Dear QuarterBack readers,
I hope this note finds you well! It's that time again when I get the chance to share some thoughts with you in our newsletter.
We see a slowdown in the tech layoffs. The Sep numbers hovered at 58 companies according to Layoffs.fyi site, the lowest since Jan 2023. Are we seeing better days soon? I think it is too early to tell. One of the things I have noticed is that companies around me seem less sensitive about letting people go against the backdrop of this rare tech winter. Perhaps they are taking this time to let go of poor performers fast whereas in the past, they had to do long HR conversations and PIP. The first silver lining after months of bad news was Salesforce announcing their plans to hire 3300 people back. Fingers crossed we are seeing some light.
As readers will know, here at Progression, we are all about the best talent in Asia, great jobs with decent or even inspiring hiring managers (no nonsensical quotas for example), and of course exceptional technology vendors.
First and foremost, our Cool Tech Vendor for Q3 features (very proudly Singaporean) AngelHack - the Leader in Hackathons and Developer Relations. Check out the conversation with Yiming the CEO. We are super proud to be their partner and they will be a company to watch.
This issue, we dive deeper into doing a better job of your replacement (or even new) hiring - Finding that Elusive Unicorn Candidate and Balancing Hard and Soft Skills in Hiring - Dissecting It All, are reads you can find info on the why, the what and the how.
In a region as diverse as Asia, cultural awareness is paramount. In the world of recruitment, we understand that the perfect match isn't just about skills on paper; it's about the right fit, the right culture, and the right opportunities.
If you have been hiring with a DEI take, chances are you have a team of people with different backgrounds. Motivating a Diverse team covers what a manager needs to think about and incorporate into how they deal with their team, day in and day out. If that sounds like too much work, perhaps Building a More Inclusive Workplace: Implementing a DEI Strategy will be a good reminder of what all these efforts are for - fostering an environment where everyone's unique background and experiences are not just accepted but celebrated.
If any of these topics resonate with you, or if you simply want to discuss the latest happenings in the tech world, don't hesitate to reach out. Let's connect, share ideas, and explore new opportunities together.
Here's to a future filled with growth, success, and, most importantly, happiness in what we do.
Cheers, Josephine