SINGAPORE: In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, companies in Singapore are re-evaluating their approach to employee wellness, opting for initiatives that prioritize mental health and well-being.

With the staggering global cost of approximately US$1 trillion a year due to lost productivity linked to poor mental health, per a recent World Health Organization report, it’s clear that investing in workplace wellness is not just beneficial but necessary.

Innovative Workplace Practices

From implementing shorter work weeks and designating no-meeting days to offering complimentary yoga sessions and wellness retreats, organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of fostering a healthy work environment.

A notable example is Ms. Donna Ho, an operations manager at Sodexo, a multinational food services and facilities management company. Balancing her professional responsibilities with caring for her two young sons, Ms. Ho reflects on the overwhelming pressures faced during the pandemic. "I thought I was alone in managing these challenges, but I wasn’t. The supportive culture at Sodexo made a significant difference for me," she shared.

The company’s commitment to flexible work arrangements enabled employees like Ms. Ho to bring their children to work during school holidays, an initiative that highlights their supportive environment.

Challenges for Frontline Workers

Sodexo employs about 1,000 staff in Singapore, with 90% on the frontlines as kitchen assistants, cleaners, and cooks, making it vital for the company to address the unique challenges faced by these workers. Initiatives like no-meeting days and collaborations with partners for mental wellness programs are steps in the right direction. Abel Ariza, managing director for Malaysia and Singapore, affirmed the necessity of supporting empathetic leadership alongside mental health initiatives.

The Importance of Wellness for All Business Sizes

While larger corporations are ramping up wellness initiatives, smaller firms also recognize their significance. According to Mr. Ang Yuit, president of the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME), the key factors for SMEs are resource availability and the impact on productivity and talent retention.

For instance, integrated communications agency Tate Anzur has introduced a four-and-a-half-day work week along with a work-from-anywhere policy, which has cultivated a culture focused on employee well-being.

Ms. Yvonne Li, founder and managing director of Tate Anzur, explained, "We don’t benchmark ourselves against larger organizations; we focus on what works best for our team. Happy and healthy employees shape the agency’s culture positively."

Significant Advancements in Mental Health Support

The pandemic has significantly raised awareness about mental health, with Mr. Theodoric Chew, co-founder of the mental health startup Intellect, noting critical strides made in employee support. He emphasized that workplace leaders must set a tone of openness and support that encourages employees to share challenges without stigma.

Mr. Chew remarked on the importance of management not just advocating for wellness but actively participating in discussions about mental health, challenging existing stigmas, and fostering a supportive culture.

Looking Ahead

As companies in Singapore continue to innovate and adapt their workplace policies, the emphasis on mental health as a cornerstone of employee welfare is likely to grow. Organizations that prioritize these changes not only benefit their employees' well-being but also enhance productivity, creativity, and overall workplace morale.

The transition toward a more supportive work environment signals an important evolution in corporate culture that could inspire other nations, creating waves of positive change in global workspaces.