Most of us use Excel spreadsheet in our work, but very few are able to use most of its functions. We usually know bits and pieces, depending on what we are trying to achieve. Microsoft Excel, allows users to store, manipulate and graph data. It includes formulas, lets users make their own formulas and even uses programming (Visual Basic) to personalize every bit of the program. Jason Khoo, an expert with Microsoft Excel was the first speaker at the 32^nd HR Sharing. Jason shared tips and tricks with Members and even added some humor in his presentation which was refreshing. Jason showed how the user would be able to increase productivity by over 10 fold, if adequately trained to use its many functions which lay hidden in the software. Adeline Woo, a HR Executive commented “now that I know more, I can’t wait to get back to the office and start using its various applications. I’ll certainly complete my task faster with what I know…now”.

More than 50 HR Professionals turned up for the 32^nd HR Sharing, and coffee break was buzzing with chatter and exchanging of name cards. They came from various industries and they all wanted to know their peers, and discuss the various HR issues that are challenging to the HR practitioners.

The second speaker needed no introduction. Senior HR Consultant and founder of HRmatters21, Martin Gabriel presented the Marriage and Parenthood package, barely a week after the information was launched by the Manpower Ministry. “I had to scurry and hurry to get all the information and present it in a comprehensive manner’’ said Martin. Initially, the 2^nd presentation was suppose to be entitled “possible changes to the Employment Act”, however HRmatters21 decided to present the Marriage and Parenthood package as it was current and generated much interest in the HR community. It was information that a HR professional must know (as it would be enacted into law with effect from 1^st May 2013). The package was launched to encourage couples to start families earlier as Singapore’s fertility rate remains stubbornly low. Fathers will finally get paid paternity leave of one week. This is on top of the one-week leave they can co-share with mothers under the working mother’s maternity leave entitlement of 16 weeks. Couples who adopt can look forward to four weeks of paid adoption leave for working mothers.

HRmatters21 would like to thank all its Members for taking time to attend the 32^nd HR Sharing. We look forward to the 33^rd HR Sharing.

By Michelle Yeo