Personal Stories

As Managing Director at Smart Relocators Singapore, my days were always those of a jack of all trades, wearing different hats. I juggled countless tasks, attended to piled-up emails relentlessly, and often meetings that are stretched late into the evenings, leading to sleepless nights. I knew and told myself that there is definitely a better way to achieve work-life balance without sacrificing the results that I have always aimed for.

In sharing with you my personal journey, there was one particular hectic afternoon during which I decided to take a break, completely shutting off my work screen and phone, to carve out time for a quiet moment to reflect. My thoughts? I decided to put on my cycling gear and head out to find that quite moment. It wasn’t just a need for exercise, but it also for a chance to clear my head and reconnect with my own wellbeing.

I have always learned valuable lessons, especially on those challenging uphill climb rides, including that mental well-being isn’t a luxury—it’s an investment you have to make for yourself. It wasn’t about always adding more to my plate, but about taking all the small steps to create sustainable changes that would create a ripple effect across my life.

My personal story today is to share with the IAM community that you must have your testament and believe the power of small consistent steps. If you’re ever struggling with work life balance, remember that even taking a few minutes of mindfulness can make a big difference in your life. Start somewhere small that works for you and remember to prioritize your own mental well-being. It’s the foundation you set that will help you flourish and live a fulfilling life both in and away from work. 

Company Wellness Initiatives

Employee well-being isn’t just about offering a gym membership and overloading perks. I’ve learned from some of the very best HR practitioners and strategies that to achieve true employee well-being, you must start with a fundamental shift in company culture driven by the company leadership. A winning strategy goes beyond the physical and provides holistic support for employee well-being, encompassing both physical and mental health.

Some common strategies you may consider are community giving back (CSR), priorities programs, and policies for work-life balance, offering workshops with mental and physical programs, employee recognition, sports, and simple celebrations over lunch or monthly birthdays in the office. Remember, by investing in your people and their well-being, you’re not just doing the right thing. You’re helping to create a ripple effect that benefits everyone in the long term. Happier, healthier, and more engaged employees only lead to a more productive, successful, and positive organization.

Mental Wellness Advocacy: Championing Change in the Workplace

Today, our office is a changed landscape and mental well-being is no longer an afterthought anymore. Companies must create space where open communication and engagement is encouraged within. This should be seen as strength, not as a sign of weakness, where we prioritize self-care towards a path to collective success in stress management.

Creating a culture of mental well-being within the company requires dedicated advocacy and the provision of continuous education and awareness. Be that champion in your workplace to create this change today. Start by encouraging discussions about mental health conversation by sharing your own personal stories and self-care tips to begin creating a safe environment where every employee can voice their experiences in a safe space.

Remember, by championing and becoming a strong advocate for mental well-being within your organization, you demonstrate a positive impact on your advocacy and in return create a work environment where diversity, equity and inclusiveness are valued and where your employees can thrive both personally and professionally.