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On 20th November 2008, workplaces in Singapore were honoured with the Singapore HEALTH (Helping Employees Achieve Life-Time Health) Award at the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre, in recognition of their commendable Workplace Health Promotion (WHP) Programmes.
The biennial award presentation ceremony saw 358 companies receive the HEALTH Award. Added to this, 27% of 2006’s recipients had attained a higher award! A new ‘Mental Wellbeing Award’ was also presented for the first time, under the Sub-Category Award, to companies which have successfully promoted awareness of mental wellbeing among their employees.
Mr Khaw Boon Wan, Minister for Health, was Guest-of-Honour at the event. In his speech to all the companies present, he said that Singaporeans spent a considerable amount of time at the workplace, making it a captive setting in which to promote health messages and lifestyle changes. Employers can conduct mass health screening in the most cost-effective way and leverage on peer support to get employees with chronic diseases to comply with their medication and to make necessary lifestyle changes.
Mr Khaw noted the progress made in the last ten years, with three in five companies now having a structured WHP programme. This accounts for three-quarters of all workers in Singapore.
Mr Khaw stressed that WHP is a full-time commitment, requiring a strong, dedicated leadership, a responsive workforce and a supportive, healthy lifestyle culture. He went on to give many more reasons as to why companies should get involved in the health and wellbeing of their employees.
Firstly, half of those with chronic ailments like diabetes are unaware of it. And of those who are aware, at least half do not take their medication regularly or even try to make the necessary lifestyle changes.
Secondly, the health needs of an aging population place an enormous strain on medical facilities. Although more hospitals are being built, it would be far more effective to reduce demand for health services altogether, by preventing ill-health from the start.
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Thirdly, Singapore is extending the age-limit for retirement and promoting the re-employment of elderly workers. Hence, health is an important factor.
Fourthly, healthcare costs will continue to rise. Ill-health at the workplace will prove even more costly for the company and hurt it’s bottom-line in the long run.
Minister Khaw announced the formation of a National Tripartite Committee for Workplace Health Promotion, which will enjoy a high-level of representation from government, private sector agencies, employers and unions. The work of the National Tripartite Committee will contribute towards a long term, sustained Workplace Health Promotion Programme, as all stakeholders strive together to bring down ill-health at the workplace.
Recipients for 2008 Awards
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