A Guide to the Singapore Health Award (SHA) and How Your Company Can Increase Its Chances of Winning
At FITFAMCO, we frequently receive inquiries from clients about the Singapore Health Award (SHA) by the Health Promotion Board (HPB)—how to apply, what it takes to win, and how we can assist. This comprehensive guide is here to help you understand the SHA and offer insights into how your organization can improve its chances of being recognized for your commitment to employee health and wellness.
What is the Singapore Health Award (SHA)?
The Singapore Health Award is a prestigious accolade by the HPB that honors organizations for their dedication to promoting health and wellness within the workplace. Winning the SHA demonstrates a company’s leadership in creating a healthier work environment, focusing on sustainable wellness initiatives, and prioritizing the well-being of employees.
The SHA is generally held every two to three years, so keeping track of the application periods is essential to avoid missing out on this opportunity.
Who Should Apply for the SHA?
Any organization with a strong commitment to employee wellness should consider applying for the SHA. This includes HR departments, wellness committees, health and safety officers, and any teams dedicated to enhancing workplace wellness. Whether your company is just starting its wellness journey or has an established program, the SHA is a valuable benchmark to assess the effectiveness of your initiatives.
If your company is just starting, check out our corporate wellness services for an overview of how we can help you kickstart workplace wellness program.
When is the SHA Application Period?
The Singapore Health Award typically opens for applications every two to three years. While specific dates vary, the call for submissions usually takes place within the first quarter of the year. We recommend checking the HPB website regularly or subscribing to their updates to stay informed about the latest timelines.
What Are They Looking For?
HPB evaluates organizations based on several key pillars. Here's a breakdown of what the SHA assesses and how you can enhance your application:
Workplace Health Culture – Organizations should demonstrate a strong culture of health promotion, where wellness is embedded into the company’s values and practices. Learn how to create a workplace wellness policy that aligns with these goals.
Employee Engagement – The award looks for initiatives that actively involve employees in health programs, whether through participation, feedback, or leading wellness initiatives.
Sustainable Programs – Sustainable and long-term wellness strategies are crucial. Short-term initiatives are less impactful unless they are part of a broader, ongoing wellness plan.
Health Outcomes – HPB pays attention to tangible outcomes such as reduced absenteeism, improved productivity, and enhanced mental well-being among employees.
Leadership Commitment – Organizations with strong leadership involvement in wellness initiatives often have higher chances of winning. It's important for leadership to champion health and wellness within the company.
How to Increase Your Chances of Winning the SHA
While there are no guarantees when applying for the Singapore Health Award, you can take steps to improve your chances:
Why Companies Invest in Health Programs
Many companies apply for the Singapore Health Award as part of broader strategies to attract and retain talent, manage medical costs, and improve overall employee morale. When applying, make sure to clearly articulate your company's motivations. Rank these reasons based on your organization's specific needs, such as boosting employee productivity, reducing absenteeism, or supporting general interest in health and well-being.
Leadership Support is Key
The SHA highly values the involvement of senior leadership in health initiatives. Organizations that secure active support from management—whether through HR strategies or direct involvement in wellness program implementation—can significantly strengthen their application.
Demonstrating Your Investment in Wellness
Investing in the success of wellness programs is critical. This might include setting up dedicated health and well-being committees, providing specific training for staff, and allocating funds or time off for employees to participate in health activities. These investments show your long-term commitment to employee health.
Collect and Present Tangible Evidence
One of the SHA’s requirements is to demonstrate the success and impact of your health programs. Conduct health assessments like screenings and surveys to identify key objectives (e.g., improving nutrition, increasing physical activity, or reducing stress). Back up your application with clear evidence and outcomes.
Track and Evaluate Your Program’s Success
HPB looks for tangible outcomes such as changes in absenteeism, productivity, or health metrics like cholesterol or blood pressure. Regularly track and measure the impact of your wellness programs to showcase your organization’s progress toward its health objectives.
Highlight Innovative Wellness Solutions
SHA also looks for companies that bring innovative ideas to their workplace wellness programs. Whether it's introducing standing desks, in-house fitness classes, or targeted interventions like chronic disease management, make sure to highlight any creative initiatives that set your wellness program apart.
If you're managing a workplace gym, you can also check out our gym management services to create a space that fosters long-term wellness engagement.
How FitFamCo Can Help
At FITFAMCO, we specialize in building sustainable and impactful wellness programs that can elevate your organization’s health culture. Here’s how we can support your journey toward the SHA:
Customizable Wellness Programs
From fitness classes and mental health workshops to chronic disease management, we offer end-to-end wellness solutions tailored to your company’s unique needs. Explore our chronic disease management services for additional health-focused support.
Employee Engagement Strategies
We can help boost participation in your wellness programs through innovative challenges, workshops, and events designed to resonate with your employees. Check out our 10 unique corporate fitness programs you can do with us today.
Expert Guidance and Consultation
Our team of wellness professionals can guide your HR or wellness committee in aligning your programs with HPB's evaluation criteria as part of our consultancy services. We also provide advice on tracking health outcomes to showcase measurable success. (Do note that this is part of our paid services).
If you're ready to take the next step, book us for a consultation below to learn how we can tailor wellness solutions for your team.
What FitFamCo Cannot Do
While we are dedicated to helping you create the best possible wellness environment, there are a few things we cannot do:
We Do Not Submit Applications on Your Behalf: The SHA application process must be handled by your internal team. We are happy to provide support and guidance, but the actual submission and any required documents must be managed by your company.
We Do Not Guarantee Wins: Although we can help improve your chances, winning the Singapore Health Award depends on many factors outside of our control. Our role is to position you for success, but the outcome is ultimately determined by HPB’s selection criteria.
Disclaimer
Please note that FitFamCo is an independent wellness consultancy and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Health Promotion Board (HPB). Our guidance is based on our understanding of the SHA criteria and past client experiences. The suggestions provided here are based on best practices and general trends we've observed in successful workplace wellness programs.
Conclusion
The Singapore Health Award is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your company’s dedication to employee wellness, and with the right strategies, you can increase your chances of success. FITFAMCO is here to support your wellness journey every step of the way. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to fine-tune existing initiatives, our team is ready to help you build a healthier, more engaged workplace.
