SingPost’s standing in the marketplace and certainly helped to attract more and diverse talents into the fold, which translates into new business opportunities.
Why do you think it is important for Triangle to run these awards?
These awards encourage postal providers to keep abreast of developments within the industry and to push for innovation aiming for higher standards and ideals. By running these awards, Triangle is helping to drive best practices and excellence in the industry.
Why would you recommend that others put their company forward for the World Mail Awards 2014?
Industry-specific awards promote and recognise best practices. For SingPost, it was a great team activity putting our submission together and we learnt a lot in the process.
Nominations for the awards will be open until the 28th February, with the exception of the Industry Leadership Award which will be open for nominations until the 15th January. To enter the awards or to nominate someone for the Industry Leadership Award visit the World Mail Awards website – www.mailawards.com
