A sinking ship, and nobody left to care - Editorial Leader HRM Asia Employee Review

2.0
12 Mar 2020
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

It’s a nice location and community at WeWork in Funan. The second tier team at HRM Asia – outside of the two or three protected leaders at the top – is an awesome group of people, working to maintain a positive outlook as the pressure mounts and resources dwindle. It's an OK place to be for the first six months or so; but only if you go in with eyes wide open and no expectations. It's never going to be the amazing career opportunity that they'll try and sell you at the interview.

Cons

The leadership and culture is an absolute mess. In 2019, there were 14 departures, leaving 13 people in the team at the end of that year. With every one, more and more gets loaded on to the remaining team – which increases burnout, apathy, and the continued attrition. It’s only March, and I know of at least four more resignations and firings so far in 2020. The two leaders at the top have a very close personal relationship and spend most of their days enforcing their own positions. Hence one is able to work from Sydney in a company where working from home is otherwise forbidden. He seemingly only turns up in Singapore to fire another team member who has had no performance management, help, or even communication about their supposed inadequacies. There is a distinct blame culture throughout – and yet none of that blame ever seems to stick to these two leaders. They email rude and dismissive comments, cc’ing in a bunch of your colleagues, and then ignore questions and meeting requests that could actually help improve the business. There is zero transparency. Even after someone is fired, their former colleagues aren’t told what’s going on. They just see the empty desk and are left to work it out for themselves. Firings often happen just before or after a person's scheduled leave to maintain the illusion (for what reason, I have no idea). There is a desperate need for more teamwork and cooperation between departments, but the reality is that there is no reward, and actually a whole lot of risk involved with helping out your colleagues during their periods of intense pressure and scrutiny.

Explore other reviews about HRM Asia

1.0
11 June 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Had a work life balance, good manager

Cons

No clear vision, increase workload for one person that is meant for several people without any increment, very stingy on bonus and salary. No career growth

1.0
16 Dec 2024
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

For those who enjoy working in a toxic work environment where you will be treated as nothing more than a pawn in someone's twisted game, look no further than HRM Asia. Let the inspirational Managing Director take you on a leadership masterclass, where you will learn key qualities and skills, including projecting an aura of confidence bordering on arrogance, without possessing the necessary wisdom. Gain spectacular storytelling skills, and learn to create narratives that suit your needs; reality is but a malleable illusion. Brush up on your communication skills by mastering the art of conversation and making people understand, in no uncertain terms, that no matter what they say, it will not be taken into consideration. Or, simply not speak with people who don't share your ideas at all - who says workplace communication can't be a one-way process? You can also aspire to reach great professional and personal heights by learning from the best. Be inspired by inspirational quotes such as this, "Many of you have families to feed. Me? I have enough money to last me for the next 100 years." If that does not motivate anyone to strive to be a success in their lives, I don't know what will. Lastly, if all else fails, rule with an iron fist. There are countless examples in history where it requires the single-mindedness and iron will of tyrants and dictators for people to survive. If such decisive and forceful leadership is required for success in the modern era, HRM Asia could not be in a better place, demonstrated by the fact that 12 employees have left the company in slightly more than 2.5 years. No room for deadweights indeed, especially those who oppose.

Cons

Those looking for a healthy, productive, transparent and positive work environment that will respect each and every single employee as a valued team member, and most importantly, human being, will be sorely disappointed. No, really. Yes, really.

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