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"By prioritising holistic wellness, we have not only fostered a healthier work environment but also driven sustainable business success and employee fulfillment," shares Vishesh Dimri, Head of People Business Consulting.
HSBC Singapore’s corporate wellness initiative was born from a clear and consistent belief: when people feel supported and included, they’re empowered to thrive both professionally and personally at every stage of life. The programme grew from observing the evolving needs of the team's diverse workforce and recognising that wellbeing must go beyond physical health. Today, its holistic framework spans mental, social, and financial wellness, creating an environment where employees can unlock their potential and pursue their ambitions.
This commitment to whole-person care isn’t just aligned with HSBC’s core values — it’s embedded in how the organisation brings its people-first vision to life. By investing in inclusive programmes, building resources for different life stages, and ensuring that wellness is both accessible and actionable, HSBC Singapore has strengthened everyday employee experience in meaningful ways.
It’s this comprehensive, intentional approach that earned the organisation the silver award for 'Excellence in Corporate Wellness' at the HR Excellence Awards 2025, Singapore, recognising not only its vision, but the thoughtful execution that brings that vision into daily practice.
Catching up with HRO, Vishesh Dimri, Head of People Business Consulting, HSBC Singapore, shares his insights on how the bank’s holistic wellness strategy is driving employee engagement and shaping a people-first culture.
Q Tell us about your inspiring HR initiative – what sparked the idea, and how did you know it was the right path to take?
Our corporate wellness initiative was born from our unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees can thrive both professionally and personally at every stage of life. The idea was sparked by recognising the evolving needs of our workforce and understanding the importance of focusing on holistic wellbeing.
This encompasses physical, mental, social, and financial aspects, ensuring a comprehensive approach to employee wellness. This comprehensive approach is aligned with HSBC's core values and our vision to create an environment where employees can unlock their potential and pursue their ambitions.
Q Every journey has its ups and downs – can you share a challenge your team faced and how you worked through it together?
One significant challenge we encountered was ensuring high engagement across our diverse workforce. This diversity, while a strength, required us to address varying needs and preferences effectively. To tackle this, we leveraged multiple feedback channels, including event surveys and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). These allowed us to gather insights and tailor our wellness programmes to meet the unique needs of employees at every life stage and preference.
By fostering open communication and encouraging feedback, we adapted our initiatives to resonate with employee needs. Our team's collaborative spirit and commitment to shared goals were instrumental in overcoming the hurdles faced. This approach not only aligns with HSBC's value of valuing difference but also demonstrated our dedication to succeeding together. By embracing diverse perspectives and working collaboratively, we were able to enhance engagement and drive positive outcomes across our workforce.
Q What impact has this initiative had on your organisation so far, and what do you hope it inspires in the wider HR community?
The initiative has significantly enhanced our employee value proposition and we have observed notable increases in participation and utilisation of our wellness programmes, which have become integral to our workplace culture. Our employee engagement survey revealed improvements in overall well-being and a stronger sense of belonging.
By prioritising holistic wellness, we have not only fostered a healthier work environment but also driven sustainable business success and employee fulfillment. We hope to inspire the wider HR community to recognise the critical role of wellness in achieving these outcomes. Embracing this approach can lead to a more engaged and motivated workforce, ultimately contributing to long-term organisational success.
Q Looking back, is there a moment, person, or value that kept you and your team motivated throughout the journey?
Reflecting on our journey, the core value of "We Succeed Together" was a guiding light that kept us motivated. This value emphasises the importance of collaboration and teamwork, which was evident in the dedication and passion of our team members. Their commitment, combined with positive feedback from employees, fueled our drive to achieve our goals.
A particularly inspiring moment was witnessing the overwhelming participation in our Global Activity Challenge. Employees from all businesses and functions enthusiastically joined in, highlighting the impact of our efforts in promoting physical wellbeing and team spirit.
"This event not only reinforced our commitment to fostering a healthy work environment but also demonstrated the power of collective effort. It was a testament to how shared values and a unified vision can lead to remarkable outcomes."
Q If you could offer one golden nugget of wisdom to HR professionals aiming for excellence, what would it be?
As HR professionals, striving for excellence requires building strong foundations rooted in empathetic listening and purpose-led execution. In today's VUCA world, where employee needs are rapidly evolving, it's crucial to stay agile and nimble to deliver the right outcomes. Embracing diverse perspectives can lead to innovative solutions and success is achieved by fostering collaboration across boundaries to address challenges effectively.
We should take responsibility by continually evaluating effectiveness and adjusting strategies, recognising that this is a continuous journey rather than a destination. By doing so, we can empower our employees, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs met. This approach not only enhances employee satisfaction but also drives organisational success.
Read more interviews on why organisations have won trophies for their HR practices - head over to our Winning Secrets section!
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