Thrive Family Partnership Announcement

We’re delighted to announce that we have partnered with Thrive Family, Singapore’s leading psychological and wellbeing provider. 

The partnership centres around Thrive Family 1-1 services being made available for all 130 UFIT employees on an ongoing basis, as well as the co-development of bespoke mental and physical health care packages for corporate clients. Thrive Family is UFIT’s Principal Partner in the UFIT Corporate Run 2021, and will offer access to support for all the runners involved.

Thrive Family offer high quality support in all areas of mental health and pride themselves as being industry experts in Singapore. Their services range from education & awareness, training, coaching, counselling, and access to their 24-hour helpline.

We interviewed Nina and Emma to hear more about Thrive Family’s journey, how they are collaborating with UFIT, and how companies can improve their employees' mental health. 

1. WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP?

“We are delighted to be working with UFIT as we align in terms of our values relating to community, quality of service and the ethos of making a difference to each and everyone's wellness. The added association with the Special Olympics and raising awareness for all aspects of this amazing charity make us proud supporters of the UFIT Corporate Run 2021.”

2. WHAT IS THRIVE FAMILY ABOUT?

"We are a community of experienced, genuine, knowledgeable and caring clinicians. We strive to support our clients by offering them evidence-based practice, in a compassionate, collaborative and meaningful way. We are committed to supporting our clients not just to feel better but also live better, more meaningful lives. We are a unique practice that actively encourages and engages clinicians and clients in projects supporting the community in matters involving mental health support and education. Clinicians are also actively involved in developing their skills through in-house training in cutting edge evidence-based practice to continue to support our clients and our own quality of life."

3. WHICH SERVICES ARE YOU OFFERING FOR UFIT'S WELLNESS PROGRAMMES?

"We are offering a partnership with UFIT whereby they address physical wellbeing and Thrive Family address the Mental wellbeing. We offer 24/7 access to Mental wellness support and access to counsellors and psychologists who are experienced employee assistance providers. We can support companies and managers to develop their wellness strategy to fit their business and employee needs."

4. WHICH STRATEGIES SHOULD BE PUT IN PLACE TO HELP IMPROVE YOUR EMPLOYEES' MENTAL HEALTH?

"The strategy needs to fit where the company is on its wellness journey, knowing your employees is key. Employees can be surveyed or form focus groups to uncover issues and barriers relating to mental wellness. Really listening and learning from your employees will help you develop an engaging strategy. You need to consider the practical demographics like language, age, access to computers, restrictions to access.

The company needs to start discussing mental health in the workplace. It needs to be clear we all have mental health and all of us can struggle to stay mentally healthy at times.

Managers and colleagues would benefit from learning how to spot common issues like stress, depression, and anxiety. They need to know how to respond and encourage an employee to seek help. Companies need to help reduce the stigma, if we can start to talk openly about managing stress, and self-care in communication with employees and in formal communications. An employee needs to trust that the company won't reject them or call them out if they report they are struggling. Most mental health conditions are treatable. Support for employees' efforts to take care of their minds in a similar way you want them to take care of their physical health.  Going to see a counsellor should be free of stigma like going to the dentist is, with no sense of being penalised.

Setting up wellness committees that include mental health champions within the company from varying levels of authority can spread messages and be people to go to for support to aid accessing help. Many companies struggle with employee awareness, lack of access, and worries about their privacy mental Health Champions can help with this..

In-house training, access to helpful apps and resources can also help with preventing stress management and resilience."

5. HOW CAN COMPANIES BE BETTER EQUIPPED TO LOOK AFTER THE WELLBEING OF THEIR STAFF WHILE WORKING FROM HOME?

"Employers need to help employees switch off, they need to set expectations that you are not emailing round the clock. Understanding that long working hours, without work life balance eventually lead to productivity decline and burnout which hurts the company and employees. Being aware of those who on screens for too long and advocating non-screen times.

Offering flexible work schedule where possible some employees are managing children on HBL and elders. Encouraging taking regular breaks, scheduling exercise and taking their leave. Staying connected to teams working from home is essential, schedule a zoom coffee break, check in with staff and ask how they are doing."

UFIT CORPORATE WELLNESS

At UFIT, we provide a range of on-site and off-site services, including wellness support, group classes, nutrition talks and team building events, to help motivate employees and promote a positive working environment. If you would like to find out more about our Corporate Wellness packages, contact us below.