Work It

Dealing with a difficult boss is a common workplace challenge - but how do you tell when dealing with poor management is part of working life or a sign to quit? On this episode, Nat Fetalvero, Gerald Tan and producer Ho Pei Ning unpack stories about workplace favouritism, micromanagement and managers who avoid accountability. They discuss how employees can navigate office hierarchy and recognise when a toxic boss may be limiting their career growth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gen Z workers are often labelled as unmotivated, entitled or unwilling to commit. Are these stereotypes fair or do they reflect a workplace that has fundamentally changed? Nat Fetalvero speaks with CNA TODAY columnist and founder of Protocol Kelvin Kao, and his Gen Z intern Ashlee Low on what drives this generation in the workplace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Being more visible at work can help your manager recognise your contributions, but where's the line between keeping them informed and looking like you're trying too hard?  Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Degree holders in Singapore saw a notable rise in retrenchments, according to the latest labour market figures. What is driving this shift? Nat Fetalvero and Gerald Tan speak with Rumi Mohd, director at recruitment firm Randstad Singapore, and Steven Neo, a former senior programme manager who shares his experience of being retrenched.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should you be yourself at work, or is it better for your career to hold back your feelings? From giving tough feedback to handling frustration in meetings, knowing when to express your emotions and when to regulate them can shape your reputation and career.  Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Losing your job, being denied benefits or facing an unfair appraisal can leave you wondering if a union is strong enough to fight for your rights. How much power do unions really have in Singapore today? Nat Fetalvero and Gerald Tan speak with NTUC president K Thanaletchimi about what happens behind closed doors during negotiations with employers and when a union membership makes a difference.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When inappropriate comments disguised as jokes become normalised in the workplace, it can be hard to speak up - especially if the person involved is your boss. How should you react?Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many people, AI is making job hunting feel more uncertain. As newer and better AI tools enter the playing field, what will make employers want to hire human talents? Nat Fetalvero speaks with LinkedIn’s chief economic opportunity officer Aneesh Raman about the first steps job seekers can take to stay employable and why these five human skills - communication, creativity, curiosity, courage and compassion - may become our biggest competitive advantages yet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since Gen Z entered the workforce, debates over their attitudes and work habits have sparked tensions with older generations. Are they “lazy” or simply setting healthier work-life boundaries? Are Gen Z workers challenging workplace norms or just disrespecting seniority? Our millennial host Nat Fetalvero speaks with CNA TODAY intern Ang Jie Chun, a Gen Z, about the stereotypes and what it takes to bridge the generational gap in the office.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Creating private group chats with colleagues or ranting about your bosses behind their backs are sometimes common workplace habits. While they can provide some stress relief and strengthen office friendships, they can also affect reputations, team dynamics and workplace culture. On this episode, Nat Fetalvero, Gerald Tan and Work It producer Ho Pei Ning discuss when workplace gossip crosses the line, the role of HR in addressing it and how employees can respond when they become the subject of rumours or unwanted attention.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you’re unsure if you’re going through burnout or a job mismatch, what conversations should you be having with your boss and when is it time to look elsewhere?    Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many parents - especially mothers - returning to the workforce means navigating self-doubt, changing workplace expectations and the challenge of balancing work with caregiving responsibilities. Nat Fetalvero and Gerald Tan speak with Celia Au, a mother of two who left her job for five years to care for her children, one of whom was diagnosed with autism and ADHD. She talks about the realities of job hunting after a long absence and why supportive managers can make all the difference. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Being experienced and reliable at work can fast-track your career, but what happens when it leads to a workload that keeps growing? How can you juggle multiple bosses and conflicting priorities without burning out?Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More companies are using AI bots during job interviews to screen candidates before they ever speak with a hiring manager. But what exactly is the technology looking for? Can a machine really assess both technical knowledge and body language? In this Work It episode, Nat Fetalvero and Gerald Tan speak with Prashanth Sundaram, country head for Singapore at X0PA AI, about the biggest mistakes candidates make.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You were once a high achiever in school, so why does succeeding at work feel so much harder? Gerald Tan and Nat Fetalvero unpack why academic success doesn’t always translate into workplace wins, and the skills and mindset fresh graduates need to thrive in their careers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seeing peers get promoted, switch to higher-paying jobs or hit major milestones can feel like you’re falling behind. CNA TODAY journalist Tang Jia Wen joins Nat Fetalvero to unpack why career envy hits so hard in Singapore, how social media fuels comparison and what healthy ambition should looks like.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asking your current boss for a referral letter can be tricky – especially if you’re just quietly exploring new opportunities. How do you broach the conversation without jeopardising your role? Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly one in five workers in Singapore is considered overqualified, with many choosing roles that better suit their career goals or preferences. For some graduates, this can mean taking roles outside their field of study. Nat Fetalvero and Gerald Tan speak to international relations graduate Dhareeni Shanmugam, who shares how she navigated a tough post-COVID job market and how shifting focus to skills and non-academic experiences helped her find purpose in a different field. Editor's note: This episode of Work It has been edited to remove references to the guest's university. She graduated from the University of London, where she completed a programme designed and assessed by the London School of Economics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parenthood can be a long and challenging journey that starts even before birth - from trying to conceive to balancing work and caregiving. So how should workplaces support employees who are trying to start a family? Nat Fetalvero speaks to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Indranee Rajah, Senior Parliamentary Secretary Shawn Huang, and Fertility Support SG president Lin Shumin about why attitudes at work and in society need to shift, and how fertility literacy and flexible work arrangements can better support parents-to-be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An intern was sexually harassed but doesn’t want to take action against her colleague. As her manager, what should you do? Nat Fetalvero and Gerald Tan discuss how to balance respecting the intern’s wishes while keeping the workplace safe.  Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some people can focus for hours on hard tasks but delay simple emails, while others do best with routine and struggle with impromptu changes. These colleagues could be neurodivergent. Nat Fetalvero speaks to Hazleen Ahmad, founder of the Institute of Neurodiversity Singapore about how her ADHD diagnosis shaped her career, and how small changes in roles and communication can help people play to their strengths in the workplace. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is there an unspoken rule in your team that colleagues who are parents are prioritised when they apply for leave during school holidays? It shouldn’t be the case. Nat Fetalvero and Gerald Tan unpack how to navigate difficult conversations without straining team dynamics. Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good mentor relationships can change your career in a short conversation laced with hard truths. Self-made entrepreneur and woodworker Ahmad Alhabshee from Urban Salvation and his mentee Yee Chien Ping share their stories on how persistence and patience has transformed their hobby into a thriving business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You were given a promotion after your company went through restructuring. But the workload has increased significantly without a proportionate pay raise. How do you reconcile with that? Nat Fetalvero and Gerald Tan unpack practical strategies to manage unrealistic workloads.Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As AI tools quietly embed themselves in our daily work, unseen risks are emerging in how decisions are made. Gerald Tan and Nat Fetalvero speak with AI governance expert Frederick Liau on the dangers of undeclared AI usage, the common pitfalls to be wary of and why the final call requires a human touch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From adding colleagues on social media to confiding in friendly managers, navigating boundaries and workplace dynamics can get complicated. Should you keep work and personal life separate, or can real friendships be forged in the office? In this week’s Work Feed, Nat Fetalvero and Gerald Tan dive into Reddit stories to unpack unwritten rules at work and discuss how to stay authentic while remaining professional.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Think you ruined a job interview by saying the wrong thing? It might not be the end of the road. Gerald Tan and Nat Fetalvero speak with career consultant Angel Kilian and entrepreneur Joanne Lau on how to turn a disastrous first impression into an opportunity. This episode was streamed live and recorded at the Career Forward 2026 event at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As workplaces grow more age-diverse, balancing experience with fresh ideas is increasingly important. Gerald Tan and Nat Fetalvero speak with Hindran, a 67-year-old caseworker at Kampong Kapor Community Services, and centre head Bavani Pillai on how intergenerational teams can strengthen workplace culture without slowing operations.  This episode of Work It is brought to you by the Ministry of Manpower. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A listener in an MNC lost her remaining annual leave because she was too busy to take it – yet her overseas colleagues are allowed to carry their forward. Is this fair? Nat Fetalvero and Gerald Tan discuss what employees can do when they’re caught between a heavy workload and the impending end of their workplace’s calendar year.  Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As agentic AI tools begin automating complex workflows, job security concerns are rising. Gerald Tan and Nat Fetalvero speak with tech entrepreneur Sabrina Wang about navigating your work in an AI-powered era, and how learning to delegate to AI agents could actually make you a better leader.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A long commute to work might be a dealbreaker for some who are job hunting. For others, it’s worth it for a higher salary and good colleagues. In this week’s Work Feed, Nat Fetalvero and Gerald Tan dig into Reddit threads and personal reflections to unpack what Singaporeans truly value in a job. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A colleague took childcare leave to attend a job interview but ended up resigning after the office found out. How can you look for new job opportunities discreetly? Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly half of workers report feeling unhappy in their jobs, despite most believing workplace happiness is possible, according to Jobstreet. Gerald Tan and Nat Fetalvero speak with organisational development consultant Jasmine Liew to unpack what meaningful work means and how leaders and employees can build happier workplaces. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Holding back a terse reply to an unreasonable boss might feel like you're being professional, but what happens when unchecked emotions boil over? CNA TODAY journalist Nicole Lam shares with Nat Fetalvero how to avoid unhealthy coping habits and why processing emotions in real time is key to surviving high-pressure work environments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From micromanaging colleagues to challenging company cultures, toxic workplaces are more common than you think. Nat Fetalvero and Gerald Tan unpack your stories with practical advice on what to do when your job becomes emotionally draining.  Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You were scouted for an informal chat for a potential job, but things didn’t move on to the next stage. Suddenly, you noticed that your boss’ behaviour towards you shifts and he’s cold. Is it all connected, or just coincidence? How should you handle this awkward situation?Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For those keen on career growth, getting a postgraduate degree is often seen as the next logical step. But will the investment pay off, or is it just an expensive venture? Nat Fetalvero and Gerald Tan speak with Bernie Chng, associate director at Randstad Singapore, to unpack the true value of doing a Master’s programme and alternatives if you’re not willing to take the plunge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You made a mistake at work which set your team back and may have affected your manager’s trust in you. How do you bounce back from that?  Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Management isn’t always everyone’s endgame. In a society that often equates success with taking up a management position, is there another way to progress in your career? Nat Fetalvero and Gerald Tan sit down with GEA’s HR vice president Ilja Rijnen to unpack whether leading teams will really add value to your career. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Higher pay and faster promotions, or steady bonuses and ironclad job security? In this week’s Work Feed, Nat Fetalvero and Gerald Tan trawl stories on social media to unpack the pros, cons and trade-offs between a career in public service and private sector jobs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s always-on work culture is taking a toll on relationships, with some jobs leaving little room for connection. CNA TODAY journalist Nikki Yeo tells Nat Fetalvero how to spot the difference between a busy season and a job that’s simply unsustainable, and why manager role-modelling matters more than wellness workshops.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your co-worker is putting in the bare minimum for team projects. How can you collaborate with a capable yet calculative colleague?  Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Serial entrepreneur Jeremy Ko went from having a side gig of designing websites at age 13 to founding four businesses. Nat Fetalvero and Gerald Tan speak with him to unpack how to find market opportunities and grow sustainably – all while not cracking under the extreme workload. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s nothing more frustrating than leaving a meeting feeling more confused than when you walked in. What can you do when your boss often gives vague answers to your questions? Have a work-related question to ask a career counsellor? Email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The traditional career path – study, graduate and get hired – is undergoing a seismic shift. As entry-level roles disappear, young job seekers are left questioning their place in the workforce. Nat Fetalvero and Gerald Tan speak with Chiew Chun Wee, regional policy and insights lead at the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, and Adeline Tiah, career coach and change management consultant, to unpack what’s happening to early careers and how young people can stay relevant. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The decision of who gets promoted often feels like a mystery, but what is clear is that it takes more than just being good at your job. Tiffany Ang and Gerald Tan speak with Shub Faujdar, founder and chief career coach at JobS-ME Singapore, to unpack why visibility matters and whether it is time to consider leaving if you’re being repeatedly passed over for a promotion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some companies offer a “golden handshake” when they retrench their workers. Financial advisory manager Lily Fung, who got a high six-figure sum, shares with Tiffany Ang and Gerald Tan what she did with the money after she was laid off from her company of 20 years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Job hopping has become common among the younger generation, but critics say too many short stints may leave a bad impression on recruiters. But if it's part of a clear career plan, it can boost your salary and widen your network. Tiffany Ang and Gerald Tan discuss how to make each move count.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mentorship in the office can shape careers in unexpected ways – but only if it’s done well. From navigating soft skills to managing mentor-mentee tensions, Teoh Mei Ting and her mentor Irene Yong, both from engineering consultancy firm Beca, share tips on how to make the most out of this workplace relationship.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many professionals, retirement is far from their mind and they want to seek work that is fulfilling. Lim Kai Ning, co-founder of The Courage Chapter, shares how they help seniors return to the workforce, and why age can be a big asset.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.