Health Promotion Board unveils Singapore’s first Healthy Workplace Ecosystem
Healthy choices brought to the doorstep of employees in Mapletree Business City
Singapore, 25 October 2013 – The Health Promotion Board (HPB) unveiled Singapore’s first healthy workplace ecosystem at Mapletree Business City (MBC) today at the launch of the National Healthy Lifestyle Campaign 2013. The creation of a healthy workplace ecosystem marks a stepping up of HPB’s efforts towards encouraging Singaporeans to make healthy choices which would be made easy – by bringing healthier options to their doorstep.
This ecosystem is the first tangible expression of the Healthy Living Master Plan (HLMP). HLMP is a roadmap on how Singaporeans can achieve the vision of healthy living together anytime and anywhere through the 3Ps – Place, People and Price. For more details about HLMP, please refer to Annex 1.
Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Chairperson of the HLMP Task Force said, “The healthy workplace ecosystem is a significant development for healthy living in Singapore and is achieved through collaborations across government agencies, communities, and the private sector. I am pleased that we have been able to realise the first milestone of HLMP just eight months after we announced it. This ecosystem enables the building of a community of physically active people in MBC who will encourage and motivate other colleagues to stay healthy.”
According to the 2010 National Health Survey, working adults exercise the least. Less than 60% of adults aged 30-39 meet the physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes a week. The rate of increase in obesity prevalence in the last six years was highest amongst those aged 18-39 years. This is a concern because obesity increases the likelihood of various diseases, particularly heart diseases, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. As the majority of working adults spend most of their time at work, the workplace is clearly an effective platform to reach out to working adults to change behaviours.
Mr Tay Chin Khim, Head of Singapore Investments, Mapletree Investments Pte Ltd said, “We are delighted that Mapletree Business City (MBC) is the first business park in Singapore to pioneer a healthy workplace ecosystem. Through partnering HPB, we are able to promote a balanced and healthy lifestyle to our tenant community at MBC, which is a significant outreach to over 10,000 working adults. Supporting this cause also allows us to establish an environment that is conducive to leading a healthier lifestyle at the workplace, which could indirectly translate to enhanced productivity.”
Mr Zee Yoong Kang, Chief Executive Officer, HPB, said, “Through our annual National Healthy Lifestyle Campaign which has been the national platform to promote a culture of health, we want to engage companies and individuals to come together and make the health promoting workplace ecosystem a success. Our efforts to introduce accessible and value-for-money healthier options to workplaces do not stop at MBC. We are in on-going discussions to co-create healthier workplace environments that meet the individual needs of other business parks and businesses across Singapore. Let’s make our own workplace, not only a productive, but healthier one for our employees.”
Go Healthy with 500 calorie meals
More than half of the F&B establishments and over 90% of stalls in the Food Style Foodcourt have come onboard to offer healthier food choices such as 500 calorie meals and whole-grain options. In addition, well-known eating establishments such as Cedele and Subway, are providing discounts for the healthier items on their menus to encourage the switch in eating habits. Besides providing discounts for its wholemeal sandwiches, Killiney is also offering the healthier choice – wholemeal kaya toast – as the default choice. For a detailed list of healthier F&B offerings in MBC, please refer to Annex 2.
Go Healthy with fitness and mentally wellness activities
HPB’s on-going fitness programmes – Sunrise in the City (SITC) and i-Run – will kick off in MBC from November 2013. SITC is offered in the morning in partnership with Fitness First; working adults in MBC can join a complimentary BODYBALANCETM class (fusion of pilates, tai chi and yoga). At the end of the work day, employees in MBC can get their adrenaline pumping by joining the i-Run group for a run to the nearby Labrador Park.
To further engage and educate companies in MBC on how to incorporate physical activities into their workplaces, Singapore Sports Council will provide one-to-one consultations to customise fitness programmes within their own office settings or facilities. People’s Association has also come on board by providing courses, including sports and wellness at the nearby Telok Blangah Community Club. For more details on physical activities and partnerships in MBC, please refer to Annex 3.
In addition, HPB is rolling out a Go Healthy in 24 Weeks Programme to equip and empower employees in MBC to:
- Stay active, keep fit and manage a healthy weight towards achieving total well-being
- Make dietary changes by choosing healthier food choices
- Understand ergonomic principles and apply ergonomics at work
- Build resilience, better manage emotions and deal effectively with stress
For more details on HPB’s Go Healthy in 24 Weeks Programme, please refer to Annex 4.
Annex 1 – Healthy Living Master Plan and the Healthy Workplace Ecosystem
Annex 2 – Healthier food options and partnerships at Mapletree Business City
Annex 3 – Physical activities and partnerships in Mapletree Business City
Annex 4 – Go Healthy in 24 weeks Programme in Mapletree Business City
Annex 5 – Infographic
Issued by Health Promotion Board