Work It

When management ignore deadlines and warn to staff to “be careful” on employee engagement surveys, how can you raise complaints when going directly to your boss isn’t an option?  Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Disguised retrenchments, unreasonable performance improvement plans and redeployment without support may be considered steps to unlawful termination. Tiffany Ang and Gerald Tan speak with Clarence Ding, partner and head of employment at global law firm Ashurst, to unpack the questions to ask during an exit conversation and what to do when a termination feels unfair.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Love your job and you’ll never work a day in your life” is no longer the motto for a modern workforce. Tiffany Ang and CNA TODAY intern Deborah Ng explore how career mindsets have shifted post-pandemic and how to find fulfilment in a regular job. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your colleague – and perhaps even your boss - is vaping around the office. It's hard for you to whistleblow but you’re worried for your health. How do you approach this conversation?   Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The decision of who gets promoted often feels like a mystery, but what is clear is that it takes more than just being good at your job. Tiffany Ang and Gerald Tan speak with Shub Faujdar, founder and chief career coach at JobS-ME Singapore, to unpack why visibility matters and whether it is time to consider leaving if you’re being repeatedly passed over for a promotion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some people say work is just work, while others treat their job as a calling - even when it's unglamorous. Tiffany Ang and Gerald Tan dive into viral confessions on Reddit from people who say they love their jobs and explore what it takes to find meaning and joy at work.  Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With salary guides widely available online, many jobseekers rely on them to set their expectations. But are they accurate and representative? Tiffany Ang and Gerald Tan speak with Eugenia Ng, director at recruitment firm Michael Page, to unpack why salary benchmarks vary across sources and how to use these numbers to negotiate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Restoring dignity to the dead and bringing closure to grieving families are all in a day’s work for trauma cleaner Rahman Razali. He shares with Tiffany Ang and Gerald Tan how an unexpected job turned into a calling and what drives him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Attracting and guiding interns are crucial steps to identifying potential full-time hires in the long term. But how should supervisors effectively manage them? CNA TODAY Deputy Chief Editor Yasmine Yahya joins Tiffany Ang to unpack how to lead young talent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Envelopes for monetary contributions are being passed around the office for gifts and farewells. Is it rude to not chip in? How can you reject frequent collections without burning bridges?  Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Losing a job can be a traumatic event. Is it possible to deliver the bad news compassionately without coming off as patronising? Tiffany Ang and Gerald Tan chat with career coach Chee Sze-Yen on how to have this conversation and what employees should expect when being retrenched.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your salary is late and your employer blames the bank. Should you give your boss the benefit of the doubt? What can employees do to secure what they’re owed? Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Communication is a buzzword that often appears in job descriptions and resumes. But when the stakes are high, what does effective communication look like? Tiffany Ang and Gerald Tan speak with senior nurse manager Patrick Lin from Tan Tock Seng Hospital on how he navigates difficult conversations in life-or-death situations, and how he would assess for communication skills in interviews. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From unanswered job applications to oversaturated industries, Tiffany and Gerald unpack why the job market feels rough and how to stay marketable.   Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many people enjoy the idea of being their own boss, but starting your own business isn't as liberating as it sounds. Tiffany Ang and Gerald Tan unpack what it takes to be an entrepreneur and what sets a side hustle apart from a successful startup.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beyond KPIs and productivity, Gen Z workers also value healthy corporate culture. But is there a place for colleagues whose main contribution is their energy and charm? CNA TODAY columnist Kelvin Kao shares his research on the phenomenon of “personality hires” - what do they bring to the table, and what we can learn from the way they work?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not all workplace exits come with farewell lunches. When a respected colleague leaves with only a brief goodbye email, is it normal to feel unsettled?   Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brain fog, insomnia, mood swings – many women brush aside these symptoms of menopause, thinking it’s just stress. Senior HR leader Julie Lee, shares how the biological changes affected her career and explains why companies need to rethink their policies to retain talent. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There may be colleagues in the office who are close to retirement and not motivated to do more. What can you do if that extra work falls on you?  Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an increasingly competitive job market, it’s not enough to secure a good internship. Your performance during the stint is a crucial stepping stone to nailing that full-time job. So what do you need to do to impress potential employers? Ho Zhi Hui, co-founder of Skilio, a startup matching up students with companies breaks it down.  This episode was recorded live at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feeling stuck in your current job but uncertain about what’s out there? How should you decide if you should stay put or start looking for something new?  Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Graduate programmes like management associate or trainee programmes promise an accelerated career pathway. What are the expectations and is this route a better option if you don’t want to specialise? Samir Bedi from EY Asean People Consulting Leader gives his advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You just joined a company and there’s an uncooperative colleague who sees you as competition. What can you do to ease the tension? Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Job hopping has become common among the younger generation, but critics say too many short stints may leave a bad impression on recruiters. But if it's part of a clear career plan, it can boost your salary and widen your network. Tiffany Ang and Gerald Tan discuss how to make each move count. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some people are natural clock-watchers while others prefer to go with the flow. But these two different working styles can affect workplace productivity, stress levels and team dynamics. CNA TODAY journalist Eunice Sng shares with Tiffany Ang what she has learnt about working as a “clock timer” and an “event timer”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your company has acquired an international firm, and you’ve been assigned to train the incoming staff. How do you approach the situation with sensitivity? Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many professionals, retirement is far from their mind and they want to seek work that is fulfilling. Lim Kai Ning, co-founder of The Courage Chapter, shares how they help seniors return to the workforce, and why age can be a big asset.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You are interviewing for jobs but your entitled leave days are fast running out. What should you do?  Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unrealistic job postings, misleading jargon and inflated demands may deter qualified job seekers. Han Lee, director at executive search firm Lico Resources, offers tips on identifying genuine opportunities and how to apply confidently, without ticking every box.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A previous position didn't end well because the company was not upfront with the role. What should you say about that experience in a job interview that won't hurt your chances?  Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is possible that your job application may be buried in a sea of others. So how do you catch the hiring manager's eye? Lim Zhirong, master professional at the Institute for Human Resource Professionals, walks through the dos and don'ts to get you to the top of the pile.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unresolved tasks can quietly build up, creating mental clutter that affects focus and well-being. CNA TODAY journalist Amanda Yeap shares what she has learnt about the science behind the Zeigarnik Effect and practical tips on how to regain control over your work life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your boss is not open to AI adoption and doesn’t want to embrace it for work efficiency. How do you approach that conversation?  Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recently launched SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme aims to help those who have been retrenched with tiered monthly cash payments. Lynn Ng, assistant chief executive of Workforce Singapore, explains how to tap into scheme.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For some people, the task of writing a cover letter feels painful and unnecessary. But how important is it and how to make the best of it?   Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tight schedules, endless tasks and demanding expectations – these are the daily realities for many working professionals. Emergency medicine physicians and authors Dr Adaira Landry and Dr Resa Lewiss share practical strategies on how to stay well despite busy lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You’ve highlighted several concerns at work to your managers but these have fallen on deaf ears. Should you escalate the issues higher and is whistle blowing an option?   Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some companies offer a “golden handshake” when they retrench their workers. Financial advisory manager Lily Fung, who got a high six-figure sum, shares with Tiffany Ang and Gerald Tan what she did with the money after she was laid off from her company of 20 years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heavy workloads, tight deadlines and potentially life-threatening outcomes – these are hallmarks of a high-pressure job. People in these jobs face consequences of prolonged stress. CNA TODAY journalist Loraine Lee shares what she learnt in writing her report.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You are working in a toxic work environment, and you are frustrated. When you quit, should you be honest with your reasons? How do you leave a job without burning bridges?  Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mentorship in the office can shape careers in unexpected ways – but only if it’s done well. From navigating soft skills to managing mentor-mentee tensions, Teoh Mei Ting and her mentor Irene Yong, both from engineering consultancy firm Beca, share tips on how to make the most out of this workplace relationship.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A good reference check can make or break your job application. From ex-bosses to colleagues and family members, who should be on your list? Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is never a good time to be retrenched. But what happens when it strikes at the worst possible time? Luke Jau shares how he navigated a sudden job loss with a baby on the way on this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Giving up your needs for others in the office may be detrimental if you are constantly seeking their validation and not drawing clear boundaries. What can people pleasers do to protect themselves? CNA TODAY reporter Eunice Sng talks through some of the points she gleaned from the experts she spoke to on the subject.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You have several employees who keep asking for more work-life balance and they won't take on extra tasks. How do you manage them? Manpower Minister Tan See Leng and Minister of State for Education and Manpower Gan Siow Huang take on the role of career advisers for our Ask Me Anything segment this week. Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More government money is being pumped into helping mid-career workers upskill - with increased grants and allowances. But how can employees cope with conflicting demands of family needs and retrenchment fears? Manpower Minister Tan See Leng and Minister of State for Education and Manpower Gan Siow Huang sit down with Tiffany Ang and Gerald Tan to explain.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is a colleague who has been going around borrowing money in the office. At which point does this become a HR issue?  Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You’ve passed the interview and there’s an offer on the table. How do you negotiate for the best terms? Rohan Sylvester, talent strategy adviser from Indeed, talks about how you can ask for more than a salary increase. This episode was recorded live at the Career Forward 2025 event in Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s an opportunity on the table to leave with a group of colleagues to join another company. What are some risks to this mass exodus that you should be aware of?  Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Five years into being a flight attendant, Jane Tan switched career tracks to become a software engineer. She found herself struggling in the beginning, but failure was not an option. Jane shares how she leverages transferable skills, deals with imposter syndrome and thrives in the tech sector.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.