Press Centre – Intellect | Modern-day Mental Healthcare For Asia https://intellect.co Thu, 27 Mar 2025 09:19:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://intellect.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/cropped-Favicon-32x32.png Press Centre – Intellect | Modern-day Mental Healthcare For Asia https://intellect.co 32 32 1 in 5 Job Seekers in Southeast Asia Won’t Accept a Job Without Mental Health Benefits Unless There’s a 29% Pay Bump At Least https://intellect.co/read/intellectxmilieuinsightreport_pressrelease/ Thu, 27 Mar 2025 09:17:42 +0000 https://intellect.co/?p=36941
  • Despite 40% of staff feeling they lack work-life balance, salary increase remains as the main pull factor in attracting new talent.  
    • A new study by Intellect and Milieu Insight reveals that while mental health benefits influence job decisions, leadership, culture, and policies play a larger role in long-term employee satisfaction.

    SINGAPORE, 27 MARCH 2025 – One in five job seekers across Southeast Asia consider mental health benefits non-negotiable when evaluating job opportunities. While external mental health benefits such as Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) and corporate wellness initiatives are important, internal interventions like supportive leadership, flexible work arrangements, and a healthy workplace culture are holding increasingly greater sway over job decisions.

    These findings come from How does workplace wellbeing support impact talent acquisition and retention?”, a six-market study conducted by Intellect and Milieu Insight, which surveyed 6,000 employees across Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. 

    Despite increased awareness, employees continue to struggle with wellbeing issues. Nearly half (49%) of respondents reported feeling exhausted, with the Philippines reporting the highest levels of exhaustion (60%). Mental distance, negativity, and cynicism about work were also prevalent, affecting 36% of employees in the past year. In spite of negative feelings reported towards work, interestingly, 72% of respondents rated their overall mental health as ‘good’ to ‘very good’. This gap could be explained by individual fears of reprisal or a lack of self-awareness, making it crucial for employers to look beyond surface-level assessments to fully address the underlying causes of stress and disengagement.

    The Trade-offs of Overlooking Mental Health Benefits

    Currently, there are more employees using mental health resources than there are employers offering them. Two-thirds of employees used some form of support tool to manage their mental health last year. This shows that there is a real demand for these resources to help employees with their mental health. 

    However, financial incentives remain a powerful factor, with 65% of employees stating they might still take a job without mental health benefits if the pay increase was substantial enough. On average, employees across the region would require at least a 29% median pay increase to make the switch, with Thailand ranking the highest at 50%.

    “Employers in Southeast Asia are starting to make mental health benefits accessible, but an Employee Assistance Programme is not the be-all and end-all,” said Theodoric Chew, Co-Founder and CEO of Intellect. “These benefits need to be reinforced by strong leadership, supportive policies, and a culture that prioritises wellbeing. Ultimately, a company’s wellbeing strategy is only as strong as the culture and leadership behind it. When businesses foster truly supportive environments, they empower employees to thrive, stay engaged, and reach their full potential.”

    Internal Support Matters More Than External Perks

    Results from the study emphasise that while mental health benefits play an important role, employees value leadership, workplace culture, and direct team support even more. Employees feel most supported by their peers (45%), followed by their direct managers (20%). This finding should nudge HR teams to focus on workplace interventions that strengthen leadership capabilities and foster psychologically safe environments, rather than relying solely on external benefits.

    Kelvin Li, CFO and Co-Founder of Milieu Insight, said, “Workplace culture, leadership, and flexibility now play a critical role in career decisions, and companies that fail to address these areas may struggle with retention and engagement, even if they offer competitive pay.”

    The Future of Workplace Wellbeing

    The findings of this study underline the need for businesses to bridge the gap between offering mental health benefits and fostering an environment where employees truly feel supported. Companies that prioritise internal changes—through leadership development, cultural shifts, and policy improvements—will be better positioned to attract and retain top talent in an evolving job market.

    For more details on the report and to access the full findings, please visit this link

    -END- 

    Research Methodology

    Based on Milieu Insight surveys with N=6,000 employed respondents who work at least 35 hours

    a week from Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines (N=1000 each), conducted from 23rd December 2024 to 8th January 2025. The survey comprised 25 questions, which were translated into the local languages of each country where applicable.

    About Intellect
    The leading mental health company, Intellect’s mission is to redefine mental healthcare regionally and globally. From everyday support to clinical interventions, Intellect grounds its full continuum of care in research, ensuring everyone has easy access to preventive, responsive and personalised mental health care in the moments that matter.

    As the most trusted mental healthcare provider in the region, Intellect serves some of the biggest enterprises and organisations in healthcare, government, and education. Online and offline, it has made a difference in the lives of over 3 million users.

    Intellect is backed by influential investors including Tiger Global, Insignia Ventures Partners, Y Combinator, HOF Capital, MS&AD Ventures, and East Ventures, alongside prominent venture funds, family offices, big tech executives, and angel investors. In 2023, Intellect was also awarded Human Resources Online’s Best Digital Wellness Platform (Gold). 

    About Milieu Insight
    Milieu Insight is an award-winning survey software and data analytics company in Southeast Asia, renowned for its expertise in providing businesses with valuable insights and market research data.

    Operating in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, Milieu Insight’s industry-transforming solutions have received several prestigious awards, including Campaign Asia’s Market Research Agency of the Year (Gold) and Tech MVP 2022.

    Its one-stop insights platform, Canvas, offers tools for analysing and visualising consumer opinion data across a multitude of lifestyle topics and sectors, empowering businesses to make better, more impactful decisions and strategies.

    Media Contacts:
    Sue Yu Leow
    Intellect
    sue@intellect.co

    Rachel Lee
    Milieu Insight
    rachel.lee@mili.eu

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    Intellect Named to Fast Company’s Annual List of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025 https://intellect.co/read/intellect-named-to-fast-companys-annual-list-of-the-worlds-most-innovative-companies-of-2025/ Wed, 19 Mar 2025 03:35:55 +0000 https://intellect.co/?p=36864 Intellect joins the ranks of Waymo, Nvidia, Duolingo, and more.

    SINGAPORE, 19 MARCH 2025 – Intellect is proud to have been named to Fast Company’s prestigious list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025. This year’s list shines a spotlight on businesses that are shaping industry and culture through their innovations to set new standards and achieve remarkable milestones in all sectors of the economy. 

    “Being recognised by Fast Company as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies is a testament to our commitment to breaking barriers in mental health through technology and research-backed care,” said Intellect’s CEO and Co-Founder, Theodoric Chew. “As we continue expanding globally, we remain focused on pioneering solutions that empower individuals and organisations to thrive.”

    In the past 12 months, Intellect has expanded its global mental healthcare ecosystem, now offering services in 120 languages across 100+ countries. This unprecedented scale ensures that individuals, no matter where they are, can access clinically validated mental health support in their preferred language and cultural context. With a truly global, yet deeply localised approach, Intellect has set a new benchmark for accessible, high-quality mental healthcare. 

    To uphold the highest clinical standards, Intellect collaborates with leading mental health professionals, research institutions, and regulatory bodies worldwide. This commitment to rigorous, science-backed care has enabled Intellect to deliver gold-standard mental healthcare at a global scale, ensuring that quality and effectiveness remain at the heart of every interaction.

    The World’s Most Innovative Companies stands as Fast Company’s hallmark franchise and one of its most anticipated editorial efforts of the year. To determine honourees, Fast Company’s editors and writers review companies driving progress around the world and across industries, evaluating thousands of submissions through a competitive application process. The result is a globe-spanning guide to innovation today, from early-stage startups to some of the most valuable companies in the world. 

    “Our list of the Most Innovative Companies offer both a comprehensive look at innovation today and a playbook for the future,” said Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. “This year, we recognise companies that are harnessing AI in deep and meaningful ways, brands that are turning customers into superfans by overdelivering for them, and challengers that are introducing bold ideas and vital competition to their industries. At a time where the world is rapidly shifting, these companies are charting the way forward.” 

    The full list of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies honoress can now be found at fastcompany.com. It will also be available on newsstands beginning 25 March 2025. 

    About Intellect
    The leading mental health company, Intellect’s mission is to redefine mental healthcare regionally and globally. From everyday support to clinical interventions, Intellect grounds its full continuum of care in research, ensuring everyone has easy access to preventive, responsive and personalised mental health care in the moments that matter.

    As the most trusted mental healthcare provider in the region, Intellect serves some of the biggest enterprises and organisations in healthcare, government, and education. Online and offline, it has made a difference in the lives of over 4 million users.

    Intellect is backed by influential investors including Tiger Global, Insignia Ventures Partners, Y Combinator, HOF Capital, MS&AD Ventures, and East Ventures, alongside prominent venture funds, family offices, big tech executives, and angel investors. In 2023, Intellect was also awarded Human Resources Online’s Best Digital Wellness Platform (Gold). 

    About Fast Company
    Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow business publication Inc. For more information, please visit fastcompany.com

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    APAC employees feel more supported at work – but stress is on the rise, according to Intellect’s new global Workplace Wellbeing 360 Report https://intellect.co/read/workplacewellbeing360-pressrelease/ Mon, 10 Mar 2025 02:32:09 +0000 https://intellect.co/?p=36806 New insights highlight mental wellbeing as a key driver of workplace productivity across 10 industries worldwide, and flag stress management as an urgent concern.

    SINGAPORE, 10 MARCH 2025 – Intellect, a global mental health benefits company, has released the second edition of its anticipated report, Workplace Wellbeing 360 Report 2025: Benchmarking 10 Industries Across the World. Providing data-driven insights into the evolving dynamics between workplace mental health and performance, the report is based on data from 50,000 employees from 182 countries and using Intellect’s proprietary and holistic 26-question Dimensions measurement framework.

    Diving deep into the four components of workplace wellbeing – employee wellbeing, organisational support, work engagement and employee productivity – the report aims to compare workplace wellbeing across 10 industries globally, as well as help organisations assess their own state of workplace wellbeing against local and global peers.

    “With the findings in Workplace Wellbeing 360 Report 2025: Benchmarking 10 Industries Across the World, it’s clear that mental wellbeing is a key driver of business success,” said Theodoric Chew, Co-founder & CEO of Intellect. “Employers that invest in support systems, initiatives and programmes that help employees feel valued, will ultimately create healthier workplaces where teams are more productive and engaged. With this report, we want to empower employers and human resources professionals to make strategic, data-driven recommendations that drive measurable outcomes and enhance organisational performance.”

    Employees in APAC feel more supported at work


    In a year that saw global perceptions of organisational support decline slightly, Intellect’s report found that employees across the majority of industries in Asia Pacific (APAC) showed more positive sentiments in 2024. This led to a 1.5% year-on-year increase that enabled the region to reach parity with other regions.

    The contrasting trend between APAC and other regions is also consistent when examining the personal factors that influence workplace wellbeing, with employees in APAC reporting improvements in areas such as mental wellbeing and resilience, among others, while their global counterparts reported dips or negligible growth in these areas.

    Mental wellbeing is the strongest enabler of productivity


    The findings point to personal mental wellbeing (r=0.67) as the most important factor when determining employee productivity, even more so than growth mindset (r=0.17) and goal orientation (r=0.17), two factors that many organisations prioritise.

    Correlation between Mental Wellbeing and Employee Productivity

    This shows that investing in workplace mental health is both a strategic and financial imperative for businesses, and that personal development could be an overlooked driver of performance.

    Employees are taking less time off – but this may be hindering productivity


    Presenteeism, the phenomenon where employees are present but not engaged due to physical and mental health concerns, is rising. In 2024, presenteeism increased by nearly 8%, rising from 38.2% in 2023 to 41.2%, leading to a dip in productivity and efficiency. Further, presenteeism is a greater financial burden on organisations, costing 3X as much as absenteeism, or the number of days employees miss due to physical or mental health.

    Helping employees manage stress is an urgent need globally


    Though the global workforce has improved in self-efficacy, purpose and meaning, and optimism, there have been significant downward shifts in stress management, growth mindset, and self-awareness.

    In line with their global counterparts, employees in APAC reported declines in stress management. With a year-on-year decrease from 60% in 2023 to 58% in 2024, employers should implement targeted initiatives. This will help mitigate stress and help staff members maximise their productivity in ways that are healthy, promote greater work-life balance and foster greater self-awareness. 

    For more details on the report and to access the full findings, please visit here.

    -END- 

    Research Methodology

    Intellect Benchmarking utilises the data collected from 50,000 users (Close to 20,000 B2B users) of Intellect based on responses to Intellect Dimensions (Personal Insights Quiz), a 26-item holistic wellbeing questionnaire developed by subject matter experts at Intellect. On average, users respond to the questionnaire every 18-21 days to monitor their journey within the platform. A summary report is provided to users, based on 13 personal factors derived from the aggregation of Intellect Dimensions item scores.

    Users are categorised based on demographic data such as the industry that they work in, country, gender and age group. Scores are aggregated to form the average for the various categories.

    Benchmark scores span across a wide range of variables, are influenced by 13 personal factors, and are broadly grouped into four distinct organisational wellbeing categories:

    • Employee Productivity, which is measured in terms of productivity loss (presenteeism) and absenteeism due to physical and mental health.. 
    • Employee Wellbeing, which assesses the overall mental and emotional wellbeing of employees. 
    • Organisational Support, which considers the extent to which employees perceive assistance as adequate.
    • Work Engagement, which is informed by the level of commitment and involvement of employees. 

    About Intellect
    The leading mental health company, Intellect’s mission is to redefine mental healthcare regionally and globally. From everyday support to clinical interventions, Intellect grounds its full continuum of care in research, ensuring everyone has easy access to preventive, responsive and personalised mental health care in the moments that matter.

    As the most trusted mental healthcare provider in the region, Intellect serves some of the biggest enterprises and organisations in healthcare, government, and education. Online and offline, it has made a difference in the lives of over 3 million users.

    Intellect is backed by influential investors including Tiger Global, Insignia Ventures Partners, Y Combinator, HOF Capital, MS&AD Ventures, and East Ventures, alongside prominent venture funds, family offices, big tech executives, and angel investors. In 2023, Intellect was also awarded Human Resources Online’s Best Digital Wellness Platform (Gold). 

    Media Contacts:

    Sue Yu Leow
    Intellect
    sue@intellect.co

    ]]>
    Intellect Wins Silver for Best Digital Wellness Platform and Bronze for Corporate Wellness Provider 2024 Award, Recognised for Efficacy and Global Reach https://intellect.co/read/intellect-wins-silver-for-best-digital-wellness-platform-and-bronze-for-corporate-wellness-provider-2024-award-recognised-for-efficacy-and-global-reach/ Mon, 11 Nov 2024 03:33:03 +0000 https://intellect.co/?p=34459 The HRO Vendor of the Year Award, one of Asia’s premier programmes, honours top Human Resource professionals and initiatives that have delivered tangible, measurable business results for their partners. This year, an executive panel of prominent Chief HR Officers and Heads of People from across the APAC region evaluated the finalists.

    Intellect clinched Digital Wellness Platform (Silver) and Corporate Wellness Provider (Bronze) and was chosen for its comprehensive approach in delivering a hyper-localised continuum of care, encompassing both online and offline systems that range from screening tools to preventive and clinical care.

    As global workforces recognise and embrace mental wellness as an essential part of overall wellness, Intellect taps into its clinically-validated programmes and global network of mental health providers to support employers and employees alike, globally.

    From Intellect’s extensive regional research, to proprietary offerings and a strong digital and physical presence, employers not only have a holistic view of their employees’ mental health, but can also actively support their wellness journey.

    Intellect continues to garner praise for the sophistication of its comprehensive, multimodal platform, available in over 100 countries and 100 languages, along with its extensive rollout and engagement strategy.

    About Intellect

    Intellect is the largest and fastest growing mental health tech company, providing an end-to-end mental health solution for individuals and companies seeking reliable support.  Today, Intellect has over 3.7 million users stemming from small businesses, Fortune 500 companies, life and health insurance providers, educational institutes, and not-for-profit communities worldwide.

    Intellect’s service ranges from self-paced CBT programmes, individual behavioural coaching sessions, to a 24/7 clinical helpline. All features on different platforms are encrypted and secure, as validated by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) with an ISO/IEC 27001 certification. With a mission to make mental healthcare radically more accessible to everyone, Intellect continues to hyperlocalised its service in 100 languages and spans a network of in-house providers and responders in 100+ countries.

    Science-backed and evidence-based, users of the platform reported a 92.6% improvement in anxiety after 4-6 weeks of usage, and recorded a 78.6% decrease in mental health stigma. To date, Intellect has >95% client retention, high customer satisfaction rates, and cross-region expansion.

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    ASEAN Workplace Wellbeing Report 2024: Nearly half of Singapore employers are hesitant to hire staff with mental health conditions https://intellect.co/read/asean-private-sector-pr/ https://intellect.co/read/asean-private-sector-pr/#comments Thu, 10 Oct 2024 03:15:57 +0000 https://intellect.co/?p=34282 Nearly half of Singapore employers are hesitant to hire staff with mental health conditions, new report reveals

    Employers in Singapore are falling behind their regional counterparts when it comes to mental health awareness and support, and unwittingly perpetuating stigma and discrimination, according to a new report by Intellect.

    SINGAPORE, 10 OCTOBER 2024 A new region-wide report has found that nearly half (45%) of Singaporean employers are hesitant to ‘actively employ’ individuals with mental health conditions, while 26% are unsure whether their companies ‘actively employ’ such individuals, higher than the regional average. In contrast, smaller Southeast Asian markets, including Vietnam (86%), Thailand (87%) and the Philippines (65%) lead the region in actively hiring individuals with mental health conditions. 

    The ASEAN Workplace Wellbeing 2024 Report was conducted by leading regional mental health care company Intellect, and surveyed 585 HR professionals across Southeast Asia in 2024. The report aims to understand current workplace wellbeing practices, awareness, resource accessibility, and stakeholder opinions within the private sector across ASEAN. 

    This research study found that while many organisations have implemented mental health literacy and awareness programmes, gaps remain – particularly in hiring individuals with mental health conditions. The report also highlights the need for comprehensive training, accessible resources, and stronger organisational support to address these challenges. 

    Positive shift across ASEAN Organisations in prioritising change management practices over simply providing wellbeing services and support 

    There has been a positive focus in how ASEAN organisations improve mental health and wellbeing management, beyond simply providing services and support. Human Resource (HR) professionals are reportedly prioritising communication on mental health and neurodiversity inclusion (56%) and training managers on mental health literacy (56%), reflecting a shift towards change management practices and evolving wellbeing programs to address emerging challenges. [Refer to Appendix A for more details]

    Persistent gaps in inclusive hiring despite rollout of mental health initiatives and leadership training across organisations

    According to the report, the majority of organisations (65%) across the region have introduced mental health literacy and awareness training for employees, while three in five (60%) have implemented wellbeing policies and practices aimed at improving employee welfare. While these numbers suggest progress, the scope of mental health resources and their impact varies significantly across countries. [Refer to Appendix B for more details.]

    Organisations in Singapore claim to have the highest rate of inclusive hiring policies (89%) and workplace/physical environment adjustments (78%) compared to the regional average (60% and 68% respectively), but nearly half of employers (45%) hesitate to hire individuals facing mental health challenges. This disconnect underscores a critical gap between policy implementation and practical outcomes in fostering truly inclusive workplaces. 

    The breakdown of organisations who actively hire individuals with mental health conditions.

    In Singapore, employers are guided by the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices (TGFEP), which discourages asking job applicants to disclose personal information – including mental health conditions – unless it directly relates to the job. This may account for some of the data as to why many Singaporean employers don’t ‘actively hire’ those struggling with mental health conditions, which noted that non-disclosure practices are the main reasons (67%) that they do not actively hire these individuals. However, the survey also found key obstacles in hiring individuals with mental health conditions in Singapore included limited mental health awareness (24%), negative employee attitudes (10%), and management’s reluctance to accommodate flexible working conditions (5%).

    Theodoric Chew, Co-founder & CEO of Intellect said, “While Singapore rightfully restricts employers from asking specific questions around the mental health of candidates, our findings indicate there remains a significant gap in both awareness and willingness to accommodate employees with mental health challenges. Workplaces play a very important role in dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health – and given that 17% of Singaporeans suffer from poor mental health, it’s imperative that hirers and leaders understand the need to integrate mental health support across the business.” 

    “In fact, the ongoing development of the Guidelines on Providing Support for Employees with and at-risk of Mental Health Conditions by Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council, calling for stronger return-to-office support for employees with mental conditions, is a step in the right direction. Ultimately, by providing proper training, flexible work policies, and easily accessible mental health resources, employers can shift this conversation away from being something that is taboo, thus improving both hiring practices and workplace wellbeing,” he added. 

    The lack of robust mental health support in ASEAN, and the resulting low levels of employee engagement

    Across Southeast Asia, organisations reported having access to various mental health resources through their Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP). These include mental health personnel like coaches or counsellors (63%), digital mental health support (50%), helplines (38%), and crisis support (34%). While organisations in Thailand lead Southeast Asia in offering more comprehensive mental health programmes to employees (23%), there remains significant room for improvement throughout the region.

    In Singapore, less than one in five (15%) of HR professionals report that their companies offer comprehensive mental health resources [Refer to Appendix C for more details]. The challenge is further compounded by alarmingly low employee engagement with available mental health services. While more than nine in 10 (93%) Singaporean companies communicate mental health programmes to their staff, less than one in 10 (5%) employees actively engage with these services—a rate far below the regional average of 47%.  [Refer to Appendix D for more details.]

    By comparison, Vietnam (85%), Thailand (63%), and the Philippines (49%) see significantly higher participation, highlighting the stark contrast in workplace mental health engagement across Southeast Asia.

    How companies can overcome the challenges in championing organisational-wide support for mental health initiatives across ASEAN

    The report also reveals significant challenges in the implementation of effective mental health policies across ASEAN countries. While the majority of organisations have made strides to improve mental health literacy (65%) and have introduced wellbeing policies (60%), in Singapore, less than one in four (24%) organisations provide proactive day-to-day mental health support. 

    To enhance inclusive hiring and supportive practices in the workplace, it is critical that leaders, HR professionals, and employees are empowered to support organisational-wide efforts. According to the World Health Organisation, organisations should provide training for recruiters and hiring managers on how to effectively assess and accommodate candidates with diverse needs. HR professionals must ensure that mental health resources are not only readily available, but also accessible and tailored to meet employees’ needs. Additionally, corporate symmetrical communication—where organisations listen and respond to employee concerns—can significantly improve engagement with mental health resources and drive overall effectiveness.

    Theodoric Chew, Co-founder & CEO of Intellect said, “As Singapore shifts the responsibility of mental health care from hospitals to the community to widen the number of touch points for those in need, workplaces play a critical role in providing essential mental health support. To foster truly supportive environments, leaders and HR professionals need to go beyond offering resources, they must champion organisation-wide efforts in a way that meets the needs of the organisation and its employees.”  

    “Training programmes like Mental Health First Aid™ can empower managers and employees to handle conversations about mental health more sensitively, promoting the hiring of individuals with mental health conditions. With this report, employers and human resources professionals now have access to a wealth of employee data insights across the region, to make strategic and data-driven recommendations for overall organisational success,” he added.

    To learn more about this research or to download the full report, visit here

    -END-

    Research Methodology

    Intellect surveyed 585 HR professionals (N = 585) based in 10 ASEAN countries and working across eight different types of organisations. The survey comprised 23 questions, which were translated into the local languages of each country where applicable. This report focuses specifically on 12 of these questions, whose findings are most relevant to HR from private and non-profit organisations.

    Appendix A – Breakdown of priorities for improving mental health and wellbeing management across 10 ASEAN countries

    Appendix B – Breakdown of mental health literacy and awareness training for employees  across 10 ASEAN countries

    Appendix C – Breakdown of the comprehensiveness of mental health resources offered by organisations through their Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) across 10 ASEAN countries

    Appendix D – Breakdown of the companies which communicate the existence of mental health programmes to their staff and employee engagement with available mental health services

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    Intellect Partners with Singlife to Integrate Mental Wellbeing into Traditional Insurance https://intellect.co/read/intellect-singlife-press-release/ Mon, 23 Sep 2024 02:31:22 +0000 https://intellect.co/?p=34006 Intellect CEO and Co-Founder Theodoric Chew and Singlife Head of Innovation and Ecosystems Varun Mittal at the Intellect HQ.

    PRESS RELEASE

    Singapore, 23 September 2024 – Award-winning mental health company, Intellect, has announced a strategic partnership with leading homegrown financial services company, Singlife, in a pioneering move to redefine the insurance industry, complementing traditional protection with end-to-end care across the full spectrum of mental health. The collaboration marks a significant step towards the integration of mental wellbeing support into insurance coverage, setting a new industry standard for holistic health support.

    As the global conversation around mental health continues to grow, Intellect’s ROI study shows that the costs of absenteeism and presenteeism at the workplace due to mental health problems range between S$2.3 billion to S$12.8 billion. Singlife and Intellect share a common vision to maximise efficiencies for employers through investment in accessible, high-quality mental health services. Through this partnership, Singlife policyholders will gain access to Intellect’s award-winning self-care platform, which offers personalised mental health support, including self-care programmes and preventative care tools. Policyholders will also have access to Intellect’s 24/7 helpline, offering multilingual support in 30 languages across 60 countries. Trained responders are available to provide in-the-moment care and de-escalate critical situations.

    Varun Mittal, Head of Innovation & Ecosystem at Singlife, said: “Singlife believes in supporting our customers holistically. Aside from physical health, it is equally important to take care of one’s mental wellbeing. We are elated to partner with Intellect to co-curate and launch the first-in-market comprehensive mental wellness proposition under our ‘Benefits XP’ programme. It provides our customers 24/7 access to numerous mental wellbeing resources. This is a significant milestone in our ‘Beyond Insurance’ mission to evolve and advance the future of workplace benefits.”

    Intellect’s comprehensive platform is designed to meet users wherever they are on their mental health journeys. With full ownership of wellbeing services across online-to-offline (O2O) platforms, users are able to personalise their wellbeing programmes based on their needs. By making it convenient for users to seek support whenever they need, Intellect’s approach to healthcare is human-centred and technology-driven. It addresses leading contributors to work impairment associated with absenteeism and presenteeism, including stress, burnout, and emotional wellbeing issues. 

    “Partnering with Singlife represents a significant opportunity to extend our support and impact in a way that aligns with our core mission of making mental health care universally accessible,” said Theodoric Chew, CEO of Intellect. “In today’s world, the importance of mental wellbeing cannot be overstated, and we believe that it should be an integral part of every person’s health journey. By collaborating with Singlife, we are breaking new ground in the insurance industry, ensuring that mental health is no longer treated as a secondary concern, but as a core component of health coverage.”

    This partnership reflects a broader trend in the insurance industry, where providers are increasingly recognising the importance of mental health. By integrating Intellect’s services, Singlife is taking a proactive approach to addressing mental health challenges and supporting the overall wellbeing of its policyholders.

    About Intellect:

    The leading mental health company in Asia Pacific, Intellect’s mission is to redefine mental healthcare regionally and globally. From everyday support to clinical interventions, Intellect grounds its full continuum of care in research, ensuring everyone has easy access to preventive, responsive and personalised mental health care in the moments that matter.

    As the most trusted mental healthcare provider in the region, Intellect serves some of the biggest enterprises and organisations in healthcare, government, and education. Online and offline, it has made a difference in the lives of over 3 million users.

    Intellect is backed by influential investors including Tiger Global, Insignia Ventures Partners, Y Combinator, HOF Capital, MS&AD Ventures, and East Ventures, alongside prominent venture funds, family offices, big tech executives, and angel investors. In 2023, Intellect was also awarded Human Resources Online’s Best Digital Wellness Platform (Gold).

    About Singlife:

    Singlife is a leading homegrown financial services company, offering consumers a better way to financial freedom. Through innovative, technology-enabled solutions and a wide range of products and services, Singlife provides consumers control over their financial wellbeing at every stage of their lives.  

    In addition to a comprehensive suite of insurance plans, employee benefits, partnerships with financial adviser channels and bancassurance, Singlife offers investment and advisory solutions through its GROW with Singlife platform. It also offers the Singlife Account, a mobile-first insurance savings plan.  

    Singlife is the exclusive insurance provider for the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs and Public Officers Group Insurance Scheme. Singlife is also an official signatory of the United Nations Principles for Sustainable Insurance and the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment, affirming its commitment to finding a better way to sustainability. 

    The merger of Aviva Singapore and Singlife was announced in September 2020 and created one of the largest homegrown financial services companies in Singapore in a deal valued at S$3.2 billion. It was the largest insurance deal in Singapore at the time. 

    Singlife was subsequently acquired by Sumitomo Life in March 2024, one of Japan’s leading life insurers, which valued Singlife at S$4.6 billion, making the transaction one of the largest insurance deals in Southeast Asia. 

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    Endowus智安投x Intellect 財富與健康報告:調查顯示四成香港Z世代和千禧世代僱員有離職傾向 企業助提升財務準備有效降低僱員離職意向 https://intellect.co/read/endowus-intellect-traditionalchinesereport/ Tue, 30 Jul 2024 06:05:49 +0000 https://intellect.co/?p=33725 PRESS RELEASE

    • Endowus智安投和 Intellect 對1,000名香港和新加坡的 Z世代與千禧世代僱員進行調查,顯示財務健康與心理健康密不可分,財務壓力會加劇焦慮,支援和保留年輕人才於兩地就業市場尤其重要
    • 41%香港受訪僱員有離職傾向,69%認為如企業提供支援(例如工作坊、諮詢意見),幫助他們做好財務準備,會降低離職意向
    • 相比新加坡,有更多的香港受訪僱員認為(78%Vs83%)改善財務準備可使工作更加高效
    • 逾八成香港受訪者認為,良好的財務準備有助他們更輕鬆地從挫折中復原

    香港,2024年7月30日 – 亞洲領先的線上財富管理平台Endowus智安投 與著名的心理健康支援平台Intellect合作,發佈了《Endowus智安投xIntellect財富與健康報告》。報告調查了香港和新加坡1,000名Z世代和千禧世代僱員,深入探討財務健康與個人和企業健康的關係。量度心理健康有三大因素,包括成長型思維(Growth Mindset)、心理韌性(Resilience)及自尊(Self-esteem),而工作環境健康的量度指標包括工作滿意度和離職傾向。個人及企業的量度指標源自Intellect平台上的個人洞察測驗(PIQ)1,這是一套專門工具,透過量度各種因素,量化個人和工作環境的健康。該調查由第三方專業研究機構協助完成2。研究結果顯示,良好的財務健康與心理健康之間存在一種良性互惠關係。例如,86%的香港受訪者認為,良好的財務準備有助於他們更輕鬆地從挫折和挑戰中復原;而83%的受訪者表示,心理韌性會激勵他們不斷提升自己的財務準備水平。此外,他們認為自尊會提升個人的財務準備,反之亦然。報告深入分析了Z 世代和千禧世代計劃加強財務準備的策略,發現在改善員工全面的財務和心理韌性方面,僱主和企業發揮著關鍵作用和責任,特別是當僱主有意提高工作滿意度和減少離職意向,打造一個更強大、更有心理韌性的團隊。香港 Z 世代和千禧世代財務與心理健康現況調查結果顯示,成長型思維(87%)、心理韌性(78%)、自尊(85%)和工作滿意度(75%)等指標反映,香港受訪者整體身心健康程度處於穩健水平。然而,與之形成對比,近四成的香港受訪者(41%)經常考慮離職,有明顯的離職傾向。在財務準備方面,大多數(60%)的香港受訪者認為當前財務狀況「準備非常充足」或「準備充足」,不過仍有40%的香港受訪者認爲目前財務狀況還未達到「準備充足」水平。研究將財務準備定義為,個人對財富能滿足短期和/或長期生活需求的信心。

    對自己的財務狀況感覺準備程度如何?

    約一半的香港受訪者 (48%) 對收入來源的可預測性充滿信心,因此受訪者表現出強烈的財務準備意識。 

    您認為目前已在以下哪些方面做好了財務準備?

    ‍尽管有一半的香港受访者相信他们的收入来源是一致和可预测的,但相对而言,只有16%的受访者表示有足够的投资能力来了解适合其财务目标的投资类型。另有19%的人对自己建立充足的退休储备金的能力充满信心,这凸显了个人需要从长远的角度进行财务规划,通过有意义的财富积累进一步稳定财务安全网。

    Endowus 联合创始人兼董事长塞缪尔·李, 说:“Endowus明白,改善个人的财务准备将加强社会结构,使更多的人能够实现退休充足率并避免长寿风险,即没有足够的资金来维持他们的白银岁月。以我们的名义为我们所有人实现机构捐赠质量投资的包容性民主化——通过知情的财富管理和更多获得正确资源的机会,我们可以为香港人提供知识,通过全面和负责任的投资,确保自己和亲人拥有更光明的未来。这就是为什么我们继续在所有平台上优先考虑金融知识的原因。”

    ‍“在长期财务压力的艰难环境中,金融知识的力量尤其重要,通货膨胀侵蚀了现金和存款的价值,而下一代拥有房屋的机会则进一步减少。Endowus与Intellect合作,致力于与具有前瞻性思维的组织合作,设计有效、个性化的员工福利计划,以改善团队的整体福祉,为他们的财务未来做好更好的准备。”

    财务准备和个人健康直接影响工作场所的成果

    ‍该研究还探讨了两者之间的关系 财务准备 和 个人健康 可能会影响工作满意度和离职意向等工作场所成果,这表明超过80%的香港受访者同意或强烈同意,做好财务准备将有助于他们减少分心,提高工作效率,并提高工作满意度。69%的人同意或强烈同意,当工作场所提供支持(例如研讨会、咨询)以帮助他们做好财务准备时,他们不太可能考虑离职。

    ‍儘管有一半的香港受訪者對自己收入穩定性和可預測性持樂觀態度,但在投資知識方面,只有16%的香港受訪者認為自己具備足夠的投資能力,能夠選擇最合適的投資實現財務目標。此外,僅有19%的香港受訪者認為自己可累積充足的退休金,這顯示了個人需要採取更長遠的視角來規劃財務,通過積極的財富積累來進一步鞏固財務安全。

    Endowus智安投聯合創辦人及主席李眞(Samuel Rhee)表示:「Endowus智安投深知,提高個人財務準備度能帶來深遠的社會效益,有助更多人實現充足的退休生活,避免因資金不足而面臨的長壽風險。我們致力開放獲取機構級別投資產品的渠道,讓香港人能明智地管理財富和輕鬆獲取正確的資訊,為自己和家庭創造一個更加光明的未來。正因如此,我們持續在跨平台推動普及金融素養教育。」

    「目前外部環境依然充滿挑戰,高通膨會侵蝕現金和存款的價值,同時年輕一代擁有房產的機會也在逐漸減少,因此金融和個人理財知識的普及尤其重要。為了應對這些挑戰,Endowus智安投與Intellect攜手合作,致力與具有前瞻性的企業合作,共同設計有效且個性化的僱員福利計劃,以提升僱員的整體健康和為財務健康建立更好的準備。」

    ‍財務準備和心理健康直接影響工作滿意度及離職傾向

    研究報告探討了財務準備心理健康的關係,以及這種關係如何影響工作滿意度和離職傾向等工作成果指標。研究結果顯示,83%香港受訪僱員認為,改善財務準備可使他們心無旁騖,工作更加高效,82%受訪者則認為,良好的財務準備有助增強工作滿足感,69%受訪者表示,如企業提供支援(例如工作坊、諮詢意見),幫助他們做好財務準備,會降低離職傾向。

    ‍提升工作滿意度,僱主在支援整體心理健康方面發揮關鍵作用

    考慮到財務準備和工作滿意度之間存在顯著的相關性,企業可考慮將財務健康納入僱員福利、僱員參與和留任策略。

    ‍僱主在提升員工全面身心健康方面發扮演著關鍵作用。三分之一的香港受訪者表達希望工作場所提供支援以改善財務準備,包括金融健康工作坊 (31%)、個人理財興趣小組 (34%) 、公司認可的退休投資計劃(34%)和個人理財及投資者教育課程(38%)。特別是千禧世代對個人理財及投資者教育的需求尤為突出,有38%的人表示希望獲得此類支援。

    ‍值得注意的是, 31% 的香港受訪者在尋找能夠提供心理健康研討會的工作場所,這反映了Z 世代和千禧世代對心理健康與財務健康的相互關聯的深刻認識。企業不應將這兩方面視為相互排斥,而應考慮提供靜觀培訓課程,提供減輕財務壓力的技巧以減輕財務焦慮,並提供改善心理健康的諮詢服務。 

    ‍Endowus智安投與Intellect亦會深入研究如何在財務準備的範疇提升各自的服務。雙方已在上周聯合舉辦了一場研討會,與超過100名高級管理人員和人力資源專業人士分享報告中的發現,並探討如何幫助建立更具韌性的員工隊伍。同時,與金融機構合作,深入研究案例,透過提供企業員工福利計劃,以提高個性化員工財務健康支援力度。

    Intellect聯合創辦人及首席執行官Theodoric Chew 表示:「研究表明,財務狀況與心理健康之間存在密切的聯繫,財務壓力往往會導致焦慮和心理健康狀況下降。我們與 Endowus 智安投的合作研究結果證實了這種關係,強調提供全面解決方案的迫切性。」

    ‍「Intellect推出了心理和財務健康工作坊、培訓課程和相關平台內容可以應對這些挑戰。僱主透過將支援措施納入福利策略,支持員工在工作場所茁壯成長,從而提高工作滿意度並降低離職率。我們期待與 Endowus智安投共同努力,繼續探索和優化這些重要舉措。」

    ‍《Endouws智安投x Intellect 財富與健康報告》完整版本可通過此鏈接下載。

    -END-

    關於Intellect
    Intellect作為一家領先的心理健康公司,致力於重新定義員工和社區的心理健康支援。從日常支援到臨床干預,Intellect將其服務立足於研究,確保每個人在關鍵時刻都能輕鬆獲得預防性、有回應和個性化的心理健康支援。

    Intellect的國際影響力正在不斷擴大。作為亞太地區最值得信賴的心理健康支援提供者,我們為醫療保健、政府和教育領域的一些大規模企業和組織提供服務。無論是線上還是線下,Intellect已經改變全球超過370萬用戶的生活。

    Intellect得到了眾多有影響力的投資者的支持,包括Tiger Global、Insignia Ventures Partners、Y Combinator、HOF Capital、MS&AD Ventures和East Ventures,以及知名的風險基金、家族辦公室、大型科技企業的高管和天使投資者。2023年,Intellect榮獲人力資源線上最佳數字健康平台(金牌)獎項。

    關於Endowus智安投

    Endowus智安投是亞洲領先的獨立線上財富管理平台,獲香港證監會及新加坡金融管理局的牌照許可。Endowus是亞洲首個同時提供個人儲蓄、私人財富和公共退休保障儲蓄(新加坡公積金計劃(CPF)和退休輔助計劃(SRS))服務的綜合線上財富管理平台。透過提供個人化的線上體驗,Endowus讓投資者能以公平、合理的費用取得專業的投資顧問服務,同時為投資者提供機構級別的投資產品,旨在協助他們實現財富增長的目標。

    ‍Endowus自2017年成立以來已獲9,500萬美元融資,投資者包括瑞銀UBS Next, 花旗Citi Ventures、MUFG Innovation Partners、新加坡經濟發展局投資公司(EDBI)、光速創投(Lightspeed Venture Partners)、Prosus Ventures、三星風險投資 (Samsung Ventures)、軟銀亞洲、新加坡電信旗下 Singtel Innov8、和Z Venture Capital,其他投資者包括部份亞洲最大的家族辦公室,以及Endowus的創辦人及僱員。

    Endowus持續突破界限開放投資渠道,通過與80多家全球大型私人資產管理公司合作,為客戶在公開市場、私募市場、對沖基金及另類投資上,以公平及透明的費用提供優質的投資解決方案,除投顧費,並沒有其他隱藏費用。Endowus Private Wealth客戶如今可以獲取來自EQT, Carlyle, Partners Group, KKR, Ares, Brookfield Oaktree, Millennium, Point72, Balyasny, Brevan Howard, Bridgewater, Schonfeld, Hudson Bay, LMR 等多家公司專業策劃的頂級投資策略。

    Endowus的行業領導地位以及業務增長廣受業界認可,更獲多項殊榮,包括亞洲資產管理雜誌(Asia Asset Management)2024年度Best of the Best的新加坡最佳智能財富管理公司、財資(The Asset)2024年AAA財資智能大獎的新加坡最佳智能升級(智安投應用程式)、財資(The Asset)2023年AAA財資智能大獎的新加坡最佳數碼財富管理體驗、亞洲私人銀行家(Asian Private Banker)第九屆科技大奬中2023年度最佳財富科技方案供應商。Endowus亦是世界經濟論壇(World Economic Forum)2023年度百大技術先鋒(Technology Pioneers 2023)之一,此前亦獲選為領英(LinkedIn)2023年度頂級初創公司及2022年度福布斯最值得關注的100家企業之一。

    ‍Endowus集團包括兩家香港和新加坡持牌公司,以及紮根於香港的家族辦公室Carret Private。Endowus為數以千萬計客戶提供專業的理財服務,旗下咨詢資產超過60億美元,是亞洲最大的獨立財富管理公司之一。成立至今,透過直接向客戶回贈100%銷售佣金、提供機構級別的投資產品與獨有的基金產品,Endowus已為客戶節省超過每年4,000萬美元的投資成本。

    有關更多信息,請瀏覽 www.endowus.com/zh-hk。Endowus HK 服務僅對供香港投資者。對於新加坡投資者,請聯絡 Endowus Singapore Pte Ltd 或瀏覽 www.endowus.com。

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    Intellect and HUSH TeaBar Launches Partnership With Pay-It-Forward Event to Support Caregivers and Everyday Heroes https://intellect.co/read/intellect-and-hush-teabar-launches-partnership/ Thu, 25 Jul 2024 02:35:24 +0000 https://intellect.co/?p=33048 PRESS RELEASE

    Singapore, 25 July 2024 – HUSH TeaBar, a social movement known for conducting unique wellbeing tea experiences through the deaf community, and Intellect, a leading mental health company, are thrilled to announce its first joint event celebrating caregivers, marking the beginning of HUSH TeaBar’s 10th anniversary festivities and the launch of a new partnership between the two organisations. This event aims to celebrate Singapore’s National Day in a meaningful way, by honouring the crucial role caregivers play in our society.

    For the event, attendees will be guided through a silent HUSH TeaBar experience, followed by a series of workshops and activities led by Intellect, focusing on the wellbeing of caregivers:

    • HUSH TeaBar Experiential Session: Immerse in a tranquil session led by individuals with hearing disabilities and undergoing mental health recovery, blending tea and sign language for empathy and emotional wellbeing
    • Self-care Workshop: Learn to prioritise your wellbeing as caregivers, identify self-care barriers, and integrate daily self-care practices
    • Panel Discussion and Q&A with Thought Leaders: Gain insights and practical advice from mental health and caregiver support experts
    • Networking Opportunity: Connect with fellow caregivers, professionals and individuals passionate in the mental health space – sharing experiences and building meaningful relationships

    Taking place on 16 August 2024 at Intellect’s office at Tanjong Pagar, the event features a pay-it-forward initiative. For every five tickets sold, a frontliner such as a doctor, nurse, or security guard, will be invited to attend the event for free.

    In a rapidly ageing society such as Singapore, formal and informal caregivers have become our everyday heroes as they play an essential role in looking after the elderly. By 2030, nearly one in four Singaporeans will be 65 or older, each supported by 2.7 working adults (MOH) and the amount of effort required for caregiving duties cannot be understated. On average, caregivers spend about 33 hours a week on caregiving duties, equivalent to a full-time role. 

    Without proper resources and support, caregivers’ health and mental wellbeing can be significantly affected in the long-run. Caregiving is an ongoing journey and it is essential that we prioritise caregivers’ mental and physical wellbeing in order for them to fulfil their duties sustainably and healthily.

    This event aims to support caregivers by equipping them with resources to improve their wellbeing through the self-care workshop and connecting them with fellow caregivers. This is essential, especially if there is a lack of practical assistance and emotional support from family and friends. Without proper support, the risk of depression among caregivers can greatly increase. 

    Anthea Ong, Founder of HUSH TeaBar, shared, “At HUSH TeaBar, we create spaces for peace and solace, fostering self-care, emotional literacy, and empathy through the practice of silence and sign language. Our workshops, led by individuals who are deaf and those in mental health recovery, blend the tranquillity of tea with sign language to promote emotional wellbeing. This event is our way of giving back to caregivers, acknowledging their critical role in society, and offering the support they deserve.”

    Cassandra Loh, VP, Partnerships and Solutions at Intellect, shared “We are excited about partnership with HUSH TeaBar because this programme aligns with Intellect’s mission to redefine global mental health and ensure mental health accessibility across various groups in our society.  The upcoming event, which pays tribute to our everyday heroes, marks the launch of our partnership and  demonstrates our commitment to support the wellbeing of caregivers. We will be including this programme as part of our Learning & Development and Wellbeing offerings that our clients can choose from and we continue to welcome such purposeful collaboration that will benefit our communities.”

    For more information and to register for the event, please click this link.

    About Intellect
    A leading mental health company, Intellect’s mission is to redefine mental healthcare for workforces and the community. From everyday support to clinical interventions, Intellect grounds its care in research, ensuring everyone has easy access to preventive, responsive and personalised mental health care in the moments that matter.

    Intellect’s presence is growing internationally and as the most trusted mental healthcare provider in Asia Pacific, Intellect serves some of the biggest enterprises and organisations in healthcare, government and education. Online and offline, it has made a difference in the lives of over 3.7 million users around the world.

    Intellect is backed by influential investors including Tiger Global, Insignia Ventures Partners, Y Combinator, HOF Capital, MS&AD Ventures, and East Ventures, alongside prominent venture funds, family offices, big tech executives, and angel investors. In 2023, Intellect was also awarded Human Resources Online’s Best Digital Wellness Platform (Gold).

    About HUSH TeaBar
    Hush TeaBar is a social movement that champions mental wellbeing, empathy and social inclusion through a unique tea experience of silence, sign language, tea art and sharing that gives us the much needed pause amidst our daily hustle and bustle. More so now with the dizzying pace of technology, with mounting challenges of an uncertain and volatile world.

    Since 2014, our core team of Deaf persons, persons with lived experience in mental health, including those still in recovery and allies have staged over 500 Hush Experience sessions for more than 20,000 participants at workplaces, schools and communities in Singapore. Together, we aim to build a compassionate, resilient and inclusive society – one cup of tea at a time.

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    Endowus x Intellect Wealth & Wellbeing Report: 71% of Gen Z and Millennial workers in Singapore are less likely to consider leaving their job if their workplace provides more support to boost financial preparedness https://intellect.co/read/endowus-intellect-wealthandwellbeingreport-pressrelease/ Mon, 15 Jul 2024 02:02:58 +0000 https://intellect.co/?p=32724 PRESS RELEASE

    • A new study by Endowus and Intellect surveying 1,000 Gen Zs and Millennials in Singapore and Hong Kong has found that employers play a crucial role in improving employees’ financial preparedness and workplace wellbeing 
    • 1 in 3 respondents in Singapore expressed a desire for their employers to offer financial wellness programmes at work
    • Nearly 80% of Millennials & Gen Zs say improved financial preparedness will reduce distraction at work and as a result increase productivity
    • 4 out of 5 Singaporeans agree that financial preparedness positively impacts their self-esteem, and boosts personal resilience to recover more easily from setbacks 

    SINGAPORE, 15 JULY 2024 – Asia’s leading digital wealth platform, Endowus, in partnership with prominent mental health and wellbeing support platform, Intellect, has released the Endowus x Intellect Wealth & Wellbeing Report, a comprehensive study exploring the relationship between financial wellbeing and key aspects of individual and organisational wellbeing among 1,000 Gen Z and Millennial workers in Singapore and Hong Kong. 

    Specifically, the study looks at individuals’ financial preparedness and knowledge – and how these affect, and are affected, by personal factors of mental wellbeing: Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self Esteem as well as workplace wellbeing dimensions of Job Satisfaction and Turnover Intention

    These individual and organisational dimensions were derived from Intellect’s Personal Insights Questionnaire (PIQ), a proprietary tool developed to quantify personal and workplace wellbeing, and the survey was administered by a third-party research agency. 

    The findings of the study establishes a virtuous, cyclical relationship between high levels of financial wellbeing and personal wellbeing. For instance, 85% of Singapore respondents said being financially prepared will help them bounce back more easily from setbacks and challenges, while a corresponding 84% reflected that this cultivated resilience will encourage them to continually improve levels of financial preparedness. High self-esteem begets a stronger sense of financial preparedness, and vice versa.

    Diving deeper into the strategies Gen Zs and Millennials plan to adopt to enhance financial preparedness, the report concludes that employers and organisations have a crucial role and responsibility to play in improving employees’ holistic financial and mental resilience, particularly with the business objectives of building a stronger, more resilient workforce by boosting job satisfaction and reducing turnover intention.   

    Current areas of strengths and weaknesses among Singapore’s Gen Zs and Millennials

    From the outset, Singaporeans exhibit robust baseline metrics for overall wellbeing: a high percentage of respondents indicated healthy levels of Growth Mindset (91%), Resilience (80%), Self Esteem (83%), and Job Satisfaction (68%). However, a contrasting figure of nearly 1 in 2 respondents (46%) often think about leaving their job, reflecting considerable Turnover Intention. 

    In terms of financial preparedness, a majority (83%) of Singaporean respondents also feel “very prepared”, “prepared” and “somewhat prepared” today — with financial preparedness defined in the study as the confidence that one is able to financially manage life’s demands, both in the short-term and/or long-term, to provide a sense of control over one’s money situation. 

    To what extent do you feel financially prepared? 

    A further 1 in 2 of respondents (51%) express confidence in the current predictability of their primary income source, contributing to this strong sense of financial preparedness reported among respondents. 

    Which of the following areas of financial preparedness do you think you’ve currently achieved?

    Strong virtuous cycle between financial preparedness and personal wellbeing, with room to improve long-term financial planning and confidence 

    The Endowus x Intellect 2024 report reveals a compelling, virtuous relationship between one’s sense of financial preparedness, and one’s sense of self.

     

    These findings demonstrate a strong interrelationship between financial preparedness and mental wellbeing, and how one affects – even compounds – the other. With its significant correlation to mental wellbeing, the study also revealed Gen Z and Millennials’ least confident areas when it comes to financial preparedness, and key areas to shore up.  

    Despite half of Singapore respondents being confident that their income sources are consistent and predictable, comparatively, only 15% cited sufficient levels of investment proficiency to understand the right type of investments for their financial goals. Another 15% were confident in their ability to build an adequate retirement nest egg, highlighting the need for individuals to adopt a longer-term view on their financial planning, to stabilise their financial safety net further with meaningful wealth accumulation. 

    Samuel Rhee, Co-Founder and Chairman of Endowus, said, “Endowus understands that improving individuals’ financial preparedness will strengthen the very fabric of society, by enabling more people to achieve retirement adequacy and avoid longevity risk, that is, not having enough to support their silver years. It was in our name to inclusively democratise institutional endowment-quality investing for all of us — through informed wealth management and greater access to the right resources, we can empower Singaporeans with the knowledge to secure a brighter future for themselves and their loved ones by investing holistically and responsibly. This is why we continue to prioritise financial literacy on all our platforms.”

    “The power of financial knowledge is especially critical in a challenging environment of protracted financial pressures, with inflation eroding the value of cash and deposits and the chances of home ownership diminishes more for the next generation. In partnership with Intellect, Endowus is committed to working with forward-thinking organisations to design effective, personalised employee welfare programmes that make a meaningful impact on their teams’ overall well-being and financial futures.”

    When asked about immediate next steps, most Singapore respondents are opting to increase their emergency savings (46%) as a means to boost their financial preparedness, implying that saving for rainy days is their preferred solution to keep funds secure. 

    What Singaporeans Are Prioritising

    Which action steps do you think would help increase your sense of financial preparedness?  

    These findings highlight the need for Singaporeans to more effectively manage their cash savings, and consider investing their emergency funds in low-risk, inflation-hedging assets such as money market funds that offer flexibility in liquidity. At an average interest rate of less than 1% for most savings accounts, the effect of high inflation will drastically erode the value of any emergency savings left in one’s bank over time. 

    Respondents also recognised the importance of income stability and income diversification amidst the city state’s weak hiring outlook, indicating the demand for upskilling to maintain employability, and pursuing alternative income streams beyond their primary source for financial independence and security.

    Financial preparedness and personal wellbeing have a direct impact on workplace outcomes

    The study also looks at how the relationship between financial preparedness and personal wellbeing can affect workplace outcomes such as job satisfaction and turnover intent, revealing  profound implications for businesses and organisations striving to build strong, sustainable, and productive workforces. 

    Which of the following areas of financial preparedness do you think you’ve currently achieved?

    For better workplace outcomes, employers play a crucial role in supporting holistic wellbeing 

    Given the clear correlation between financial preparedness and workplace outcomes, organisations can benefit from integrating financial wellness into their employee wellbeing, engagement, and retention strategies.

    Employers play a crucial role in fostering the holistic well-being of their workforce. A significant 1 in 3 Singapore respondents desire greater workplace support through financial wellness workshops (34%), personal finance interest groups (33%), and financial literacy training sessions (34%). This sentiment is echoed particularly strongly among Millennials, with 35% expressing a preference for both financial wellness workshops and financial literacy training.

    Notably, another 35% of Singapore respondents are also looking for their workplaces to offer mental wellness workshops, reflecting a growing understanding among Gen Zs and Millennials on the interconnectedness between mental health and financial wellbeing. Rather than seeing these two dimensions as mutually exclusive, organisations can look to offer mindfulness training sessions focused on financial stress reduction techniques, and provide access to counselling services that specifically address financial anxieties and their impact on mental health.

    Endowus will be further enrolling their client-facing representatives in a mental health first aid course to better equip their advisors to handle wellness challenges. Collectively, Endowus and Intellect are keen to further study the challenge of financial preparedness and improve their respective services. Both organisations will be co-hosting a Zoom webinar on 23 July 2024 to unpack these findings and their implications for C-suites and HR professionals wanting to build more resilient workforces. They are also exploring deeper case studies with financial institutions to identify the efficacy of more targeted financial wellness assistance and intervention for employees. 

    Theodoric Chew, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Intellect, said, “Research consistently demonstrates the deep interconnection between financial well-being and mental well-being, with financial stress often leading to anxiety and reduced mental health. The findings from our joint study with Endowus reinforce this link, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive wellness solutions.”

    “At Intellect, we have launched mental and financial wellness workshops, coaching, and platform content to address these challenges. By integrating these initiatives into their well-being strategies, employers can better support their employees to thrive in the workplace, resulting in higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates. We look forward to exploring avenues with Endowus on these crucial initiatives.”

    For more insights, the full Endowus x Intellect Wealth & Wellbeing Report can be downloaded here

    – END –

    About Endowus

    Endowus is Asia’s leading independent digital wealth platform. With entities licensed by the Securities & Futures Commission of Hong Kong and Monetary Authority of Singapore, Endowus is the first digital advisor in the region to span personal savings, private wealth and public pension (CPF & SRS in Singapore), helping investors – individuals, family offices, endowments, and institutions – grow their wealth holistically, with conflict-free advice and access to institutional financial solutions at low and fair fees, through a personalised digital wealth experience. 

    Founded in 2017, Endowus has raised a total of US$95 million in funding from investors including UBS Next, Citi Ventures, MUFG Innovation Partners, EDBI, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Prosus Ventures, Samsung Ventures, SBVA, Singtel Innov8, and Z Venture Capital. Other investors include some of the largest Family Offices in Asia, as well as the founders and employees of Endowus. 

    Endowus continues to push the boundaries on innovation and democratising access, as it partners with 80+ global fund managers across public markets, private markets, hedge funds and alternatives to provide world-class solutions to its clients at a fair and transparent cost, delivered through Endowus’ fee-only business model. 

    Endowus’ leadership and growth have been recognised by the industry and it has attained numerous awards including, Singapore’s Best Digital Wealth Management (Asia Asset Management’s Best of the Best Awards 2024), Singapore’s Best Digital Upgrade for enhancements made on the Endowus app (The Asset Triple A Digital Awards 2024), Singapore’s Best Digital Wealth Management Experience (The Asset Triple A Digital Awards 2023), and Best WealthTech Solution 2023 (Asian Private Banker 9th Technology Awards). Endowus is also among the firms named in the World Economic Forum’s Technology Pioneers 2023, LinkedIn Top Start-ups 2023 and Forbes’ “100 to Watch” list for 2022. 

    The Endowus Group comprises Endowus’ licensed companies in Hong Kong and Singapore, as well as Hong Kong-based multi family office Carret Private. Endowus Group serves over a hundred thousand clients with content, advice and access. With group assets of over US$6 billion, it is one of the largest independent wealth managers in Asia. From a combination of 100% trailer fees rebates as direct cashback to clients, savings from the access to institutional share class and exclusive funds, Endowus has created more than US$40 million in savings per year for its clients.

    About Intellect

    A leading mental health company, Intellect’s mission is to redefine mental healthcare for workforces and the community. From everyday support to clinical interventions, Intellect grounds its  care in research, ensuring everyone has easy access to preventive, responsive and personalised mental health care in the moments that matter. 

    Intellect’s presence is growing internationally and as the most trusted mental healthcare provider in Asia Pacific, Intellect serves some of the biggest enterprises and organisations in healthcare, government and education. Online and offline, it has made a difference in the lives of over 3.7 million users around the world. 

    Intellect is backed by influential investors including Tiger Global, Insignia Ventures Partners, Y Combinator, HOF Capital, MS&AD Ventures, and East Ventures, alongside prominent venture funds, family offices, big tech executives, and angel investors. In 2023, Intellect was also awarded Human Resources Online’s Best Digital Wellness Platform (Gold).

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    Redefining Care: Intellect Launches First Flagship Clinic To Integrate Online-to-Offline Mental Wellbeing Support https://intellect.co/read/intellect-launches-first-flagship-clinic/ https://intellect.co/read/intellect-launches-first-flagship-clinic/#comments Mon, 01 Jul 2024 03:06:35 +0000 https://intellect.co/?p=32029 PRESS RELEASE

    Guest-Of-Honour Dr Wan Rizal, MP for Jalan Besar GRC (Kolam Ayer) and Theodoric Chew, CEO and Co-Founder, Intellect at the opening ceremony.

    SINGAPORE, 1 July 2024 – Intellect, a leading mental health company, is proud to announce the opening of its flagship clinic at Marina One which combines the expertise of mental health and medical practitioners in one centre. This milestone marks Intellect’s ambition to be the first local mental health company with full ownership of wellbeing services across online-to-offline (O2O) platforms, underscoring a human-centred approach to healthcare enabled by technology. 

    Headquartered in Singapore, Intellect started as a virtual platform connecting workforces and individuals with certified coaches, counsellors and psychologists. However, the call for greater mental health support in Singapore has propelled Intellect to set up its 3rd and largest flagship clinic this year, catering to clients who require in-person care that looks at both mental and physical health. The newly launched clinic will offer services such as counselling, psychotherapy, psychological testing and assessments, as well as necessary medication management.

    Mental health and stress are some of the top healthcare concerns among Singaporeans, with 78% of Singaporeans recognising that mental health is as important as physical health. More than half of Singaporeans also reported experiencing stress to a point where their daily lives are impacted and such figures signal a need to provide greater mental health care for everyday Singaporeans. This need is also evident from the growing traction at the two existing Intellect mental health clinics – with a total of more than 1,000 completed sessions within four months. 

    While the flagship clinic is open to the public and current Intellect users, it allows workforces and individuals who are Intellect users, multiple channels to book face-to-face sessions or appointments with counsellors or clinicians, be it through its platform or other means such as WhatsApp, email and phone-booking. This is in line with Intellect’s mission and Singapore’s national mental health strategy to improve access and speed to mental health care, in order to better meet the needs of the population.

    To ensure highest standards of clinical delivery, Intellect has invested in building its in-house team of clinicians. This approach ensures that every aspect of the client’s journey is well-managed directly by Intellect’s team and it also allows its healthcare team to better address the multifaceted needs of each client.

    Dr Oliver Suendermann, VP, Clinical, at Intellect explains, “Our holistic care approach is driven by a dedicated team of professionals working collaboratively to address the diverse needs of every individual. This team-based model allows us to provide personalised quality of care, especially for chronic and acute challenges. For a range of conditions such as Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Autism, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), our team is able to provide specialised mental health assessments and care that covers the population’s needs. Our comprehensive support ensures that children, adults, and families receive the tailored care they need to thrive.”

    Theodoric Chew, CEO and Co-founder of Intellect, says, “With mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression potentially costing Singapore close to S$16 billion, there is a growing demand for mental health services, especially for high-acuity cases. We believe that by setting up our own chain of mental health clinics for in-person care, we can better provide high quality support to all clients along the mental health spectrum.”

    About Intellect
    The leading mental health company in Asia Pacific, Intellect’s mission is to redefine mental healthcare regionally and globally. From everyday support to clinical interventions, Intellect grounds its full continuum of care in research, ensuring everyone has easy access to preventive, responsive and personalised mental health care in the moments that matter.

    As the most trusted mental healthcare provider in the region, Intellect serves some of the biggest enterprises and organisations in healthcare, government, and education. Online and offline, it has made a difference in the lives of over 3 million users.

    Intellect is backed by influential investors including Tiger Global, Insignia Ventures Partners, Y Combinator, HOF Capital, MS&AD Ventures, and East Ventures, alongside prominent venture funds, family offices, big tech executives, and angel investors. In 2023, Intellect was also awarded Human Resources Online’s Best Digital Wellness Platform (Gold).

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