Thomas A. Farmer

The Pandemic is not in charge

24 December, 2021

Let’s not be anxious about what we cannot control, and live each day well. … More The Pandemic is not in charge

Retention starts with competitive pay for value. Loyalty is not value.

13 September, 2021

There’s so much out there concerning employee experience, engagement, EVP, employer branding, etc. It’s all good and it all makes a difference. We seek to “win hearts and minds” as we should. That’s the total rewards approach. But I propose that it starts with competitive pay, especially for those we most want to retain. Consider: … More Retention starts with competitive pay for value. Loyalty is not value.

Showing Up Sick–Are you Rewarding it?

19 August, 2021

Are you rewarding people for showing up sick? … More Showing Up Sick–Are you Rewarding it?

I took a walk with my wife

10 July, 2021

Work has been very busy, thankfully. Monday, I took a day off and had asked my wife to take a vacation day so we could enjoy a long weekend and just unplug a bit. We took the train to the northern shore of Singapore with Malaysia just across the water. It was peaceful, safe and … More I took a walk with my wife

The Asia PayPulse Survey is Open

15 June, 2021

Join FTR’s Asia PayPulse Survey to have salary budget data and strategy trends for your 2022 planning. … More The Asia PayPulse Survey is Open

Smart Incentives for 2021

26 January, 2021

For 2021, the key priority for many organizations will be ensuring bonus costs are strongly correlated with financial results. … More Smart Incentives for 2021

How to Thaw a Salary Freeze

7 October, 2020

Under a salary freeze? Ten tips for thawing your freeze effectively. … More How to Thaw a Salary Freeze

When to Change Your Total Reward Strategy

25 September, 2020

This is the fourth and final (?) installment in my series on Total Reward Strategy. Good thing I procrastinated long enough to gain my best tips on when to change your strategy. You see, this damn pandemic is teaching us that reward strategy should be reevaluated when there is a significant change in external factors, … More When to Change Your Total Reward Strategy

Giving back to Singapore

1 August, 2020

NTUC recently proposed a Fair Retrenchment Framework, including protection for the Singapore “core.” This is great and makes perfect sense. Being based and registered in Singapore, my firm only uses local freelancers on an ongoing basis, although many foreign freelancers approach me about joining my team of associates. Occasionally, I use foreign talent when necessary, … More Giving back to Singapore