Clorox brain study reveals that cleaning beats karak

Source: Clorox Arabia landing page. People feel better cleaning than playing video games.

A surprising new contender to drive happiness is emerging: cleaning. Following the global success of its Clean Feels Good platform, Clorox has brought its narrative to the Middle East with the Good vs Good experiment* to explore the emotional impact of cleaning compared to popular feel-good rituals.

To test just how rewarding cleaning can be, Clorox conducted a study in the Middle East using electroencephalogram (EEG) technology. In Clorox's new Good vs Good experiment in the UAE, participants, including radio presenter and entrepreneur Kris Fade, KSA influencer Joud Aziz and others were fitted with EEG headsets to monitor brain activity in real time as they completed two types of tasks: one cleaning-related, and a personal "feel good" ritual such as playing video games, drinking karak**, or watching content online.

The neuroscience-backed results were surprising: on average, participants experienced a 20% higher Feel Good Index score during cleaning than during their chosen feel-good ritual. For instance, one participant saw a 54% mood boost when mopping versus eating ice cream, while another recorded a 31% higher Feel Good Index while cleaning than when watching their favourite videos.

According to Dr David Melcher, a professor of psychology who oversaw the experiment, "These sensors measure brain waves and give us a glimpse into what the brain is doing. By measuring these differences, we created our Feel Good Index which provides a read on positive emotions."

He added: "What we saw consistently is that cleaning triggered measurable boosts in the brain likely due to the sense of accomplishment, control, and clarity that comes from a tidy space."

To support the findings, Clorox conducted a survey across the UAE and Saudi Arabia in partnership with independent research consultancy Censuswide. The survey revealed that 98% of respondents say cleaning improves their mood. Nearly all (96%) reported feeling better after cleaning or even just walking into a freshly-cleaned space. Nearly half (46%) said they always clean to feel better, more than double the US average of 21%. Of those who do the cleaning themselves, 99% consider it a form of emotional support or stress relief.

Participants described the emotional payoff of a clean space with words like 'joyful', 'refreshed', and 'calm'. Seventy-four percent said a clean home made them feel joyful, 68% felt refreshed, 62% felt calm, and others reported feeling energised, proud, and more in control of their environment. These emotional associations are especially relevant in a time when burnout, screen fatigue, and stress are common experiences across the region, Clorox said.

"We're not saying give up your karak or your candles," said George Rechdan, MENA Marketing Director at The Clorox Company.

"But don't underestimate how good a clean home can feel. The results of this experiment show that cleaning with Clorox offers a surprisingly powerful emotional payoff, sometimes even more than our go-to indulgences."

Explore

Watch the videos on the Good vs Good experiment at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_wlxQV_Qgbi3-91CCXQlmERTJ9RK1Q_o

*The research was conducted by Censuswide with 2,001 general consumers (aged 16+) in UAE and KSA between July 2025- August 2025.

**Karak is a spiced milk tea popular in the GCC region.

Manulife champions longevity in Asia

Source: Manulife. From left: Harshal Shah, Chief Marketing & Experience Design Officer, Manulife Asia; Koh Hui-Jian, CEO, Manulife Investments; Steve Finch, President and CEO, Manulife Asia; Benoit Meslet, President and CEO, Manulife Singapore; and Mark Czajkowski, CMO, Manulife Singapore.

Manulife has enhanced ManulifeMOVE, Manulife’s flagship lifestyle programme, launching it at the inaugural Longevity Symposium in Asia. Originally introduced to promote physical activity, the platform now supports holistic wellbeing across six key pillars: healthcare, home and nursing care, fitness and wellness, lifestyle privileges, legacy planning services and community engagement.

“Insurance is no longer just about protecting people financially after something happens. It’s about helping them stay prepared for life’s changes. With ManulifeMOVE, we’re giving customers the power to take charge of their health and financial choices, so they can make confident decisions every day,” said Harshal Shah, Chief Marketing & Experience Design Officer, Manulife Asia.

Key programme enhancements include: 

• A tiered membership structure (Essential, Ascend, Prestige, Signature) offering access to differentiated benefits and partner privileges. 

• An expanded suite of services covering preventive health services, medical and assistive care, cancer care support, health and wellbeing coaching, fitness and wellness experiences. 

• Community engagement, such as a dedicated platform to foster a vibrant community with exclusive experiences, access to new offerings, and health content. 

ManulifeMOVE Partners*, including AMILI, ClassPass Singapore, Chi Longevity, Doctor Anywhere, Fullerton Health, Guardant Health AMEA, Hin Tat Augustine & Partners, Homage, Kin Teck Tong, Padang Trust, Parkway Cancer Centre, Parkway Shenton, Naluri, Q & M Dental Group, SportsMed, Ten Lifestyle Group and others, offer solutions that help people navigate everyday health and life management, supporting them through milestones from entering the workforce to becoming parents, managing chronic illness, or planning their legacy. 

“As a purpose-driven bank, we’re committed to using our business as a force for good – creating long-term value for our customers, community, and the nation. With Singapore transitioning into a super- aged society, our focus is on closing the gap between lifespans and ‘living spans’ by supporting financial, physical, mental, and social wellbeing at every stage of life," said Karen Ngui, Head, DBS Foundation and DBS Group Strategic Marketing and Communications.

"Ageing presents challenges, but also opportunities – the onus is on us to act early, and act together. At the DBS Foundation, we’re glad to join hands with likeminded partners like Manulife to build a future where everyone, regardless of age or circumstance, can live and age with dignity, purpose, and joy.”

“Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Singapore, underscoring the urgent need for continuous innovation in how we detect, monitor, and treat it. At Guardant Health, we believe molecular data is essential for precision oncology to guide each patient’s journey with insights that matter," said Simranjit Singh, CEO, Guardant Health AMEA.

"Through our partnership with Manulife Singapore and the ManulifeMOVE programme, we are expanding access to cutting- edge liquid biopsy technology. With just a simple blood draw, we can unlock vital information to help personalise treatment decisions for patients with advanced solid tumours.”

“Good gut, good health. At AMILI, we believe gut health is foundational to long-term well-being. The microbiome in our gut plays a vital role in how we age, affecting immunity, metabolism, and chronic disease risk. By harnessing microbiome insights, we can deliver truly personalised preventive health strategies that go far beyond generic advice," said Jeremy Lim, CEO & Co- founder, AMILI.

"Our collaboration with Manulife Singapore is an important step in making science-backed, localised solutions for longevity more accessible across Asia. Through the ManulifeMOVE programme, we’re empowering individuals to take charge of their health in ways that are tailored and culturally relevant.”

The Longevity Symposium in Asia was convened to tackle one of the region’s most pressing challenges: how to live not just longer, but better.

“As an insurer, our role goes far beyond paying claims or managing risks. We have a responsibility to improve lives – not just by protecting our customers, but by empowering them to make better decisions for their health and financial future,” said Benoit Meslet, President and CEO, Manulife Singapore.

“Our latest Asia Care survey shows that only 6% of respondents wished for a longer lifespan, the vast majority prioritised staying physically, mentally and socially active, achieving financial independence and ageing gracefully. 

"Through initiatives like this symposium, we’re raising awareness across every dimension of longevity, from preventive health and financial planning to mental wellbeing and social connection, we’re helping our customers plan ahead and live with greater clarity, resilience and peace of mind.”

According to Manulife, one in four people in Asia will be over the age of 60 by 2050**. This demographic shift is driven by longer life expectancies and declining fertility rates. As countries in Asia adapt to these changes, people may no longer follow the traditional 'school, work, retirement' paradigm***. Instead, they transition more frequently between learning, working, caring, and recreation****. 

In addition, Manulife's Asia Care Survey showed that physical wellbeing is central to both financial and mental wellbeing for people across Asia, and that rising healthcare costs are a major concern, fuelling anxiety about insufficient savings.  

"Extending lifespan in our ecosystem is no longer our key focus. Instead, optimising healthspan is becoming our key imperative. Healthy ageing requires early intervention, data-driven behavioural change and integrated support across healthcare, technology and finance - across all stages of life," said Professor Dean Ho, Provost’s Chair Professor, Director, The N.1 Institute for Health, Director, The Institute for Digital Medicine, and Head, Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore.

"The Manulife Singapore Longevity Symposium is an important catalyst for bringing scientific research into everyday insights and actions. By bridging science and education, we can address aging preparedness, helping people thrive across a longer life - physically, mentally and financially.”

“Healthy longevity isn’t just about adding years, it’s about adding good years that is not just extending your lifespan but your healthspan. That means having the energy, cognitive ability and independence to keep enjoying life as we age. To do that, we must take a proactive approach to health and start long before retirement age," said Professor Andrea B. Maier Oon Chiew Seng, Professor of Medicine at National University of Singapore, and Co-Founder of Chi- Longevity.

"In healthy longevity medicine, we look beyond short-term outcomes and focus on how individuals want to feel 10 or 20 years from now, and how we can help them get there. This future-oriented approach is why partnerships with organisations such as Manulife are essential. Through the ManulifeMOVE programme, we are enabling more individuals to proactively manage their health and better prepare for the realities of ageing."

Manulife and UpLink, the World Economic Forum’s early-stage innovation initiative, and the Forum’s Centre for Financial and Monetary Systems additionally announced 10 winners of the Innovating for Asia’s Demographic Future Challenge, launched earlier this year.

The challenge sought breakthrough solutions to support multigenerational financial resilience, equitable healthy ageing, and lifelong fulfilment across Asia’s rapidly ageing societies. The winning ventures — ranging from digital tools that enhance home safety and caregiving for older adults, to AI-powered platforms that modernise primary healthcare delivery, wearable rehabilitation solutions for post-surgery recovery, and lifelong learning and reintegration support for migrant workers — were selected for their potential to drive meaningful impact across Asia.

The winners will join UpLink's Innovation Ecosystem with access to exclusive networking, visibility, and partnership opportunities to help scale their solutions. Additionally, three of the winning innovators will share a prize pool of CAD$200,000.

“Longevity is reshaping how people across Asia think about their future. Our Asia Care Survey shows a growing focus on quality of life, independence, and financial security – underscoring that it’s not just about adding years, but enriching them,” said Steve Finch, President and CEO, Manulife Asia.

“We see a clear opportunity to help close the gap between aspiration and action. Through platforms like the Longevity Symposium and the UpLink challenge, we’re working with partners to deliver practical, preventive solutions that help people live well, for longer.” 

"Early-stage innovation is vital to turning the challenges that come with Asia's demographic shifts into meaningful opportunities for communities across the region," said John Dutton, Head of UpLink, World Economic Forum. 

"Through the Global Longevity Innovation Initiative, we are proud to partner with Manulife and the Forum's Centre for Financial and Monetary Systems to build an innovation ecosystem that promotes healthier, more financially resilient and fulfilled lives for all generations."

The event, held in Singapore, marks a milestone in Manulife’s commitment to advance Asia’s longevity movement. This builds on Manulife’s global commitment to longevity, following two successful longevity symposiums in in the US led by John Hancock.

*Access to services offered by ManulifeMOVE partners may vary by membership tier and customer eligibility.

**ADB: Adapting to Aging Asia and the Pacific

***Stanford Center on Longevity 

****  Andrew J. Scott and Lynda Gratton, The New Long Life: A Framework for Flourishing in a Changing World 

Luxury Group by Marriott International unveils Luxury Wellbeing Series 2025

Source: The Luxury Group by Marriott International. The Luxury Wellbeing Series 2025 is now live.

The Luxury Group by Marriott International will introduce the Luxury Wellbeing Series 2025 from August. According to the Group's latest luxury travel trends report – The Intentional Traveler, 90% of high-net-worth travellers cite wellness offerings as a key factor in their booking decisions.

In addition, wellness travellers are planning to spend more. Beyond just feeling good, there is a growing demand for immersive, holistic wellness journeys over passive pampering, and Asia is the top destination of choice for such experiences.

Spanning multiple cities in Asia, this wellness odyssey integrates the three pillars of wellness — sleep, nutrition, as well as physical and mental wellbeing — with the cultural tapestry and natural splendour of Bali, Maldives, and Goa. The participating properties will each offer a tailored wellness escapade.

"Beyond tranquil retreats, affluent travellers are seeking impeccable, personalised, exceptional wellness experiences," said Oriol Montal, Regional VP, Luxury, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International.

"As the Luxury Group aspires to predict and exceed travellers' ever-evolving expectations, the Luxury Wellbeing Series is more than just a wellness programme — it's a transformative expedition catering to global luxury travellers' growing desire for holistic enrichment."

Bali | Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Sleep: Delve into the traditional use of medicinal plants in the Balinese Medicinal Plants Workshop, exploring how local flora can enhance sleep quality and overall health with centuries-old recipes. Follow this with Yogic Sleep Therapy, a 60-minute session focused on achieving deep relaxation through controlled breathing, gentle yoga techniques, and calming delta wave music.

Nutrition: Explore Bali with the guided Foraging with the Adventure Car tour led by the hotel's Executive Sous Chef Eka Sunarya. This hands-on sensory excursion takes guests through lush greenery where they will taste freshly-picked wild herbs, aromatic spices and tropical fruits while gaining insights into their culinary and cultural significance. 

To further embrace the deep-rooted appreciation of nature in Balinese culture, make your own traditional drinks in the hour-long Balinese Herbal Drink Workshop using local ingredients that are believed to detoxify, energise and heal.

Physical and mental wellbeing: Dive into the depths of self-awareness with the Vipassana meditation sessions, an ancient practice designed to sharpen mindfulness and foster inner tranquility. By closely observing their breath, sensations, thoughts, and emotions, guests can easily regain mental clarity and emotional resilience. 

Guests can let their artistic side shine with the Mandala Art activity, which fosters self-expression and emotional release. 

Maldives | The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands 

At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, wellness is a deeply personal journey, shaped by each guest's unique path to balance. Rooted in the resort's Deep Blue philosophy, which celebrates the ocean's healing rhythm and the science of the blue mind, the experience draws on the power of water to calm, centre, and inspire. 

From private consultations with the resort's Director of Spa and Wellness and Executive Chef upon arrival to bespoke treatments and personalised nutrition plans, every element is designed to dissolve stresses and restore inner peace.

Sleep: Taking place at the oceanfront bedrooms, the Balance of Stillness workshop will give guests an introduction to sleep cycles and creating their own sleep sanctuary with the curated sleep ritual kits to help establish a calming bedtime routine. Guests will enjoy a personalised turndown service featuring chakra tea and a sound card selected based on their initial wellness consultation.

Nutrition: A Taste of the Maldives cooking class offers guests a chance to delight in the flavours of the Maldives. They will prepare dishes using the day's fish catch alongside a vegetarian option and have a one-on-one session with the in-house wellness guru and the chef for tailored nutrition guidance. 

Following a comprehensive review of the guest's health history, lifestyle, and wellness goals, the professionals will provide guidance on a customised meal plan, portion control, mindful eating, and nutrient timing.

Physical and mental wellbeing: Set the tone with a Sunrise Floating Sound Healing Session, where sound vibrations gently align body and mind. Healing moments will be further elevated by B Strong, a powerful blend of strength training and conscious breathwork to improve resilience and clarity. 

A guided snorkelling trip and private coral regeneration experience further enrich this journey, deepening the connection between wellbeing and the healing power of the ocean.

India | The St Regis Goa Resort 

The newly-renovated St Regis Goa Resort is dedicated to the ancient practices of Ayurveda, designed to address and harmonise guests' overall health and wellbeing. The journey begins with a personalised consultation with a team of in-house wellness consultants to uncover underlying health imbalances, followed by customised treatments delivered by expert therapists.

Sleep: The Sleep Ritual harnesses the calming effects of Yoga Nidra alongside herbal tisanes to promote a deep, restorative sleep. This ritual is specifically crafted to help guests truly unwind.

Nutrition: Guests will indulge in a Dosha-Specific Farm-to-Table Lunch, aligned with individual Ayurvedic profiles using the freshest ingredients from local farms. A visit to the resort's Spice Garden further enriches this experience, offering insights into the healing properties of traditional herbs and spices integral to Ayurvedic cuisine.

Physical and mental wellbeing: The revitalising mornings begin with a therapeutic Sound Bath Session, using Himalayan singing bowls to realign the body's energies. This is further complemented by the Estuary Walk & Yoga, a reflective journey along the water's edge blending tranquil surroundings with the physical and mental discipline of yoga. 

Following the initial consultation upon arrival, The St Regis Spa offers on a series of bespoke Ayurvedic treatments designed to address guests' specific health concerns and promote a profound sense of peace and wellbeing.

International SOS calls for holistic workplace health and safety

Source: International SOS. Guidelines for
safer, healthier workplaces.

International SOS, the world's health and security risk services company, is calling on global organisations to reinforce their commitment to safeguarding the health, safety, and occupational wellbeing of their workforce.

According to the company, approximately 2.93 million workers are reported to lose their lives annually due to work-related diseases (89%), as well as occupational accidents and injuries (11%). Over 75% of work-related mortality is attributed to circulatory, neoplastic, and respiratory diseases. Notably, long working hours and pollutant exposure are major contributors, highlighting the ongoing importance of robust workplace health and safety measures.

International SOS data also underscores the prevalence of respiratory issues, revealing a 10% rise in assistance requests related to respiratory diseases in 2024 compared to the previous year.

International SOS has also pointed out that most of the global workforce has never had occupational safety and health (OSH) training (62%). There is progress in mental health support, with over 70% integrating it into their workplace health and safety policies, according to a new report by the International SOS Foundation.

Dr Olivier Lo, Group Medical Director, Occupational Health Services, at International SOS said: "It is important to acknowledge that workplace harm, encompassing both physical and mental wellbeing of workers, frequently arises from limitations in organisational governance and resource provision. A fundamental duty of care is non-negotiable; organisational neglect in these areas carries substantial human and economic consequences. 

"Addressing these issues demands a holistic structured approach, recognising that the health and safety of the global workforce are inextricably linked to the broader operational framework. Furthermore, the rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and digitisation into workplaces necessitates a renewed focus on safety, as these technologies reshape jobs and introduce new potential hazards.

To effectively mitigate risks, deeply embedded health and safety practices, including education and training, are vital. These elements are not merely supplementary but are critical for fostering proactive vigilance and preventing human error. Where health and safety are ingrained within the organisational culture, both workers and management are better positioned to actively identify and address potential hazards, thereby safeguarding the workforce and ensuring sustainable business practices.”

International SOS offers the following guidelines to help organisations create healthier and safer workplaces ahead of World Day for Safety and Health at Work (April 28):

- Conduct thorough health and safety risk assessments: Identify and evaluate all potential hazards in the workplace, including physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial risks.

- Promote a culture of health and occupational wellbeing: Foster a workplace environment that values and supports the physical and mental health of workers, including access to health services, wellness programmes, and mental health support.

- Provide comprehensive training: Equip employees with the knowledge and skills they need to work safely, including hazard recognition, safe work practices, and emergency procedures.

- Develop robust crisis management plans: Be prepared to respond effectively to emergencies, such as workplace incidents, natural disasters, and pandemics, to minimise the impact on workers' health and safety.

- Focus on mental health: Implement programmes that support workers ' mental wellbeing, reduce stigma, and provide access to mental health resources.

- Mitigate the risks of excessive working hours: Implement clear policies and practices that prevent excessive overtime, including workload management strategies and time-off provisions.

- Regularly review and improve: Continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of health and safety programmes and make necessary adjustments to ensure ongoing improvement.

Singapore employees feeling challenged at work: Employment Hero

Source: Employment 2024 Hero. Poster for
the 2024 Wellness at Work
Report.

Employment Hero's 2024 Wellness at Work Report* has found that despite ongoing efforts by employers to provide a healthy workplace for their employees, the majority still do not address providing mental health and wellbeing support.

The report, which polled 1,018 Singapore employees, found minimal improvement in burnout levels, with 61% of employees feeling burnt out in 2024 compared to 62% in 2022. This underscores that employers have not done enough to manage employee burnout over the past two years, the people, payroll and benefits software provider said. 

One of the possible reasons for this stagnation is that a large proportion of employees reported that they do not have access to essential wellness services, such as on-site health assessments, mobile health clinics, comprehensive benefits management, physical fitness and wellness programmes, and mental health support initiatives, Employment Hero suggested. 

Only 45% of employees stated that their employer provides access to confidential counselling. These gaps in wellness support and programmes contribute to the persistence of high burnout levels among employees, Employment Hero said. 

The group with the highest rates of burnout is Gen Z, with 68% reporting feeling burnt out at work in the past three months. This is followed by 65% of Millennials, 54% of Gen X, and 36% of Baby Boomers. 

Employment Hero CEO and co-founder Ben Thompson said: “The findings of our 2024 Wellness at Work Report underscore the urgent need for employers to prioritise mental health and wellness programmes. It's clear that current efforts are insufficient, as evidenced by the persistent high levels of burnout and stress, particularly among younger employees. 

"Employers must take proactive steps to provide comprehensive mental health support and wellness initiatives to foster a healthier, more productive workforce. Addressing these issues is not just about improving employee well-being, but also about ensuring sustainable business success in the long term."

Nearly four in 10 (39%) Singaporeans indicated that they had felt stressed at work a few days a week in the last three months, with 36% feeling stressed a few days a month. Again, Gen Zs are struggling the most, with 58% feeling stressed at the workplace a few days a week, compared to 44% of Millennials, 29% of Gen X, and 20% of Baby Boomers. 

“Dealing with stress at work is a common challenge that many employees face, and addressing it effectively is crucial for both personal well-being and professional performance,” shared Sudesh T, Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Manulife Asia. 

“Flexible working arrangements, remote work options, and flexible hours so employees can better manage both personal and professional responsibilities can significantly reduce stress and improve overall job satisfaction.” 

Highlights include:

● Nearly three in 10 (27%) employees said financial stress and the rising cost of living is the biggest cause of stress 

● Under half (47%) of all employees are on track with their financial goals 

● About six in 10 (58%) employees don’t think their workplaces are doing enough to support rising living costs 

Explore 

Download the 2024 Wellness at Work Report report at https://employmenthero.com/sg/resources/wellness-at-work-report/ 

*Employment Hero’s 2024 Wellness at Work Report is based on an analysis of 1,018 Singaporean employees, focusing on mental health, career wellness, and financial wellbeing. To participate in the survey, respondents had to be employed in any capacity (full-time, part-time, casual, fixed term) and not be business owners. The survey collected responses between April 12 and May 1, 2024. Similar research was also conducted in Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.

IHH Healthcare, NUS, Otis and PSA raise the bar on leadership and workplace mental health

WorkWell Leaders (WWL), a Singapore-based registered charity that focuses on workplace wellbeing and mental health as a strategic ESG and leadership priority in private and public sector companies, has announced the winners of the WorkWell Leaders Awards 2024.

The WorkWell Leaders Awards recognise best practice standards in addressing systemic change at a societal level in the biggest catchment area, the workplace. WWL said that they are the only awards that break out the specific elements of workplace wellbeing that drive business outcomes across separate categories, and also recognise leadership behaviours that underpin cultural change within an organisation.

“Singapore needs to address mental health and wellbeing upstream more urgently in promotion and prevention, in addition to supporting caregivers and individuals with mental wellbeing challenges,” said Founder and Chairperson of WorkWell Leaders, Anthea Ong.

“With 70% of people in Singapore working and spending most of their waking hours at work, the workplace is and must be the catalyst to support workers, and in turn their families.”

In a prerecorded video address, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam urged corporate leaders to: "Make your company a role model, a beacon of a culture of empathy, a culture which provides proactive support to those with different shades of anxiety or depression. Make it an enjoyable place for everyone to work.” 

Source: WorkWell Leaders. President Tharman urged the audience at the awards ceremony to make their companies role models for encouraging employee wellbeing.

To dive deep into the critical role of leadership in supporting mental wellbeing, WorkWell Leaders also announced a new national benchmark to be established that will demonstrate the intersection of the business risks of mental health, the role of leadership and culture on workplace wellbeing and the impact on business outcomes and stakeholder value. 

The charity explained that existing global and local workplace mental health benchmarks, while useful, tend to hone in on perceptions of employee support at an individual level. The WorkWell Leaders benchmark will focus on the status of organisation-wide transformation that delivers worker wellbeing, organisational performance and long-term value for stakeholders.

“Whilst the WorkWell Leaders Awards winners are the vanguard of the urgent cultural shift needed in the workplace, the benchmark will establish the progress of institutional change that we are making collectively to help boards, CEOs and businesses chart their own strategic roadmaps for more resilient and happier employees and work communities for sustainable growth,” said Ong.

The Be Well Awards recognise leadership. The winners are:

- Dr Prem Kumar Nair, Group CEO, IHH Healthcare, for the Wellbeing CEO Award. This award is for the CEO (or equivalent) who has made the biggest impact on their organisation by using their own wellbeing journey to enhance understanding and acceptance in addition to committing to executive sponsorship for workplace wellbeing in vision, leadership actions and investment.

- Clarence Ti, Deputy President, National University of Singapore for the CEO’s Wellbeing Partner Award. This is awarded to the senior partner of the CEO (or equivalent) who has shown the strongest commitment to mental health and wellbeing throughout the organisation by integrating mental wellbeing into strategy through developing, implementing and evaluating programmes to drive better health and business outcomes.

The Lead Well Awards recognise organisation-wide strategies and actions. The winners are:

- PSA Corporation for the Wellbeing Innovation Award. This award recognises an organisation that has developed a unique idea or programme to address wellbeing and mental health challenges for employees.

- National University of Singapore for the ESG Wellbeing Strategy Award. This award recognises an organisation that positions employee wellbeing as a strategic opportunity to drive ESG-led business growth that empowers employees and work communities to thrive.

- Otis International Asia Pacific for the Healthy Workplace Culture Award. This award recognises the unique character and personality of an organisation that enhances a safe and supportive environment where employees thrive by living its values every day.

- The overall Wellbeing Organisation of the Year Award was presented to Otis International Asia Pacific. This award recognises the organisation that has done the most to Be Well and Lead Well to drive change towards a thriving workplace for employees and work communities.

Proceeds from the award ceremony will go towards funding the development of tools and programmes for leaders and organisations to take actions on their employees’ mental health and wellbeing, ultimately building thriving workplaces across Singapore.

Singaporeans place mental health as the biggest health problem (46%) facing the country today (Ipsos). Duke-NUS & IMH found that workplace anxiety and depression are costing the local economy S$15.7 B annually, or approximately 2.9% of GDP.

WorkWell Leaders is an action-oriented network of cross-industry private and public sector leaders. It began in 2018 as an informal working group and became a registered charity in Singapore in November 2022. It is the only non-profit collective of CEOs and leaders to champion mental health and workplace wellbeing as a strategic, leadership and ESG priority to drive better employee experience to benefit communities and society, while delivering positive business results.

Six in 10 working Singaporeans say they are burned out

The pandemic has caused Singaporeans to reassess their priorities and for 49% of Singaporeans, their career is no longer one of them. With 62% of Singaporean employees stating they suffer from burnout and 57% stating that they have an average or even poor work-life balance, new research* by Employment Hero found that employers can play a much bigger role in employee wellbeing in order to maintain and attract talent.

According to the payroll, HR and people management solution provider, burnout can be triggered by a combination of different factors, and amongst the Singaporean workforce, the pandemic’s impact on their job, as well as their mental health seem to be the key drivers. The Employee Wellness Report, which polled 1,005 Singaporean employees, found that as many as 45% of employees said that the pandemic has negatively impacted their career progression. The research also showed that 68% of Singporean workers are stressed about their finances, and 65% of workers had said that their stress levels were severely impacted by the effects of COVID on the workplace. 

Despite financial woes and burnout, mental health support appears to be an area in which Singaporean employers have managed to make impactful changes, with 47% of employees agreeing that their company is very supportive of employees’ mental health. Despite this, it was also found that 53% of employees are uncomfortable discussing mental health issues in the workplace, and 49% of employees are concerned that reporting mental health issues would lead to repercussions in the workplace.

Employment Hero said valuable rewards to be gained by businesses that choose to focus on employee wellness, with employees who rated their employer’s commitment to wellness as good stating they were 45% more likely to say they were loyal to a business.

Source: Employment Hero. Thompson.

“The past couple of years have been eye-opening for a lot of us, so it’s unsurprising that at large, priorities have changed for many. The need for greater work-life balance was already clear before the pandemic, but with many employees feeling the aftermath of these tumultuous years in the forms of mental health issues and burnout, the workplace needs to adapt in order to create a working environment that is able to retain and attract top talent,” said Ben Thompson, CEO and Co-founder of Employment Hero.

“From our report, it’s clear that employees are seeking mental health support, balance, and education, and employers must step up and offer the right resources to create a happy and productive workforce. By taking small steps in the right direction such as increasing mental health support budgets, prioritising financial education, and implementing remote working practices that enable a greater work-life balance, employers can quickly pivot towards the kind of people-first approach that employees will truly be able to appreciate.” 

“Ultimately, workers will stay with companies that support them, and leave the ones that don’t, so in order to retain top-tier talent and foster a successful workforce, it’s critical for employers to take these demands to take action where it’s most needed,” Thompson added.

Report highlights include:

- Employees with poor work-life balance are 52% more likely to feel burnt out.

- Those who feel burnt out are 42% more likely to feel that their productivity is low.

- Employees with poor productivity are 282% more likely to feel a poor sense of work-life balance, creating a vicious cycle of burnout and mental stress.

Details:

Read the report

*Employment Hero’s 2022 Employee Wellness Report analysed 1,005 Singaporean employees to understand employee wellbeing at work especially in relation to mental health, career wellness and financial wellbeing. Research was also conducted in Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

Beauty industry recognises Asian demand for de-stressing and relaxation products

Market intelligence agency Mintel has revealed that the Asia Pacific region accounted for a third (33%) of global beauty and personal care products that were launched between January-September 2018 aimed at de-stressing and relaxation*. This is up from 26% of global launches introduced to market in 2015**.

Speaking at in-cosmetics Asia, Sharon Kwek, Senior Innovation and Insights Analyst, Beauty and Personal Care at Mintel, said: “Today’s consumers are living their lives too fast, creating a global society where stress fits right in with everyday life. However, this has taken a toll on many and increasingly, consumers are becoming more aware of their emotional health and overall wellbeing. Brands and companies across industries are recognising that they can play a part in relieving some of this stress, including those in the beauty industry.

“The rapid urbanisation and increased speed of life in Asia have left consumers feeling tired and emotionally drained. For Asian female consumers, in particular, it is becoming common knowledge that daily lifestyle habits can have an impact on skin. Increasingly, beauty brands and companies are taking notice and are introducing beauty and personal care products that aid in emotional wellbeing. In the years ahead, beauty brands and companies in the region will stand to benefit from launching innovative products that address consumers’ mental wellness.”

The research shows that in 2018, 30% of urban Chinese consumers aged 20-49 are concerned about stress at work, up from 25% in 2013. Meanwhile, as many as three in five urban Indonesians (60%) and urban Thais (59%) plan to reduce their stress levels for personal health and wellness reasons. Indicating some of the root causes of modern stressors, a third (32%) of urban Indonesians aged 25-34 feel that being ‘connected’ such as to devices and being on social media, increases their stress levels.

Showcasing awareness of the fact that lifestyle plays an important role in maintaining good skin condition among Asian consumers, half (49%) of urban Chinese female consumers agree that getting enough sleep is the most crucial part of skincare; while half (49%) of urban Thai female consumers think that lifestyle factors including the amount of sleep and stress levels are most important in determining the appearance of facial skin.

“As Mintel trend Mood to Order highlights, consumers are looking for ways to enhance their mood through products. Meanwhile, Mintel’s 2025 global beauty & personal care trend Power Play highlights how consumers are recognising that they need to address their low energy levels and beauty brands are meeting this need with products that put energy claims at the forefront.

"There is an opportunity for the beauty industry to meet this new consumer need with mood-enhancing products that directly address emotional health and healing. The beauty routine will transform into a self-care routine and all categories of beauty will be expected to deliver these benefits,” Kwek added.

Consumers are actively looking for options to help improve the quality of their emotional and mental wellbeing. Mintel said 45% of urban female health supplement consumers in China buy health supplements to boost their energy levels or relieve fatigue; while 39% do so to improve their sleep quality. Reflecting the same opportunity for the beauty industry, a significant 87% of urban Chinese females aged 20-49 agree that using beauty services is a way of relaxing.

“The fact that consumers in Asia are looking towards health supplements to help with their overall wellbeing indicates an opportunity for the same strategy to be replicated in the beauty industry. Self-care will drive beauty inside and out; there is an opportunity for topical beauty products to tag with beauty supplements to create a complete system for consumers to take care of their physical and mental wellbeing holistically.

"Both offline and online beauty channels share the same opportunity to leverage the self-care concept to resonate with today’s consumers. Finally, Asian consumers have always believed in the power of crystals to help heal or ward off negative energy. Beauty manufacturers could explore the possibilities of including crystals as star ingredients.” Kwek concluded.

*Beauty and personal care product launches with at least one of the following words in their product description: 'de-stress’, ‘destress’, ‘relax’, or ‘relaxation’ .

**January to December 2015

Mastercard Well-Being Index reflects optimism in Asia Pacific

The latest Mastercard Well-Being Index* has revealed that people in Asia Pacific remain optimistic towards their overall wellbeing (score of 62.1), with those in emerging markets (65.5), led by India, Philippines and Indonesia, showing higher resilience and satisfaction than others in developed markets (56.7).

The Mastercard Well-Being Index surveyed 9,123 people across Asia Pacific about their economic, social and financial outlook, covering four key components: work and finances, safety from threats, personal and work satisfaction as well as personal wellbeing.

Leading the region with an overall wellbeing index score of 75 is India, the only market to have reached a very optimistic level in this survey series’ history. India’s optimism is likely driven by consumers’ upbeat sentiment over the robust pace of economic growth and stable macroeconomic fundamentals, as well as their ability to deal with stress and challenges. Other optimistic markets include Philippines (73) at second place and Indonesia (71.4) in third.

Conversely, Asia’s developed economies have struggled to advance out of neutral territory, owing to deep entrenchment in a culture of overtime and high levels of work-related stress. Japan (50.4) and Korea (52.1) rank the lowest for overall wellbeing, which is reflected in consumers’ consistently downbeat sentiment towards their personal wellbeing related to family stress, work stress, financial stress and health.

According to the study, it seems that a stress-free life with strong work-life balance is key to happiness. Overall, out of the four components, consumers in the region felt most satisfied with their personal and work life (65.5), buoyed by strong fulfilment amongst consumers in emerging markets such as India (83), Philippines (78.2), Myanmar (75.4), Vietnam (72.7), mainland China (71.3), Indonesia (71.1) and Thailand (70.2).

Georgette Tan, Senior VP, Communications, Asia Pacific, Mastercard said, “Findings from this study show that consumers’ outlook on their overall wellbeing is invariably shaped by the reality of their everyday lives, as well as social, economic and political conditions. In addition, we also see that strong opportunities for growth can imbue optimism and hope for the future as exemplified by Asia’s emerging economies like India, China and Indonesia, where their higher wellbeing scores correlate with growing GDP rates. Such insights are crucial to Mastercard’s work in the region where we’re committed to driving inclusive growth. It gives us a holistic view that complements economic activity, and provides us with a clearer understanding of the progress to be made.”

Across the board, of all four components, people in Asia Pacific were most concerned about their safety from threats (57.6), with those in Myanmar (43.5), Bangladesh (46.6) and Japan (46.9) having felt the most vulnerable. This apprehension was caused mainly by fear of cybercrime (54) and financial crime (55). On the other hand, people in emerging markets, led by India (78.7), Philippines (64.5) and Indonesia (64.3) are the least concerned about their overall safety.

Overall Well-Being Index, country scores

1. India	75.0	6. Thailand	66.1	11. Hong Kong	58.6	16. Taiwan	54.3
2. Philippines	73.0	7. Myanmar	64.6	12. Singapore	58.6	17. Korea	52.1
3. Indonesia	71.4	8. Cambodia	63.9	13. Sri Lanka	56.6	18. Japan	50.4
4. Vietnam	71.4	9. New Zealand	63.5	14. Bangladesh	55.5
5. China	68.2	10. Australia	59.6	15. Malaysia	54.9

Average for Asia Pacific	62.1
Average for developed Asia Pacific	56.7
Average for emerging Asia Pacific	65.5

Well-Being Index – Work & Finances component, country scores

1. Vietnam	81.5	6. New Zealand	71.7	11. Australia	60.4	16. Singapore	52.7
2. Philippines	79.2	7. Myanmar	66.9	12. Japan	59.5	17. Malaysia	51.9
3. Indonesia	77.2	8. Thailand	65.9	13. India	56.0	18. Sri Lanka	50.3
4. China	75.3	9. Bangladesh	65.0	14. Korea	53.9
5. Cambodia	71.8	10. Hong Kong	61.3	15. Taiwan	52.9

Average for Asia Pacific	64.1
Average for Developed Asia Pacific	58.9
Average for Emerging Asia Pacific	67.3

Well-Being Index – Safety from Threats component, country scores:

1. India	78.7	6. Thailand	63.1	11. Cambodia	56.8	16. Japan	46.9
2. Philippines	64.5	7. China	60.3	12. Taiwan	55.5	17. Bangladesh	46.6
3. Indonesia	64.3	8. Australia	59.8	13. Sri Lanka	51.8	18. Myanmar	43.5
4. Singapore	64.2	9. Vietnam	59.4	14. South Korea	50.9
5. New Zealand	63.4	10. Hong Kong	57.9	15. Malaysia	48.5

Average for Asia Pacific	57.6
Average for Developed Asia Pacific	56.9
Average for Emerging Asia Pacific	57.9

Well-Being Index – Satisfaction component, country scores

1. India	83.0	6. Indonesia	71.1	11. Sri Lanka	61.7	16. Taiwan	56.8
2. Philippines	78.2	7. Thailand	70.2	12. Singapore	60.8	17. South Korea	55.7
3. Myanmar	75.4	8. Cambodia	68.3	13. Malaysia	60.4	18. Japan	49.7
4. Vietnam	72.7	9. New Zealand	65.4	14. Hong Kong	59.2
5. China	71.3	10. Australia	62.7	15. Bangladesh	57.1

Average for Asia Pacific	65.5
Average for Developed Asia Pacific	58.6
Average for Emerging Asia Pacific	69.9

Well-Being Index – Personal Well-Being component, country scores

1. India	82.6	6. China	65.7	11. Singapore	56.7	16. Taiwan	52.2
2. Indonesia	73.2	7. Thailand	65	12. Hong Kong	56.3	17. South Korea	47.9
3. Myanmar	72.6	8. Sri Lanka	62.7	13. Australia	55.2	18. Japan	45.7
4. Vietnam	72	9. Malaysia	59	14. New Zealand	53.6
5. Philippines	70.1	10. Cambodia	58.9	15. Bangladesh	53.4

Average for Asia Pacific	61.3
Average for Developed Asia Pacific	52.5
Average for Emerging Asia Pacific	66.8

The Mastercard Index suite in Asia Pacific includes the long-running Mastercard Index of Consumer Confidence, as well as the Mastercard Index of Women’s Advancement, Mastercard Index of Financial Literacy, and the Mastercard Index of Global Destination Cities. In addition to the indices, Mastercard’s research properties also include a range of consumer surveys including Online Shopping, Ethical Spending and a series on consumer purchasing priorities (covering travel, dining & entertainment, education, money management, luxury and general shopping).

*The latest Mastercard Well-Being Index is based on a survey conducted between November 2016 and December 2016 on 9,123 consumers aged 18 to 64 in 18 Asia Pacific countries. Consumers were asked 17 questions pertaining to four components. The results of their responses were converted into sub-indices, which were subsequently averaged to form the Mastercard Well-Being Index score. The scores range from 0 to 100 where 0 represents the maximum negative response, and 100 represents the maximum positive response and 50 represents neutrality. 

New freemium platform aims to provide wellbeing

Source: Body Mind Me. Chopra (left) and Machaiah.

Jiyo, a wellbeing platform that has been co-founded by Deepak Chopra, physician and best selling author, and Poonacha Machaiah, entrepreneur and technology expert, is now available in beta.

Jiyo analyses users' daily activities and offer insights and tiny habits to nudge them on their path to wellbeing in return for a sacrifice in privacy. Aggregate data from trackers, sensors, public databases, and apps is turned into meaningful information and users can engage, learn, and interact with a range of curated content as well as connect with experts on the platform.

"The goal of Jiyo is to help people experience a joyful energetic body, loving compassionate heart, restful alert mind and lightness of being. This is the key to personal and planetary transformation," said Chopra.

"Jiyo aims to democratise wellbeing by leveraging mobile technology, devices/sensors and predictive analytics to provide contextual services (content+services) to the user that will enable them to make positive behavioral changes," added Machaiah.

Jiyo's platform uses the mobile phone as the primary medium to start the user on the journey of transforming their personal wellbeing. The platform will have a blend of free and premium paid content, products and services.

Interested?

Sign up for the Jiyo beta platform