SINGAPORE – In a significant move to bolster mental health and well-being in the workplace, Singapore has unveiled a network aimed at facilitating the exchange of best practices among employers and fostering the development of new initiatives.
Launched on November 20, the network is composed of “well-being champions,” typically individuals in management roles who can advocate for the implementation of policies supporting employees’ mental well-being, according to Minister of State for Manpower Gan Siow Huang.
These well-being champions will play a pivotal role in helping organizations design and curate mental well-being programs and resources, as well as establishing systems to refer individuals in distress to professional help.
As part of the newly formed Well-being Champions Network, members will have access to resources and a platform for sharing best practices. Starting January 2024, they will also receive training on topics such as self-care techniques and recognizing signs of burnout or distress.
The network’s founding members include over 50 organizations that have either implemented progressive well-being practices or offer counseling and advisory services.
Notable participants include Dow Chemical Pacific, National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), Institute for Human Resource Professionals, and Jardine Matheson Singapore.
Minister Gan emphasized the importance of creating supportive workplaces, acknowledging that the workplace environment significantly influences overall well-being, especially considering the substantial time people spend at work.
Citing the World Health Organization, she highlighted that good work and workplaces support individuals’ mental health by providing a livelihood, a sense of confidence, purpose, and achievement.
The Well-being Champions Network, organized by the Workplace Safety and Health Council and the Ministry of Manpower, is a crucial component of Singapore’s broader National Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy.
Over the past few years, the Ministry of Manpower has actively encouraged companies to appoint mental wellness champions, emphasizing the integral role of workplaces in supporting and enabling employees to thrive.
