NTUC Women's Development Secretariat Looks Into Health Management to Boost Productivity
6 March 2010
Media Release
1 In conjunction with International Women’s Day celebrated worldwide annually on 8 March, the NTUC Women’s Development Secretariat (WDS) celebrated the occasion on Sunday, 7 March 2010 with a carnival held at West Coast Park.
2 The event saw about 4,000 women and their families join in for half a day of fun with many of the activities centred on the theme of health. In today's competitive economy, a company's performance and productivity is increasingly intertwined with the well-being of its employees, which is why WDS decided to focus on the issue of health in this year’s celebration.
3 As part of WDS’ continuous efforts to promote a healthier living and well-balanced work-life, the Secretariat has worked with a certified fitness instructor to develop a set of eight exercises for women to increase their fitness level. The video, “Just for the HEALTH of it”! was launched by guest-of-honour, Mr Lim Swee Say, Secretary-General of NTUC and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, at the event. Each women participant was also given a copy of the video to take home. Subsequently, WDS hope to reach out to all NTUC-affiliated unions as well as employers and job seekers who come forward for the Secretariat’s recruitment and training programme by extending them a copy of the video as well.
4 As an extension to promoting healthier living at the workplace, WDS also announced that it will embark on a new initiative, in collaboration with the Health Promotion Board (HPB), to educate and engage employees on the importance of weight management.
5 To be implemented in April this year, WDS hopes to encourage employers to cultivate healthy lifestyle practices among employees, which will then translate to higher productivity, a reduction in unnecessary health-related expenses and a greater morale among employees. Interactive health workshops will be conducted and BMI (body mass index) machines will be made available at the workplaces for employees to use.
6 At the carnival event today, the HPB made available the BMI machine for participants to try. SingHealth also provided health screenings such as bone density check, and raised cervical and breast cancer awareness at their booths.
Health and Productivity
7 As the Labour Movement goes on the offensive to pursue a Cheaper, Better, Faster economy powered by an all inclusive workforce, it is important to ensure that all workers enjoy good health so that they can contribute more productively. One of the primary factors affecting productivity is poor health and frequent absenteeism.
8 It is even more important for back-to-work women who in the midst of upgrading and re-skilling so as to re-enter the workforce to start paying close attention to their health and exercise regularly.
9 The implementation of a work-life programme is key to achieving such a win-win situation for both employers and employees. It also plays an important part in attracting and retaining talent. The business benefits resulting from a successful work-life programme can include:
Conclusion
10 As Singapore gears for the upturn, workplace health is important for both employers and their workers. Workplace health promotion is a shared responsibility; it is the responsibility of employees to keep healthy and employers to promote a healthy and vibrant workplace.
Mdm Halimah Yacob
Deputy Secretary-General, NTUC
Director, NTUC Women’s Development Secretariat
