Celeste Elle, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

These are the local firms adopting flexible time-off policies

More so recently, you must have heard of overseas firms adopting flexible work weeks and unlimited annual leave. It seems like the trend is moving over to Singapore, with some firms implementing these time-off policies.

Want to know the names? Stay on this page.

#1: Mambu

Mambu is a Berlin-based startup with offices across the globe, including Singapore.

The fintech firm has a summer four-day workweek policy in place for all of its offices worldwide. Specifically, from June to August, its employees in Singapore get to enjoy an additional day off a week.

To senior application consultant Heemank Verma who works in Mambu’s Singapore office, this is something exciting. He mentioned that employees are always looking forward to the three months early on at the start of the year.

“Our company does not (condone) micromanagement, people take ownership of their work. I feel like that is a fundamental basis of the four-day work week,” he added.

To that, Mambu’s APAC managing director Myles Bertrand noted that the company focuses on productivity, output and results instead of the quantity of time spent working. With policies like that in place, people are likely to be more motivated when reporting for work.

#2: Deloitte

Deloitte is a professional services firm that has jumped on Netflix’s famous “no vacation policy”.

Instead of keeping track of the number of leave days an employee has, individuals have the freedom to decide for themselves. To be exact, different leave types like compassionate leave, marriage leave, and public holidays in-lieu are combined into a flexi-leave arrangement.

According to Melvin Wong, senior account manager at Deloitte Singapore, he meets with his supervisors to plan the calendar of events at the start of each financial year. This, in turn, allows him to plan his annual leave around major client activities.

In addition to the flexi-leave arrangement, Deloitte has also introduced a flexi-work scheme as part of its work-life integration programme. Employees will have the privilege to choose to work from home or alter office hours if they have to attend to other personal commitments.

#3: Facebook

Last on our list, we have a familiar name – Facebook.

Apart from the 20 days of annual leave employees have, Facebook also awards two Choice Days. Choice Days are times where individuals can take days off to volunteer, celebrate a special event, or simply do something they enjoy.

In the past year, the multinational conglomerate also came up with special leave days to support its workers amid the ongoing pandemic. This year, its Singapore office will give its employees three additional company-wide days off, all in the name of rest and recharge.

Final thoughts

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Jealous? Don’t be. Ms Deanna Lim, a representative from recruitment agency Robert Walters Singapore, said that more companies are expected to welcome such flexible leave policies.

“This allows them to stay competitive within their industry. Increasingly, we also see more firms adopting different initiatives and revising their existing employee benefits so they can support the formation of family units,” she added.

Basic tips for writing the best sales emails that are enticing enough to click

There are several methods for marketing a product or service, and emails are one option.

But stick around for long enough, and you will realise that the statistics aren’t that pretty all the time. Some marketers make the mistake of focusing on what the company wants to convey rather than what customers are interested in reading. As such, there’s a low clicking-through and reading rate.

If that is you, it is not too late. Read on for some basic tips on writing the best sales emails that are enticing enough to click.

#1: Spend some time crafting the subject line

No, we’re not talking about clickbait email subjects as that might backfire. You don’t want to be losing email subscribers because your subject lines do not match the content shown.

But what you want to do is to spend some time crafting an email title that is catchy enough to allow a reader to click in. It doesn’t have to be flashy or gimmicky. It just has to be straightforward and corresponds with the disseminated information.

For example, if you want your customers to ask questions and let them know the company is ready to listen, a subject line that writes “Any questions?” can be good enough.

#2: Get to the point and cut the fluff

Folks nowadays are exposed to tremendous amounts of online content, and everything on the internet is fast-paced.

To capture your readers’ attention, get to the point and cut the fluff. Now that your subject line has led a reader to click through, deliver what was marketed via the title. Structure your content neatly, so it’s easy to scan and pick out the relevant information. Remember also to include links to the respective web pages to avoid your email ending up too lengthy.

#3: Treat your customers like friends

While a creatively written email can demonstrate your artistic skills as an employee, it should not be too profound and offputting for your clients.

An excellent way to avoid sales jargon or snazzy catchphrases is to treat your customers as fellow friends or colleagues. Reread your email and ask if it’s phrased the way you would speak to someone you know. If it sounds odd, you know it’s time to tweak.

Two-way communication is key

Image Credits: entrepreneur.com

Ultimately, you can follow the above tips but still fail to achieve the conversion rate your company seeks. Then, maybe a final step would be to ensure that there is two-way communication in place.

While your primary goal may be to release new products or service information, make sure that your customers have an outlet where they can provide feedback or ask questions. At the end of every sales email sent, include an easy way for recipients to call, text, or write back.

Boring sales pitches can only go so far. If you want to get the word out, offer value.

What to expect for Singapore’s 56th birthday

Do you remember how we celebrated our nation’s birthday last year? Instead of everyone gathering as one people at a venue, our sunny island focused on heartland activities instead.

But this year, things will be different. As we take steps to live with COVID-19 possibly becoming an endemic disease, this year’s National Day Parade (NDP) will return to the Marina Bay floating platform.

While it will still be a scaled-down event, there are live performers and an audience. Here’s what to expect for the upcoming NDP 2021.

#1: Performers will be tested before every rehearsal

You’ve probably read or heard the news that the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has achieved herd immunity with over 90% of personnel injected with a first dose of the vaccine.

This is definitely good news, but all performers will go through antigen rapid testing before every rehearsal. Most performers will also attend dry runs in smaller groups to ensure everyone’s safety.

#2: Only fully vaccinated individuals can enter

Wave goodbye to balloting as Singapore has decided to prioritise peeps who’ve contributed selflessly in our fight against the pandemic. So if you’re a front liner, essential worker, or a community volunteer, you might stand a chance to watch the parade live in person.

However, to enter as a spectator, you will have to be fully vaccinated. Similar to the performers, there will be mandatory pre-event testing.

#3: Look forward to heartland activities

Image Credits: lifestyleasia.com

True patriots who aren’t able to watch the NDP live in person don’t have to be blue. There will still be heartland activities, and we believe the organisers will release more details as National Day draws nearer.

If it’s similar to last year’s, residents can expect fireworks displays throughout our tiny red dot, mobile columns around the neighbourhoods, and parachutists doing their thang. Stay tuned for more information to come!

#4: NDP 2021 may not be well prepared

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen has called on Singaporeans to be understanding should the show be not as well prepared compared to past years. This is due to shorter preparation times amid the evolving COVID-19 situation.

“NDP is as much about each Singaporean using the occasion to affirm together what we value about Singapore. We hope that the NDP will uplift, we hope that the NDP will encourage. We hope that the NDP will give us a wider perspective, because it’s been a tough year, a year and a half, and I think with Singaporeans’ help, we can achieve it,” he noted.

#5: Theme song is sung by well-known artists

Composed by local singer Linying and music producer Evan Low, this year’s NDP official song is titled “The Road Ahead”.

Hear the voices of Linying, Sezairi Sezali, Shye-Anne Brown, and Shabir and watch the music video directed by Huang Junxiang and Jerrold Chong via the YouTube link above!

4 new property launches in Singapore to eyeball

Thanks to the pandemic, Singapore’s property market has been on a rollercoaster ride. With changing restrictions in place, this affected showflat and property viewings. As such, there was also a slowdown in new launch activity.

But as our tiny red dot takes small steps to reopen the economy, the property market is also expected to prosper in the months to come. For folks eyeing a new house, here are four new property launches to look out for!

#1: Klimt Cairnhill

Situated at district 9, Klimt Cairnhill will be sited at the former Cairnhill Mansions along Cairnhill Road. You will find the freehold property between Orchard and Newton, and an 8-minute walk to Far East Plaza. This also means that you’re just a short driving distance to other major shopping malls in Orchard.

Its developer is Glopeak Development, a subsidiary of Low Keng Huat, which has completed projects like South Bank, One-North Residences, and Paya Lebar Square. As a potential homeowner of Klimt Cairnhill, you can expect a 36-storey residential tower with over 130 units. There is also a single-storey bungalow clubhouse.

#2: Les Maisons Nassim

Les Maisons Nassim is also another property to consider if you’re planning to stay in the heart of Tanglin and Orchard in district 10. Similar to Klimt Cairnhill, it also has a freehold tenure. It’s sited at 14 Nassim Road and an 11-minute walk to Tanglin Mall. Singapore Botanic Gardens is just a mere 15-minute walk away.

The luxury condominium is developed by Shun Tak Holdings, with a portfolio of buildings like Park Nova and 111 Somerset Road. In fact, the developer also has an extensive record in construction projects in Macau, Hong Kong, and Mainland China. There will only be 2 penthouses and 14 meticulously crafted residences amid lush greenery.

#3: Perfect Ten

What an apt name for a building! Perfect Ten has a freehold tenure and will be located at 317 Bukit Timah Road, formerly home to City Towers. You can find it right at district 10, an alternative to consider other than Les Maisons Nassim. It’s just a 5-minute drive to United Square Shopping Mall.

Developed by Japura Development, you can look forward to 24-storey twin towers with over 200 units. There will be 1- to 4-bedroom options for you to choose from. Just so you know, Japura Development is affiliated with Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-Shing’s CK Asset Holdings. CK Asset Holdings has completed iconic buildings, including One Raffles Quay and Marina Bay Financial Centre.

#4: LIV @ MB

Last but not least, we have LIV @ MB. The 99 years tenure property is a redevelopment of the former Katong Park Towers along Arthur Road. Want to stay at district 15? LIV @ MB could be the project to keep your eyes on. You will just be a 3-minute drive to East Coast Park and a 7-minute drive to Katong V.

Bukit Sembawang Estates will be in charge of its development. If it sounds familiar, that’s because they are also the hands behind The Atelier along Makeway Avenue. Bukit Sembawang Estates has a portfolio of buildings like 8 St Thomas and The Vermont on Cairnhill, so you can expect standard facilities like a jacuzzi, yoga deck, sky garden, swimming pool, barbecue pavilion, and more to be built.

What to do on a financial detox

When you think of the word “detox”, what comes to your mind? For us, it’s something related to food. Similarly, shift this “food detox” idea to the financial realm, and you will somehow get it.

Financial detox is essentially a process where you take time to cleanse your finances and give your money habits a thorough review. If you want to know what to do on a financial detox, keep reading.

#1: Talk about money

Money is a sensitive topic; we get it. But there is no running away from it during a financial detox.

Before you find a friend, family member, or financial advisor, you will want to sit yourself down and take a good look at your financial goals. Then, see what aspects of your habits or personality are hindering you from reaching that aim. Once your outline is ready, speak with that trusted person and thrash it out.

#2: Settle your debts

You may not be able to settle your debts immediately but if that is part of your financial goal (which it should be), start thinking of ways to get there.

A wise way to start is to set a budget. You will want to refer to your salary, spending, and bad habits when setting a budget. While sticking to a strict budget is essential when clearing debts, be mindful that bad habits take time to change. Give yourself some (cash) space to breathe if necessary.

#3: Tackle bad habits

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Speaking of bad habits, you will want to tackle them before they start creeping back into your daily routine. Use these questions to help yourself understand the money mindset you hold:

What is your money stance?
Do you tend to spend when you’re sad or happy?
How do you feel about saving, borrowing, and spending?
Have you succumbed to the YOLO concept and spend impulsively without giving much thought to your budget?

The answers to the above questions will guide you in working out some methods to deal with bad money decisions.

For example, peeps who find themselves spending hastily should consider a “cool-off period”. Instead of making a purchase immediately, give yourself a day or two to think it through. If you can live without having that latest juice mixer in your possession, then don’t buy it.

#4: Take on a financial challenge

A financial challenge should help you to start saving. We have previously written an article on money-saving challenges, and these are some of the ideas you might be interested in:

Borrow, don’t buy
Exercise the 1% trial
Give yourself 52 weeks
Set aside your spare change
Introduce a “no extra spend” week

The above concepts may look weird without proper context so hop over to read more here. Ultimately, you know yourself best, so tweak those challenges mentioned above so you can stick to the plan till the end.

#5: Expand your wealth

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There will come a time where you will need to face retirement. Before that phase arrives, start venturing into expanding your wealth.

While savings are good, they will get depleted one day. Not sure if you want to get your hands into investing since the markets are volatile? What if we tell you there are options to start investing from $100? Whether it’s unit trusts, robo-investments, or exchange traded funds (ETFs), click through the link to find out more.

Final thoughts

Like how a food detox program is painful, a financial detox is equally tough. But it’s an absolutely vital process if you want to take hold of your finances and gain control of money on your life. You will get through it! Just take baby steps.