Companies in Singapore are increasingly prioritising workplace well-being, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. One such firm making strides to support its employees is multinational food services and facilities management company, Sodexo. Ms Donna Ho, an operations manager at Sodexo, shares her experience balancing work and family responsibilities, crediting the supportive culture at the company: “As a working mum with two young boys, I’m usually balancing between the work front as well as personal family care. Sodexo provided me with flexible work arrangements.”
Sodexo, which employs about 1,000 people in Singapore, offers initiatives such as no-meeting days and flexible work arrangements to cater to its diverse workforce. Abel Ariza, Sodexo’s managing director for Malaysia and Singapore, highlights the importance of partnerships to provide employees with programs supporting mental well-being and developing empathetic leadership. He emphasizes, “The partnerships help provide employees with various programmes…and developing empathetic leadership.”
Smaller firms like integrated communications agency Tate Anzur are also recognizing the significance of staff wellness. Yvonne Li, Tate Anzur’s founder and managing director, explains their approach: “We don’t benchmark ourselves against other companies or bigger organizations. We look at our team, we look at our people, what works best for them and what will benefit the most.” Tate Anzur has implemented initiatives like a four-and-a-half day work week and a work-from-anywhere policy to prioritize employee well-being.
The importance of prioritizing mental health in the workplace is echoed by Theodoric Chew, co-founder and CEO of mental health start-up Intellect. Chew emphasizes the need for workplace leaders to create a supportive environment for employees: “Workplace leaders have to set the tone and pace for the work culture, and build a supportive environment that takes care of the employees.” He stresses the importance of addressing stigmas around mental health and fostering a culture of openness and support within the workplace.
The efforts made by companies in Singapore to promote workplace well-being reflect a growing awareness of the importance of mental health in the workforce. By providing flexible work arrangements, wellness programs, and fostering supportive environments, these companies are not only enhancing employee well-being but also boosting productivity and talent retention in the long run.
