Uplifting HR Practices for a Better Built Environment Workplace

Singapore's Built Environment sector is always on the lookout for new talents. With an ageing workforce and increasing competition from other industries, attracting and keeping skilled professionals has become more challenging than ever.

To better attract and retain local talents in the Built Environment (BE) sector, the sector needs to improve workplace environments to ensure they remain competitive. This means rethinking how firms approach human resources, from recruitment and training to career development and workplace culture. One way to start is by assessing your HR maturity by undertaking a holistic assessment via the Human Capital Diagnostic Tool.

What is Human Capital Diagnostic Tool (HCDT)?

The Human Capital Diagnostic Tool (HCDT) is a national framework that helps firms understand their current HR capabilities and identify gaps in meeting business and workforce needs. Think of it as a health check for your organisation's people management practices.

What are the benefits of HCDT?

• Get ready for change: Understand how prepared your firm is for business transformation and workforce shifts

• Know where you stand: See how your HR practices compare to industry peers and firms at similar growth stages

• Prioritise resources: Identify which HR areas need the most attention and investment

• Get expert guidance: Receive personalised recommendations from trained HCDT assessors who understand your challenges

Ready to get started with HCDT?

Firms may register here.

How it works: All firms begin with a Self-Assessment. If you choose to proceed with the more comprehensive Moderated Assessment, you will have six months to complete it. For firms planning to apply for BCA support schemes, both assessments are required.

For detailed information about the assessment process, download the HCDT EDM or visit IHRP's webpage.

Resources to support your HR journey

Manpower and Human Capital Digest

Curated content on manpower/human capital topics for business and HR leaders, where we aim to inform and discuss on business/workforce strategies that build business and sector resilience. Please click here to view the issues.

The Human Resource Guidebook

Need practical guidance on specific HR challenges? The Human Resource Guidebook was developed specifically for Built Environment firms, with input from BCA, Workforce Singapore (WSG), the Institute for Human Resource Professionals (IHRP), The Singapore Contractors Association Ltd (SCAL), and industry practitioners.

This comprehensive resource goes beyond theory, offering practical tools including infographics, worksheets, and real case studies from firms that have successfully improved their HR practices.

The Guidebook covers six essential areas that matter most to Built Environment firms:

• #1: Change Management: How does Change Management support businesses through the transition? Who is usually involved and what are their roles?

• #2: Employee Engagement: What are some strategies for organisations to attract and retain talent, yet foster a positive workplace culture?

• #3: Career progression pathways: How can organisations design these pathways to align back to organisational needs, yet use them to develop employees?

• #4: Training and development: What are some strategies you can adopt to build your human capital to not only meet the changing needs of the industry but also allow you to deliver greater value and better work for the organisation?

• #5: Flexible work arrangements: How can organisations use this to not only provide employees with flexibility to balance personal and professional responsibilities, but use this as a strategy to develop organisational resilience?

• #6: Policies, laws and guidelines: What are the various kinds of policies, laws and regulations that organisations need to be mindful of to ensure good governance, safety and security of employees?

Job Redesign (JR) Guidebook

The Job Redesign Guidebook, developed in collaboration with industry partners, is a resource for Built Environment firms looking to transform their workforce. Through a structured REVAMP methodology, this guidebook provides practical tools, templates, and best practices to help organisations redesign jobs effectively. Please click here to download the Job Redesign Guidebook. 

Next steps

Ready to transform your workplace and attract top talent to the Built Environment sector? Start your journey today:

1. Assess your current HR maturity with the Human Capital Diagnostic Tool (HCDT)

2. Download relevant sections of the Human Resource Guidebook that address your specific challenges

3. Explore the One-Stop Resource Guide to identify manpower programmes that support your transformation goals

4. Contact BCA for additional guidance on implementing HR best practices

For any further queries, please check our FAQs or write to our BCA Feedback form.