The People's Association (PA) took the stage last Friday, 4th July, in recognition for its commitment to create a healthy work-life balance for all staff. At the Singapore HR Awards 2008 – dubbed the industry's Oscars – PA was honoured for the first time, winning the Leading HR Practices in Quality Work-Life Award . In addition, PA also clinched special mentions in the HR Communications and Health & Employee Wellness categories.

  Currently in its 4th year, The Singapore HR Awards is organised by the Singapore Human Resources Institute and is the leading event for promoting and honouring outstanding HR practices and individuals. The Leading HR Practices in Quality-Work-Life Award highlights initiatives that help employees achieve effective quality work-life to increase employee satisfaction, productivity, performance and retention.

  PA attributes the win to its Work-Life Strategy which addresses the needs of staff at different stages of their lives. The organisation also believes that an employee who is able to harmonise both work and personal life will be more engaged, motivated and productive, thereby enhancing work excellence.

  Chairman of the Work-Life-Workplace Health Promotion (WL-WHP) Committee and Work-Life Ambassador, Mr Tan Kia Jin, said, “By offering the various Work-Life options, our staff can choose one that best suits their needs. A happy staff will in turn provide good service and in the long run will help the PA achieve our mission of fostering community bonding. “

  Among the Work-Life options include flexible work arrangements, leave benefits as well as employee support schemes. PA staff are also encouraged to take part in activities that promote a healthy and active lifestyle.

  One PA staff who has benefited from the Work-Life options is Ms Ng Lay Cheng, Deputy Director of Membership Unit, Marketing and Membership Division. Now working part-time to care for her three young children, she said, “The part-time arrangement has helped me to work around my kids' schedules. The support and understanding from my supervisors and fellow colleagues has definitely made balancing work and family more manageable for me.”

  For Deputy Constituency Manager for Pasir Ris West Constituency Office, Ms Jennifer Kuan, who is also a national archer, support from her colleagues has made it possible for her to pursue her personal interest. As a national archer, she was given unrecorded leave to represent Singapore in major competitions. “It's fulfilling for me to be able to pursue my favourite sports and career at the same time,” she said.

  The win did not come easy for PA - among the challenges faced include little awareness on the various Work-Life options available. To tackle this, PA will increase its publicity through a number of communication programmes that will be rolled-out soon as well as offer Work-Life training for supervisors so that more staff will stand to benefit.

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