Today, organizations realize that true success lies in the ability to unlock the full potential of their most valuable asset—their people.
Despite widespread acknowledgment of its importance, talent management remains a significant concern for CEOs. According to PwC’s 26th Annual Global CEO Survey conducted in 2023, 40% of CEOs believe their organizations will no longer be economically viable in ten years if they continue on their current course. As businesses struggle to adapt to the demands of the workforce, the need for solutions to attract, retain, and develop talent has never been greater.
DecodeHR Pte Ltd is leading the charge in transforming how companies across Asia approach human capital. Founded by Evelyn Chow (Founder and Advisor), DecodeHR blends cutting-edge HR technology with global best practices to create customized, high-impact solutions that drive success. Its approach is about optimizing HR processes and creating a culture of growth, innovation, and agility that allows companies to stay ahead of the curve.
Committed to achieving a successful outcome, DecodeHR provides strategic advice and high-impact HR solutions, leveraging technology to strengthen human capital. As a testament to its excellence, DecodeHR has been recognized as a top 10 HR consulting firm in Asia Pacific for 2023 by ManageHR, an established print and digital industry publication dedicated to highlighting innovative HR solutions and thought leadership.
With Evelyn and the senior leadership team’s shared vision for leveraging human capital to drive success, the firm is empowering organizations to meet challenges and embrace the future with confidence. We are proud to feature DecodeHR as the “Next-Gen HR Service Providers Redefining Workplace Excellence.”
The DecodeHR Philosophy: Accelerating Your People Edge™
“Accelerating Your People Edge” isn’t just a tagline for DecodeHR; it’s a way of life. At its core, it means unlocking the full potential of employees, fostering their strengths, and aligning HR practices with business outcomes.
Evelyn Chow, Founder and Advisor of DecodeHR, explains it best:
“We believe that people are every company’s most valuable asset. Our role is to help organizations create environments where their employees can grow, excel, and ultimately thrive.”
This people-centric mindset serves as DecodeHR’s compass in all its endeavors, a mission Evelyn shares with Iris Lew, Senior Engagement Manager, at the firm.
With decades of experience in foreign banks and financial institutions, Iris has honed a consultative approach to HR. Together, Evelyn and Iris are reshaping the HR industry, offering businesses the insights, tools, and strategies they need to build stronger teams and achieve sustained growth.
HR Challenges in Today’s World
Organizations today face an unprecedented mix of challenges: navigating hybrid work environments, attracting and retaining top talent, and embracing technology while staying competitive. The workplace is no longer just about productivity—it’s about adaptability, engagement, and growth.
Iris elaborates: “The rapidly changing workplace requires customized solutions. At DecodeHR, we’re agile enough to design strategies that address the unique needs of every client.”
Whether it’s adapting to hybrid work or leveraging AI for workforce productivity, DecodeHR crafts tailored approaches that align HR with business goals. Being a boutique firm has its advantages. DecodeHR stays nimble, collaborative, and deeply attuned to client needs. Their emphasis on understanding pain points before delivering practical, actionable solutions sets them apart.
The Secret to Success: A People-First Approach
DecodeHR’s recognition as a top HR consulting firm in Asia-Pacific is no accident. Their success lies in their people-first approach and commitment to thought leadership.
Leong Pik Yin, Head of Marketing, highlights, “Clients often commend our consultative style and attentiveness. We’ve also intentionally built a reputation for thought leadership by organizing and participating in industry events, collaborating with partners, and sharing insights through social media, articles, and media features.”
This has allowed the firm to grow a vibrant community built on learning and mutual support. This approach doesn’t just help DecodeHR build strong relationships with clients and partners—it positions the firm as a trusted advisor for organizations looking to navigate complex HR challenges.
Bridging HR Strategy and Business Success
One of DecodeHR’s key strengths is its ability to align HR strategies with measurable business outcomes. Whether focusing on talent acquisition, performance management, or training and development, the team ensures that HR initiatives directly contribute to organizational growth.
Iris underlines that combining data-driven insights with employee engagement is essential in bridging the gap between HR strategies and business goals. By working closely with leadership teams, DecodeHR helps organizations align their HR initiatives with business objectives, enabling them to navigate change with confidence.
This strategic approach positions HR not just as a support function, but as a critical driver of business success, reinforcing DecodeHR’s role as a transformative partner for companies across Asia.
dcHR.tech: Technology Meets Human-Centric HR
DecodeHR understands the power of technology in revolutionizing HR practices. In 2019, they launched dcHR.tech, a tech arm that aims to help companies harness the potential of HR technology.
Annie Kok, Head of Technology, sheds light on its impact: “We knew that technology would be a game-changer. Through dcHR.tech, we help organizations adopt the right tools to streamline processes, enhance decision-making, and improve efficiency.”
dcHR.tech simplifies everything from hiring to performance management through smart tools, analytics, and automation. It enables HR teams to move beyond repetitive tasks, empowering them to focus on strategic initiatives that truly matter.
Annie emphasizes that technology does not replace the human touch but enhances it. By equipping HR professionals with the right tools, DecodeHR enables smarter, data-driven decisions that drive improved engagement and performance.
Agile HR: A Mindset for the Future
At DecodeHR, Agile isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a mindset that shapes how the team works and collaborates. Agile principles emphasize trust, transparency, and adaptability, making it easier to solve problems quickly and deliver customized solutions.
“Agile is about eliminating unnecessary steps, empowering people with autonomy, and fostering a culture of shared leadership. For clients, this translates into HR strategies that are flexible, effective, and able to evolve with the business environment,” Evelyn explains.
This mindset enables DecodeHR to respond to client needs with speed and precision while continuously improving through feedback.
Competency Frameworks: Building Strong Foundations
DecodeHR emphasizes the significance of competency frameworks in aligning workforce capabilities with organizational goals. These frameworks provide a structured method for identifying, assessing, and developing the skills required to meet business objectives.
By integrating competency frameworks into talent management and succession planning, organizations can effectively address skill gaps, enhance performance, and create a clear roadmap for employee growth. Beyond improving productivity, these frameworks foster positive cultural and behavioral changes, driving engagement and accountability across teams.
DecodeHR ensures organizations can retain and nurture top talent by offering employees well-defined career pathways and growth opportunities. This approach enables businesses to build a resilient workforce prepared for long-term success.
Designing Balanced Compensation and Benefits Programs
DecodeHR adopts a holistic approach to compensation and benefits, recognizing that retaining top talent involves more than just competitive salaries. The firm emphasizes a Total Rewards Strategy that integrates monetary and non-monetary benefits. This includes career development opportunities, work-life balance initiatives, and fostering a positive workplace culture.
By aligning rewards with both employee satisfaction and business sustainability, DecodeHR designs programs that are not only meaningful but also budget-conscious. Their approach is further strengthened by staying ahead of market trends and actively engaging with employees to understand and address their evolving needs.
The Woman Behind the Vision
DecodeHR is not just a business; it’s a passion project born from Evelyn’s vision to transform HR practices. Her journey started in 2011 when she stepped away from a regional HR role to prioritize family and explore new opportunities.
“I started DecodeHR as a sole proprietorship so I could continue working while being there for my children. I didn’t have grand ambitions—I simply enjoyed the work and wanted to make a difference,” Evelyn reflects.
Over time, her dedication to people and her belief in the critical role HR plays in business success fueled the company’s growth. DecodeHR became a private limited company in 2013 and has since grown into one of the most trusted HR consulting firms in Asia-Pacific.
Evelyn’s passion shines through as she shares: “HR is all about people. It’s about helping individuals grow, maximizing their potential, and creating environments where they can thrive. This is what drives me every day.”
Managing Cross-Cultural Teams: Insights for Leaders
In today’s globalized business landscape, managing cross-cultural teams is essential for success. With deep cross-border expertise, DecodeHR helps leaders navigate cultural differences and build cohesive, high-performing teams.
Evelyn emphasizes that leading diverse teams requires empathy, cultural understanding, and effective communication. She believes that fostering an inclusive culture, where every individual feels valued and respected, is key to building trust and unity.
By taking the time to personally engage with team members and tapping into their potential, leaders can motivate growth and build strong, inclusive teams. Evelyn underscores that there are no shortcuts—earning mutual respect and unity requires commitment and consistent effort.
Keeping up with the Pace of the Industry
The business environment is constantly changing, and HR leaders today face numerous challenges to survive and thrive in it. “It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the rapid pace of technological advances, especially when you’re already juggling daily tasks,” mentions Evelyn.
In these changing times, learning a new technology and guiding the team to keep up with the advancements in the industry can be tough for the leaders. Evelyn believes it is important to invest in upskilling the leaders as well as teams. She mentions that staying adaptable and ahead of the curve is crucial to ensure the HR strategies remain effective. This, in turn, helps the organization maintain a competitive edge.
Keeping employees engaged and motivated, particularly in remote or hybrid work setups, is another important challenge faced by leaders. According to Evelyn, the key in these cases is staying connected and implementing processes that encourage accountability. without crossing boundaries. “It’s about finding the right balance of trust and support,” she adds.
Iris believes that it is also essential to take the time to listen to others and demonstrate a willingness to adapt to one another. At DecodeHR, the team remains connected with weekly updates, regular in-person meetings, and smaller group catch-ups. The company also organizes social events and meals where the team can just relax and interact. From festive lunches to company retreats and even an art jamming session, it believes in creating opportunities to bond and enjoy one another’s company outside of the office.
Expanding Horizons: DecodeHR’s Bold Step into Taiwan
DecodeHR’s recent expansion into Taiwan marks a pivotal milestone in its journey to becoming a regional leader in HR consulting. While the company has supported clients in diverse markets such as Australia, the United States, and Japan, establishing a physical presence in Taiwan reflects a strategic leap forward.
“Taiwan’s market is brimming with growth opportunities,” says Karan Lin, DecodeHR’s Business Development Manager in Taiwan. “Since we established our branch here in early 2024, we have made significant progress in building brand awareness and acquiring new business. It took time, but our efforts are starting to pay off, and it has been really encouraging.”
Taiwan is home to thriving sectors like semiconductors, renewable energy, and technology, all offering exciting potential for DecodeHR’s tailored HR solutions. “The semiconductor industry is the backbone of Taiwan’s economy and a global leader in driving innovations like AI and 5G,” Karan explains. “Companies here are always on the lookout for top talent to stay ahead, making tailored HR solutions essential. We’re excited to support more businesses in this field.”
In the renewable energy sector, Taiwan’s commitment to offshore wind presents a unique opportunity. DecodeHR demonstrated its engagement with this industry at events such as Wind Energy Asia 2024, where Evelyn delivered a keynote speech at a networking evening. Additionally, DecodeHR participated in a workshop by the World Forum Offshore Wind (WFO), gaining insights to refine HR strategies for sustainable growth.
DecodeHR is equally active in the technology sector. “From global giants to startups, the tech scene in Taiwan is fast-paced and competitive,” Karan notes. “Attracting and retaining the right talent is critical, and we’re dedicated to helping businesses navigate these challenges.”
As DecodeHR deepens its roots in Taiwan, the company remains committed to building meaningful partnerships and delivering transformative HR solutions tailored to the local market.
Shaping the Future: The Team’s Vision for DecodeHR
As the senior leadership team envisions the next decade for DecodeHR, their sights are set on establishing the firm as one of the top three boutique HR consulting companies in Asia. With unwavering dedication to excellence and a client-first approach, they believe this goal is within reach, with passion and relentless pursuit of quality. They also deeply value the network of exceptional consultants who have contributed to DecodeHR’s journey and take none of their efforts for granted.
A significant milestone in DecodeHR’s story was the establishment of its first overseas branch in Taiwan earlier this year. While the firm has long collaborated with clients across various countries, opening a physical office in Taipei marked a transformative moment. This expansion was a leap of faith, but the momentum gained in Taiwan has been remarkable, driven by the warm reception from clients and partners. Looking to the future, the DecodeHR team is eager to deepen the firm’s presence in other dynamic East Asian markets, building on its success in Taiwan.
With their gaze firmly fixed on the horizon, they are also energized by the transformative trends reshaping HR:
1. AI-Powered Workforce Strategies:
Artificial intelligence holds immense potential to revolutionize HR processes. From delivering tailored training programs to improving productivity and facilitating knowledge sharing, AI promises smarter, more personalized solutions for workforce development.
2. Immersive Technologies:
The integration of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) opens new avenues for interactive skill-building, remote learning, and real-time problem-solving. These tools are invaluable for fostering deeper engagement and innovation, especially for organizations managing global teams.
The team sees these innovations as a gateway to the future of work—one brimming with opportunities to reimagine HR strategies and unlock potential within organizations.
While the future may feel daunting at times, Evelyn and her leadership team are confident in DecodeHR’s ability to adapt and thrive. Evelyn emphasizes the importance of staying curious, maintaining an open mind, and embracing change with agility and resilience. For her, the journey ahead is not just about navigating challenges but also about exploring uncharted possibilities and shaping a brighter future for clients, employees, and partners alike.
Key Takeaways: DecodeHR’s Journey to Redefining Workplace Excellence
1. People-Centric Vision
DecodeHR emphasizes unlocking the full potential of employees through its philosophy, Accelerating Your People Edge™. Evelyn Chow, Founder and Advisor of DecodeHR, firmly believes in creating growth-oriented environments where employees thrive, aligning HR strategies with business success.
2. Tailored and Agile HR Solutions
DecodeHR excels in navigating modern HR challenges like hybrid work environments, talent retention, and AI integration by offering customized, data-driven solutions. Their agile approach ensures adaptability and effectiveness, setting them apart as a boutique firm.
3. Innovative Use of Technology
With the launch of dcHR.tech, DecodeHR revolutionizes HR processes by integrating smart tools and automation. The platform enhances decision-making and streamlines HR operations while maintaining a human-centric touch.
4. Strategic Global Expansion
DecodeHR’s expansion into Taiwan highlights its commitment to addressing regional HR needs. By partnering with key industries like semiconductors and renewable energy, the firm tailors its expertise to fuel innovation and drive sustainable growth.
5. Visionary Leadership and Industry Influence
Evelyn Chow and her team’s thought leadership and consultative approach position DecodeHR as a trusted advisor. Their dedication to bridging HR strategy with measurable outcomes has solidified DecodeHR’s reputation as a transformative force in HR across Asia-Pacific.
Get in touch with DecodeHR at ask@decodehr.com or visit www.decodehr.com.
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