Havas APAC launches two talent training programs in the region

Upholding to the talent development strategy across the globe, Havas APAC has recently launched two talent training programs in order to attract and retain talents with diverse abilities and meet the growing business needs.

Researches and studies show that workers are dealing with the pandemic’s impact by re-examining their priorities and balancing extended work from home demands, even reshaping their careers. A high turnover rate is prevalent among many agencies. 41% of the global workforce is likely to consider leaving their current position within the next year. This number is even higher for Gen Z—at 54%. Simultaneously, 46% are planning to make a major pivot or career transition. In another survey, 36% of respondents who had quit their jobs in the past six months did so without having a new job in hand.

It is well-known that creative and media is a professional arena that heavily relies on talents. As one of the five major communication groups in the world, Havas is dedicated to co-creating a booming industry ecosystem with a focus on talent acquisition and retaining; featuring People Business, talents are the key asset to success. Adhering to the mission of making a meaningful difference to brands, businesses, and people, Havas at all levels and across various markets including the global, Havas APAC as well as agencies and offices in each country and region, has always been fully committed to employee-centered initiatives to support their future development, successfully retaining top talents for company and industry’s sustainable prosperity.

The recently adopted Havas Emerge Program is a learning and development program designed to accelerate the early careers of new and developing managers. Being one of the hit moves by Havas Group, it has been extended to APAC this October, with the aim of increasing representation in management roles across Havas agencies, and preparing emerging team leaders for management roles through skill adoption, leadership exposure and community building. During 9-month training period, the young talents selected from various agencies across all APAC markets will gain more confidence, capabilities and opportunities; delve deep and shine brighter.

As female leadership becoming a popular issue worldwide, Havas has long been in the leading position featuring the Havas Femme Forward Program. The 7-week intensive program, including skills-based training, leadership assessments, group coaching, networking and thought leadership was launched as early as 2018 across UK, LATAM, France, APAC and the US. In 2019, 24 senior female leaders with strong management performance and outstanding leadership from 12 countries within the region and various disciplines were selected for one week of workshops and training modules in Singapore, followed by remote testing, learning and group coaching for four months. The efforts and resources never ceased just because of the pandemic. It has been soon adapted to a virtual version and is running as effectively as before. Thanks to the program, women leaders are encouraged to not only go beyond their limit for more possibilities, but also support their peers in their future careers with the intimate connection building during the program.

Kevin Zhang, Chief Human Resources Officer, APAC, said: “We are thrilled to kick off the Havas Emerge Program for the star youngsters and have the Femme Forward available to the eminent Havas female leaders online. These global talent programs will be continuously launched across Havas APAC and we will also develop more for our talents locally. By engaging more capable youngsters, we will be able to encourage and empower more talents to contribute to the industry booming; their sense of belongings, proud and wellbeing at the workplace will also increase.”

Havas APAC has achieved phased success regarding participation and activity on these ongoing programs. As a cornerstone and the start of a better future for Havas, these programs will be leveraged for a long term in order to make a meaningful difference for every team member of Havas APAC, the brand, the media and creative industry, our clients, and eventually the community and the whole planet.