Faces of HR: Tough conversations for HR leaders on health and wellness

“Take care of your employees, and they’ll take care of your business. Healthy, engaged employees are your top competitive advantage.”- Richard Branson

Is it as simple and straightforward as it sounds?

As Deloitte’s global health and wellness report outlines the need for stronger collaboration towards a "healthier lives" model by 2023, the first step is to build a community and win trust through transparency to look ahead for a better future.

This will be integrated into conversations at Employee Healthcare Interactive 2019 to be held on 3 October at Aloft KL. This one-day by invite-only complimentary forum is open to 80 HR senior professionals who will discuss topics such as self-care, personalised programmes, financial wellbeing, and more.

Here’s a sneak peek into what you can expect as Priya Veeriah digs into the theme with one of our speakers, Shu Tze Yuh, Head of HR Strategy and Engagement, Samsung Malaysia.

Q What are some tough conversations you’ve had pertaining to employee healthcare and wellness?

Explaining the difference between healthcare benefits and wellness. The concept of wellness has yet to reach mainstream in Malaysia, as it's still perceived as a nice-to-have in many organisations.

In no time, wellness will be regarded as a benefit, just like how healthcare or medical benefits are regarded as deal-breakers when not provided.

Business leaders must see the need for wellness initiatives, and to account it as an investment, instead of a cost. Until that happens, the conversations on this subject matter will remain challenging.

Q In your view, what is the most fun part about your job? 

My portfolio includes employer branding (external) and engagement (internal) where I gain first-hand feedback on what people want from their employer, and going out the next round to shout out the cool things that we have. It is like having a cheat sheet for your tasks!

Q Why do you think this forum, Employee Healthcare Interactive, is important? 

The fraternity should come together to discuss and unshroud employee healthcare practices, and to define the future of healthcare and wellness in our country, starting from us.

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For more information on the agenda, please click here.

If you are looking for a fun yet engaging and productive way to spend 3 October 2019, request an invite or simply reach out to Priya Veeriah.

Photo / Provided