As one of the world’s largest energy companies, BP Singapore is committed to providing a healthy work environment for all its employees.

It started its Workplace Health Promotion (WHP) programme in 2004, with about twenty highly motivated individuals from various business units, who voluntarily came together to form a committee and to spearhead the programme.

Mr Pek Hak Bin, Country President of BP companies in Singapore, believes that two ingredients are necessary for the success of the WHP programme: “Number one, getting the entire leadership to believe that the programme can make a difference, and number two, getting staff involved.”

BP’s WHP programme is structured around four pillars of good health namely physical wellness, healthy eating, mental and social health as well as workplace health. Each of the four aspects of WHP is championed by a senior business leader.

Physical activities, both indoor and outdoor, include walks in nature reserves and among city attractions, leisurely runs and charity walkathons. Family members are included in many of the outdoor events. This has encouraged employees to adopt a similar lifestyle back home.

The company also provides a conducive environment for healthy eating. The pantry is stocked with nutritious snacks and a fresh fruit basket, which is replenished daily. One month of every year is dedicated to the promotion of healthy eating, where talks, contests and cooking demonstrations are organised.

Some other steps taken by BP to look after the mental and emotional wellbeing of its employees include engaging a professional counsellor and providing in-house massage services. There is also a dedicated ‘relaxation corner’ where BP’s staff can unwind. Employees also get to learn relaxation techniques during BP’s Feel Good Festival Month.

In addition, customised programmes have been specially developed for employees, to help them understand the importance of health checks and immunisation, ergonomics assessment and the risks of prostate cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer, osteoporosis and HIV/AIDS.

In order to better meet the needs of employees, the committee periodically collects and analyses data from the climate survey,  lifestyle and health practices survey, physical fitness and health-screening results as well as informal feedback from employees.

Based on the data collected and analysed, the committee proceeds to develop a comprehensive programme plan for the year, which is subsequently presented to the leadership team for final approval. Once the plan has been endorsed, management ensures that the required resources are made available so as to meet the goals and objectives set.

According to BP Singapore’s workplace health facilitator, Ms Yan Pei Ling, “Notwithstanding the resources given to WHP, the people factor is an important ingredient in our success. Every WHP member’s dedication and passion for the cause is reflected in the quality and thoughtful programmes that the BP-WHP committee runs. Management support is unwavering and an inspiration to the staff.”

The programme has produced significant results since its launch in 2004. The table below illustrates this:

Other then the above-mentioned tangible benefits, the programme has fostered a spirit of cross-functional sharing, teamwork and a corporate culture that is accessible, open and inclusive – indeed, a ‘OneBP Singapore!’

The fact that employees often cite the WHP programme as a major factor in making BP Singapore a ‘great place to work’ testifies to its universal appeal.