KONE's strong emphasis on the employee journey from onboarding to leadership development sets it apart. Every team member receives personalised orientation and role-specific training, enabling new hires and seasoned professionals to thrive. Career mobility is actively encouraged and supported by structured pathways and regular talent reviews identifying high-potential individuals.
This deliberate focus on internal growth has led to impressive results. KONE's employee engagement scores have risen by over 20 percentage points in the past decade, well above construction industry norms. The average tenure now stands at eight years, with over 30% of employees having been with the company for over a decade. These figures highlight a thriving workplace culture built on trust, opportunity, and long-term commitment.
Technical helpdesk trainer, Lim Yew Jin, receiving his 40 years tenure award
Beyond career development, KONE's dedication to employee well-being is integral to its success. Monthly wellness activities, flexible work arrangements, and well-being resources are embedded into the company's day-to-day operations and are not considered afterthoughts. Employees are encouraged to maintain a healthy balance in their professional and personal lives, a philosophy that's helped KONE nurture a happier and more engaged workforce.
Innovating HR in a Changing Industry
In a rapidly evolving Built Environment sector, KONE is pushing the boundaries of traditional HR by adopting digital solutions to personalise the employee experience. New tools are being launched to offer data-driven coaching, real-time feedback, and tailored career development support, empowering managers and team members to make informed, growth-focused decisions.
Technicians on the ground are also reaping the benefits of digital transformation. Predictive maintenance, remote capabilities, and streamlined workflows are reducing unnecessary manual tasks and site visits. To ensure smooth transitions, targeted training helps employees embrace and master these technologies, keeping the workforce agile and adaptable.
KONE is also investing in the future talent pipeline through collaborations with Institutes of Higher Learning. These partnerships are shaping early-career programmes that attract and nurture young professionals, ensuring a steady stream of local talent ready to lead the industry forward.
Championing Inclusivity and Diverse Leadership
Another pillar of KONE's HR success is its unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion. Women hold nearly 40% of leadership roles, a testament to KONE's dedication to equitable advancement. Initiatives like female and ally support group and multicultural celebrations reinforce a culture where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
United in purpose, strengthened by diversity – KONE’s leadership team at an annual retreat
Real-life success stories bring these initiatives to life. Tan Kian Hwa began his career as a technician and rose to become Head of Delivery Operations. At the same time, Rachel Goh successfully transitioned across multiple functions to find her ideal fit in customer service. Lynn Er's journey from sales engineer to head of new building solutions sales highlights the power of empowering female leadership in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Listening and Adapting for a Better Tomorrow
KONE's HR approach is anchored in feedback and continuous improvement. Through initiatives like leadership coffee chats, employee surveys, and focus group discussions, the company listens closely to its people and evolves based on their needs.
Monica Kong, having an employee engagement session with a cross-functional team
Monica Kong summarises it best: "Our ambition is to be the number one choice for employees and customers. That means building a workplace where people feel supported, empowered, and excited to grow."
As Singapore's Built Environment sector continues to innovate, KONE's forward-thinking HR practices serve as a model for others to emulate, proving that success naturally follows when you put people first.