HRM 11.08 Supplement - Com & Ben Guide 2011

Free with HRM Issue 11.8

annual guide to

compensation & benefits 2011 Featuring: + Employee rewards and recognition + Workplace wellness trends

ANNUAL GUIDE NEWS UK

INDIA

“Sky-high” rewards stopped

Performance-based stock options gain popularity

The largest broadcasting organisation in the world has decided to end “sky-high” rewards.

BBC is ending the high pay culture for executives and will phase out private medical insurance for senior staff, said BBC Trust chairman Lord Patten of Barnes.

“Licence fee payers don’t expect the BBC to pay sky-high commercial rewards to people that work for a public service,” Patten said.

In his speech, The BBC – Old Values, New Technologies, Patten announced that in order to address the ‘toxic’ issue of executive pay, the

AUSTRALIA

Employee benefits for foreigners too Australia will adjust its immigration laws so that Western Australia can offer jobs and employee benefits to foreign workers.

According to Thomsons Online Benefits, an employee benefits consultancy and technology provider, the state has a large skills gap that has the potential to hinder its strong growth programme. For instance,

organisation will introduce a new pay structure to promote transparency of pay in the public sector.

The BBC will also maintain the bonus freeze and phase out private health insurance for the most senior managers.

“No executive board member will get a bonus in future – the public service BBC needs to distance itself, in this way, from the market,” Patten said. “And private health insurance will be phased out for senior managers. Senior staff shouldn’t have those sorts of benefits if they are not available to everyone.”

minister for energy training and workforce development Peter Collier said that the mining industry in the state will soon have up to 150,000 vacancies that need filling.

“The simple fact is that there will not be enough Australian workers to get the job done,” said immigration minister Chris Bowen.

To combat the issue, Bowen will extend a regional migration scheme designed to make recruitment of semi-skilled foreign workers to include Perth.

SINGAPORE

Firms tight-lipped about salaries Listed companies in Singapore are still not disclosing enough information about the pay packages of their top executives, according to the latest Governance and Transparency Index.

“For instance, most companies still continue to disclose the remuneration of their directors and key executives in bands of $250,000 rather than the precise amounts. In fact, 15% of these firms did not even specify an upper limit in the top salary band for its executive directors,” Lawrence Loh, Associate Professor at NUS Business School, explained.

Compliance to corporate governance standards is extremely low in Singapore. The Index showed 92% fail to meet corporate governance standards. The average total score of companies dipped to 31 points from 33 previously.

The highest possible score was 100 points, with bonus points given for companies that do more than just meeting regulatory requirements.

Loh said, “I found a vast majority of companies basically fulfil only the bare minimum for the code of corporate governance.”

According to the Index, SingTel remains in the top spot for the third consecutive year with an overall score of 109 points. Singapore Exchange is in second place with 101 points, while Keppel Corporation and Keppel Land tied for third position, with 91 points.

Companies in India are increasingly using performance-based employee stock options (Esops) instead of time-bound ones to recruit and retain key talent. The number of companies providing performance-based stock options went from a mere 3% in 2009, to 19% in 2010, according to a survey conducted by consulting agency ESOP Direct last year. This year, the number is expected to reach 25%.

Driving performance, sharing of wealth, inculcating an ownership culture among employees are some objectives that have been cited for the switch to performancebased Esops says Harshu Ghate, MD of ESOP Direct.

Popular types of performance-based Esops include phantom stock options, which are performance-based plans with a ‘simulated’ or ‘ghost’ ownership, stock appreciation rights (SARs), sweat equity and stock purchase plans among others.

P Thiruvengadam, leader, human capital advisory at Deloitte India says stock options were seen as some kind of hidden treasure, where every employee would seek them out.

But the lean period in IPOs and markets has made them less popular.

“Now companies have to offer them in combinations so that if one does not work, the other will.” Deloitte has seen a 40 % increase in the kinds of stock options offered by companies in the last two years.

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Beyond carrots Offering employees timely rewards for a job well done can boost performance and productivity. However, the greater the sophistication of the work and the worker, the less effective simplistic carrot and stick management methods can be.

HRM examines how different approaches to rewards and recognition schemes can encourage staff to go the extra mile

by Shalini Shukla-Pandey

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Embracing autonomy

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The leading electronics retailer in the US, Best Buy, was once known for its “killer hours and herd-riding bosses”, until it came up with the ROWE endeavour – “results-only work environment”. In ROWE, people are free to work wherever they want, whenever they want, as long as they get their work done – demolishing decades-old business dogma that equates physical presence with productivity. The best part about ROWE is that it was an idea born and nurtured by employees; it wasn’t imposed from the top down, which made implementation across the organisation even easier.

Australian software company, Atlassian, conducts “FedEx Days”, where people work on anything they want for 24 hours and then show the results to the company the following day. “That is not motivation through carrots or sticks. It is simply providing autonomy,” says Pink. “Those one-day bursts of autonomy have produced a whole array of fixes for existing products and ideas for new ones that had never emerged.”

raditional performance motivators of money (the carrot) or termination (the stick) may not be effective at driving the behaviours that employers need from employees in today’s knowledge economy. According to bestselling author and career analyst Daniel Hu Pink, while carrots and sticks worked successfully in the twentieth century, it’s precisely the wrong way to motivate people for today’s challenges.

“As long as a task involves only mechanical skills, monetary rewards and punishment work as expected – higher pay, higher performance. Once the task calls for [even] rudimentary cognitive skill, (conceptual and creative thinking, etc), rewards or discipline don’t work as well, even resulting in poorer performance,” says Pink.

“Once our basic survival needs are met, motivation for employees means the need to be able to grow and develop, and realise their full potential,” he adds.

Pay for performance

As far as the motivating effect of pay goes, the trick is to pay people enough so they don’t have to worry about money. After that, intangible rewards become more effective. “Pay people enough to take the issue of money off the table,” says Pink.

Unfair payoffs and bonuses can damage reputation inside and outside an organisation. Focusing on one individual can damage the team they’re in too.

So it’s important to manage reward schemes responsibly.

“That doesn’t mean stopping bonuses – you’d quickly lose your most talented people just when you need them most,” says Hay Group’s Managing Director, Andrew How. “It means bringing rewards into perspective – a bad year shouldn’t put people on the street and a good year shouldn’t set them up for life.”

How alluded to a Wall Street hedge fund manager who was given over $250m in August 2008 – a ‘golden handcuff’ – the biggest bonus in history.

Jasmine Teo, Regional HR Business Partner, Consumer Health Asia, Bayer (South East Asia) says her organisation believes in rewards and

“My recipe for creating a high performance organisation is to (1) hire capable, passionate people and pay them adequately, (2) put them in meaningful roles (ones which allow autonomy, mastery and purpose), and then (3) stand back and let them get on with the job at hand” Ciaron Murphy, Head of HR, Nokia Siemens Networks

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CASESTUDY

Nokia Siemens Networks Ciaron Murphy, Head of HR, Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) shares the company's radical approach to reward and recognisition.

NSN recently took 90% of staff off individualised Managing by Objectives (MBO) plans and put them on a general profit sharing scheme, although the sales force and other senior managers and executives are still on traditional MBO plans.

“For non-sales employees we used to run objective-setting and achievement reviews twice a year, with each employee having three to five individual incentives. We found that employees and managers saw the exercise as overly time-consuming and convoluted,” says Murphy.

As such, NSN set out to simplify its process, allowing employees to focus on the customer and not administration.

“The outcome was that we moved the majority of our employees onto a short-term bonus plan that pays out based upon the health of the organisation (sales, margin, asset rotation, etc),” Murphy explains.

The move has proved rather successful for NSN. Murphy emphasises though that a pre-requisite for the above change to work is a strong performance management culture.

incentives as being important to employees; however, a strong performance and feedback culture is also crucial to improving productivity.

“We encourage both our managers and employees to have an open and candid discussion. Of course, providing frank and constructive feedback is not always easy – it requires courage and confidence for many managers,” says Teo. “But the quality of feedback is a key driver to let our employees know how they are performing first, and then for managers to assess and apply the appropriate rewards and incentives, to finally achieve better employee motivation.”

Intangible rewards

Tangible rewards such as compensation and benefits tend to be short-term motivators. “Adding more and more tangible rewards does not necessarily increase motivation or engagement,” says Kevin Sensenig, Global Brand Champion at Dale Carnegie & Associates, Inc. “However, taking away tangible benefits or entitlements really de-motivates or disengages people.”

On the other hand, motivating through intangible rewards, such as a “thank you,” “good job,” or effective coaching is more long-term in nature, letting people know their managers care about them and value their contributions.

“The additional advantage of using intangible rewards is that while offering them greatly increases levels of engagement and motivation, withholding them tends not to have a significant long-term de-motivating impact,” says Sensenig.

Additionally, intangible forms of motivation are not costly to provide. So, for a small investment of time in showing appreciation, the resulting improvement in engagement and connectivity can be huge. “The key is in giving credible, sincere and respectful appreciation,” Sensenig explains.

How also says that such rewards techniques help an organisation make the most of their investment. “A recent survey has shown that the world’s best-performing companies can pay, on average, 5% less than their competitors!” he says.

He talks about how at one of the world’s most successful engineering firms, all new engineers are offered the chance to spend time working in developing countries – not for the firm, but for a charity or non-governmental organisation.

“The firm offers this opportunity because it understands that reward comes in many forms – career prospects, development opportunities, employee benefits and job satisfaction, as well as bonuses and hard cash,” says How.

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profile Health Management International Ltd

Discover premier healthcare services at affordable rates H

ealth Management International Ltd (HMI) is a regional healthcare and education services provider with a presence in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Cambodia. Listed on the Main Board of the Singapore Exchange, HMI has two core divisions, Healthcare and Education. The Group’s healthcare division comprises 2 hospitals in Malaysia: Mahkota Medical Centre in Malacca and Regency Specialist Hospital in Iskandar Malaysia (Johor), as well as a network of 20 Representative Offices in the region.

HMI hospitals provide specialist inpatient and outpatient healthcare services supported by a full range of diagnostic, radiology and clinical laboratory services.

The Executive Health Screening packages offered are combined with a leisure trip. The packages include two-way transport, comprehensive health screening and

participants can choose to either shop at a mega mall or indulge in a sumptuous durian buffet. These unique Health Screening Holidays have received numerous thumbs-up from patients in Singapore. To deliver higher standards of customer service, a one-stop HMI Patient Service Centre was set-up to provide full concierge services connecting patients to a wide range of medical services across HMI hospitals.

Since March 2010, the Ministry of Health (“MOH”) in Singapore has approved the use of Medisave for day surgeries and hospitalizations overseas. Through the HMI Patient Service Centre, Singapore residents and Medisave contributors can have access to premier healthcare at affordable rates at Regency Specialist Hospital in Johor and Mahkota Medical Centre in Malacca.

+ Please contact HMI Patient Service Centre at 6334 7283 or email to enquiry@hmipsc.com.sg + For more information, please visit our website at www.hmipsc.com.sg

Health Management International

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corporate health spotlight

Workplace wellness What are the latest trends in corporate wellness programmes?

Hocking Cheng Managing Director Greater China, Aetna Inc.

The employer’s role in supporting the health and wellness of their employees is evolving. In the past, employers sought to provide a financial safety net for employees who fall ill. Later, they realised the benefits of providing preventive treatment, such as routine check-ups and vaccinations.

Most recently, employers have started to take an even more holistic view of wellness - for both employees and their families - and consider wellness an important aspect of a comprehensive healthcare benefits program. They are finding benefits not only from lower medical costs, but also in improved productivity, and lower absenteeism and “presenteeism” (employees showing up to work but not fully productive).

Employers today are looking for targeted, customised solutions that deliver strong ROI. This is not easily accomplished by one-size-fits-all solutions.

The first step is to gather and analyse health data. This provides insights into the health risks of employees, and identifies areas where intervention can provide the most benefits. These areas include diet and exercise, smoking cessation, mental health or stress management.

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Dr Barry Thng Chief Executive, Alliance Healthcare Group

Studies have shown that improving the physical and mental well-being of the employees enhances productivity and helps to contain both short-term and long-term healthcare costs.

To optimise the benefits of a successful wellness programme, it is essential to assess the needs and demographics of the workforce through a health risk assessment (HRA) tool which provides the relevant insights needed for the planning of relevant and effective intervention programmes.

Customising wellness programmes at the individual employee level is essential because a cookie cutter approach to individual wellness does not resonate with an individual who believes their needs and concerns are unique.

Such tailored intervention programmes for each individual can be supported by patient’s empowerment tool such as a personalised online health portal, providing employees with ready access to their health records, biometric parameter trending, and health tips and information relevant to their current medical condition anytime of the day. Finally, a successful wellness programme will need to demonstrate clear return on investments.

Lam Pin Woon President and Executive Director, Healthway Medical Corporation

We have observed that companies are investing more resources in preventive healthcare, such as health screening, vaccination and health education.

Employers are placing more importance on the Workplace Health Promotion programme as promoted by Health Promotion Board to create a healthier and more productive workforce.

Companies are also seeking medical providers with integrated Information Technology (IT) platforms. Our Clinicweaver portal that links our network of 60 General Practice clinics helps to integrate patient registration, drug dispensing and billing functions. This good IT infrastructure enables us to raise our service level to provide companies ease in managing healthcare expenses.

To sustain long-term corporate wellness programme, companies are expecting us to provide them with more insights to support their initiatives. Our online portals allows clients to view utilisation statistics and edit employees’ medical entitlement. We can generate a range of standard and customised reports to provide useful information to assist companies in programme implementation and improvement.

profile Healthway

Discover better care with Healthway H

ealthway Corporate Sales Team prides itself in providing personalised attention to our corporate clients’ needs and wants. This resolve comes from the genuine care we have for our corporate clients, just like we do for our family and friends.

Service Above All

Each corporate client will be personally serviced by our team of Account Managers. This will ensure that all corporate clients will be provided with uncompromised service by our dedicated and experienced Account Managers. Our team excels in listening, understanding and offering solutions for our corporate clients. We provide support in many areas - from customisation of health screening packages to analysis of employees’ illness trends and healthcare costs. With Healthway Corporate Sales Team as a one-stop contact point, our clients can be assured that they will enjoy high quality and excellent customer service.

Healthway_DiscoverBetterCare_FA2.indd 1

Overview of Healthway

» Healthway is Singapore’s largest network of private medical centres and clinics » More than 100 clinics and medical centres, located conveniently near MRT stations » Medical services include general practice, health screening, dentistry and various specialist services » A full-time, 24-hour mobile medical team to provide house calls as well as customised on-site coverage and medical services for various events and projects » 24/7 medical assistance through Healthway Careline For more information, please contact + Email: corporate.sales@healthwaymedical.com + Tel: +65 6518 0160 + Web: www.healthwaymedical.com

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5th Annual

CONGRESS

SERIES

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

CONGRESS 2011

COMING SOON Marina Bay Sands Singapore 9 & 10 November 2011

www.hrmcongress.com

profile Zurich

International employee benefits – the recruitment and retention differentiator I

n today’s climate it’s important for employers to attract and retain the very best talent.

Wherever in the world they are based, employees expect to enjoy a consistent benefits package and their retention may depend on it – but setting up and maintaining benefits that work on a local and regional basis is not always easy.

For over 20 years Zurich has worked with clients and their advisers in a variety of different industries across the world to understand the challenges that a multinational has when looking after their key employees.

This experience means we understand how important it is for you to attract and retain the very best staff through the employee benefits you offer.

Our flexible protection and retirement solutions can be used as part of a regional

benefits package for local employees, as well those based throughout Asia or around the world.

The International Group Protection Plan offers group life, accidental death, disability and income protection cover as a single plan for employees in multiple locations.

Help your employees save for the future with the International Pension Plan, which offers institutionally priced funds, transparent fee structure, online administration and service.

Speak to your Employee Benefits Consultant about how international employee benefits from Zurich can play a key part in your regional benefits package and help set you apart from the competition. + For more information, please visit our website at www.zurichinternational.com

For people who are going places, Zurich ensures their benefits are always on board.

Full benefits provision for important people – wherever they are going Just like your key employees, our retirement and protection products work seamlessly across borders. And with over 20 years’ experience of providing employee benefits packages to multi-national companies, we have the expertise to help you attract and retain the best people.

For more information, please visit www.zurichinternational.com or contact : Mark Kelly: +65 8339 9581 or mark.kelly@zurich.com Tng Woon Kiat: +65 8218 8894 or woonkiat.tng@zurich.com

Zurich International Life Limited provides life assurance, investment and protection products and is authorised by the Isle of Man Government Insurance and Pensions Authority.

Registered in the Isle of Man number 20126C. Registered office: 43-51 Athol Street, Douglas, Isle of Man IM99 1EF, British Isles. Telephone: +44 1624 662266, Telefax: +44 1624 662038.

Zurich International Life Limited acting through its Singapore branch at Singapore Land Tower #29-05, 50 Raffles Place, Singapore 048623. Telephone +65 6876 6750 Telefax +65 6876 6751. Registered in Singapore No. F06754G.

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feature

Pink of health Singapore’s ageing population coupled with escalating medical expenses make healthcare provision a key component of employee benefits. HRM explores how investments in employee health can lead to a more engaged and productive workforce

By Sumathi V Selvaretnam

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mployee health is linked to an organisation’s long-term sustainability.

Well-designed corporate health schemes can alleviate poor health, reduce absenteeism and prevent losses to productivity.

A survey published by Aon Hewitt in April found that healthcare benefits are growing in importance among UK employers, with 34% saying promoting employee health is crucial for increasing wellbeing at work. Some 27% of the survey’s 480 respondents also recognised healthcare benefits’ role in retention while 25% highlighted the significance of healthcare perks in recruitment.

Many companies in Singapore, like others throughout the world, are already beginning to invest in creating work cultures, recognising that the cost of waiting to get sick far exceeds the cost of helping healthy people stay healthy, says Chin Wei Jia, Group General Manager, HMI. Tokio Marine Insurance, for example, offers its employees reimbursements of up to $350 for health screenings. Executive-level employees at the company can also claim outpatient medical bills of up to $1,500 for their immediate family. “Today’s workers are seeking higher health incentives and coverage as the cost of healthcare has increased over the years,” says the company’s HR and administration manager Irene Lee. Healtcare service providers like Thomson Medical Centre are seeing a paradigm shift in compensation and benefits, from predominantly monetary rewards to preventive health benefits such as annual health screenings for mature workers.

“With rising healthcare costs, a company willing to provide healthcare for its workers will be seen as a compassionate and caring employer,” says Richard Kwok, Manager, Business Development, Thomson Medical Centre. Since March 2010, the centre has been receiving more enquiries from corporate companies or individuals seeking to do preventive health checks.

An ageing workforce puts additional strain on medical costs for organisations The incidence of chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidaemia also increases among older workers. Healthcare benefits will have to take into account the treatment of these illnesses, says Dr Derek Koh, Head of Department, Thomson Lifestyle Centre. “A wider spectrum of tests may be needed to detect these age-related illnesses.” However, Dr Koh adds that ageing does not necessarily come with increasing health risks. “There are many other factors to consider too like family medical history, personal lifestyle, daily diet and stress management.”

“Today’s workers are seeking higher health incentives and coverage as the cost of healthcare has increased over the years” Irene Lee, HR and Administration Manager, Tokio Marine Insurance

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Holistic healthcare

In general, corporate health benefits should encompass annual health screenings, out-patient medical consultations, and vaccinations.

Health screening packages can also be customised according to occupational needs. For example, hearing tests could be conducted for workers exposed to frequent loud noises, says Dr Koh. Another example would be gas-related industries dealing with benzene and arsine. “Levels of these toxins should be monitored regularly,” he says.

A variety of payment options are also available. Health benefits can be fully paid for by the company, where employees get their claims reimbursed.

Alternatively, some companies opt for co-payment where both the employer and employee account for a specific share of an agreed reimbursement structure. In most cases, the employers would take up a much higher share than the employees, paying 80% of the total costs, according to Kwok.

Employees could also be given health vouchers to keep fit and healthy, says Chin. In addition, the HR department could organise regular exercise sessions, health talks and focus on better ergonomics.

Tokio Marine offers additional wellness programmes on top of the usual health screenings It organises a weekly run for its employees and will soon be introducing subsidised yoga classes at its roof-top garden. “We also encourage employees to take a walk rather than eat in the office,” says Lee.

Medical excursions

Types of health screening Recommended fo2 Individuals aged 18 yrs and above Individuals aged 18 yrs and above

To screen for Obesity

Screening test Body Mass Index (BMI) Waist circumference Blood pressure measurement

Hypertension (high blood pressure) Individuals aged 40 Diabetes mellitus Fasting blood glucose yrs and above Hyperlipidaemia Fasting lipids (high blood cholesterol) Individuals aged 50 Colorectal cancer Faecal immunochemical yrs and above test (to test for blood in stools) OR Colonoscopy Additional tests for women Women aged 25–69 Cervical cancer Pap smear yrs, who have had sexual intercourse Women aged 50–69 Breast cancer Mammogram yrs Source: Health Promotion Board

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Screening frequency Once a year Once every two years or more frequently as advised by your doctor Once every three years or more frequently as advised by your doctor Once a year

Once every 10 years Once every three years

Once every two years

Health screenings no longer need to be sombre and solo affairs. Some healthcare service providers are even organising medical day trips to hospitals in Malaysia.

HMI, for example, offers a health screening plus tour package at Regency Specialist Hospital in Johor Bahru, which is a halfhour drive away from Singapore.

Tokio Marine has been taking its employees on such trips. At the hospital, they receive a basic health check-up that includes the testing of blood glucose and cholesterol levels. After the screening, employees are taken out for fun activities like shopping and fruit-tasting. Lee says that getting health checks done in Malaysia is an attractive proposition as the medical costs are 30% to 40% cheaper. Such trips also promote employee bonding. “They get to know each other outside of work,” she says.

Overall, Lee believes that investments in employee health initiatives pay off. “It reduces illnesses, increases job satisfaction and boosts productivity, creating a healthy work environment.”

advertorial Thomson Lifestyle Centre

Thomson Lifestyle Centre

Celebrates life with you A Dr Derek Koh, Head of Thomson Lifestyle Centre

s the saying goes, “Health is Wealth”. Without good health, one is unable to fully appreciate the joys of life or effectively face the challenges that it presents. Early detection and management are essential tools in allowing one to play an active and informed role in taking charge of one’s health.

Thomson Lifestyle Centre advocates this belief and wants to partner its patients in the path to good health. Thus, for the past 10 years, it has been providing its patients healthcare solutions with a holistic approach in health enhancement and support. Its services include: » Health screening services » Healthy aging programmes » Weight management services » Chronic disease follow-up

+ Thomson Lifestyle Centre is located at #10-14/15, Novena Medical Centre (above Novena MRT Station) + For enquiries and appointments, please call 6352 6550 / 6559 during office hours, or e-mail: lifestyle@thomsonmedical.com

Understanding your needs

While providing good medical care, Thomson Lifestyle Centre does not forget the importance of comfort, service and convenience. On-site specimen collection for laboratory analysis, ample parking, accessible public transportation and an emphasis on efficiency and customer service ensures it always delivers a positive experience.

Work productivity, health and you With work-life balance playing a significant role in modern urban living, the link between health and job performance cannot be ignored. “Practicing preventive health programmes in the workplace will not only help the corporation address issues related to staff’s absenteeism and medical expenses, but also improve employees’ health and consequently productivity,” Dr Derek Koh, Head of Thomson Lifestyle Centre, says. “Thus, having an effective health programme is a win-win situation for both corporations and employees.”

Thomson Lifestyle Centre goes the extra mile by understanding there is no “one size fits all” healthcare solution for every company. Indeed, customised programmes may be designed to meet the unique needs of the corporation. With its focus on customer service, convenience, efficiency and comfort, Thomson Lifestyle Centre comes up top in mind as a partner for quality healthcare management.

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profile

GodFather

Captivate your audience How do you impress and influence those around you? Take a leaf, or maybe a few, from these professional consultants who are part of this year’s Brillianaire line-up

H

R professionals are the face of the company.

You are at the forefront of meeting and greeting new hires and you are the change agent when the company grows or downsizes.

How can you, as the face of the company, captivate your audience and influence those around you? Our experts share a few easy tips:

colleagues’ ears. It makes people uncomfortable » Be relaxed, open and remain humble throughout the interview. The candidate will likewise feel less guarded and be more truthful » Finally, give some encouragement and credit to the candidate and acknowledge them at the end of the interview with a proper farewell and smile.

Action speaks louder than words

Be conscious of your voice and energy

Quick tip 1

Quick tip 2

Good posture allows you to visually carry yourself in a manner where you appear tall, smart and more professional. A well-tailored suit or a coordinated ensemble of clothes might be half the battle won, but if you slouch or appear guarded or defensive, it will affect the way people regard you.

At meetings, give an open smile as that will help make people around you feel more comfortable. Be friendly and relaxed while maintaining professionalism. If your job involves interviewing new hires, here are some tips that Audrey Quek, a professional image Audrey Quek and Lucy Cornell will be sharing more consultant, has to share: tips on how you can captivate your audience at the » As much as you do not inaugural Brillianaire conference, which will be held wish to be interrupted by from 14 – 15 September 2011 at the Raffles City candidates’ ringing cell Convention Centre. For more information on the phones, you should set the conference programme and to sign up, please visit example by keeping your www.brillianaire.sg or call (+65) 6643 9194 mobile on silent mode » Don’t look distracted, fidget, play with pens, keep looking at your watch, frown or look irritated. Instead, look back to the resume for verification and give occasional eye contact to the candidate (at least more than just two glances in a minute).

Look comfortable and stay focused in front of the candidate » Avoid unprofessional phrases like ‘why did you not listen properly earlier?’, ‘I don’t know what you are talking about”, “We don’t have much time, could you speed up?” etc » Don’t whisper into the person sitting next to you, and never whisper with hands cupped over

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Your psychological or emotional state is translated through your voice energetically, which people around you read and respond to. As an HR professional, there are some tips you can adopt to ensure you communicate an open, easy energy and presence.

Say, for example, you are interviewing a nervous candidate. What you can do to help calm her down?

According to Lucy Cornell, 1 of 150 designated Linklater voice teachers in the world, with more than 12 years of professional coaching experience, the candidate’s nervous tension has a tendency to rub off on the interviewer and this is what happens: » A nervous candidate holds emotional and psychological tension in her body. This tension will, in turn, affect her voice. It will be palpable » As an empathetic human being, you may subconsciously pick up this tension and start to control your voice, adding your tension of control onto the candidate’s tension of nervous energy » The best approach is to let go. Let go of your physical tension and your breath. When you let go, you subconsciously give permission to others around you to let go » Breathe easily, relax and let your natural voice respond. This will disarm the candidate and your subconscious influence will assist them to deliver a stronger interview.

By embodying a conscious level of self and spatial awareness, while incorporating a good measure of business etiquette and professional presence, you can captivate and positively influence your audience and those who work around you.

profile

Gaelic Inns

Truly Craic!

(Def: n. Craic is a term for fun, entertainment, and enjoyable conversation) and up to 300 guests offering a comfortable setting for informal business meetings, private parties and standing cocktails.

The Penny Black, Boat Quay Right by the riverfront with stunning views of The Fullerton Hotel and the Asian Civilisations Museum, The Penny Black is a wonderfully authentic Victorian London tavern. The ‘Snug Bar’ on the second floor provides a comfortable setting for exclusive events and is still shrouded in the same warm London pub ambience.

The Penny Black

T

ell anyone that our pub fittings were assembled in the UK then dismantled, shipped to Singapore and re-assembled here and the first question you’d get is “Why?”. Well, authenticity is the answer!

Gaelic Inns has placed great emphasis on developing truly authentic outlets and spared no expense in fitting out each individual pub’s design concept. The aim is to create an environment in which people will strike a nerve of familiarity and feel very much at home.

Pepper Steak with Fries

+ Gaelic Inns 19 Tanglin Road, #11-01 Tanglin Shopping Centre, Singapore 247909 + Tel: +65 6735 0050 + E-mail: corporate@gaelicinns.com.sg + Website: www.gaelicinns.com.sg

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Food and Beverage

Gastropub is the key word in describing the food at our pubs. Embracing the successful trend of gastro pubs that have sprouted throughout Britain and Ireland over the past decade, Gaelic Inns combines the traditional and modern cuisines of the UK in its menu.

All day dining menus feature fresh home-cooked and hearty meals. The fabulous Sunday Roast at Muddy Murphy’s is also one for the diary.

Gaelic Inns sets the standards with the quality of the beer it serves. It takes particular pride in serving a good pint of ‘the dark stuff’ - Draught Guinness® and fine Irish ales such as Kilkenny™. Other premium international draught beers offered include Heineken, Tiger, Erdinger Weissbier, Strongbow Cider and Old Speckled Hen, not forgetting premium spirits and wines also on the list.

Events

Conveniently located around the city and along idyllic East Coast beach, we cater to small groups

Scruffy Murphy’s, East Coast Beach Re-created as a cosy Irish seaside cottage by the calm shores of Singapore’s East Coast, Scruffy’s, as it’s affectionately known, is the perfect spot for lounging around, pint in hand, of course! You’re always shaded regardless of whether you’re seated at the outdoor beer terrace, inside the ‘cottage’ or the air-conditioned lounge.

Durty Nelly’s, Marina Square Trendy yet casual, Durty Nelly’s sets the perfect tone for an ‘after work’ drink. Young urban professionals flock to this haven for a much-deserved pint after a hard day’s work. The pub is also privileged to be one of the only ‘watering holes’ right beside the Singapore Formula 1 Night Race, where customers have a unique audio-visual experience as cars race by during the race.

Ballymoons, Orchard Hotel True to its Irish roots, Ballymoons is a genuinely laid-back and cosy place to spend your evening.

Complete with plush lounge chairs to complement simple wooden tables, the bar is unpretentious.

Dim lighting adds to the pretty picture and creates an ambience of understated elegance.

Muddy Murphy’s, Orchard Hotel With a spirited social ambience typical of any traditional Irish pub, Muddy Murphy’s is the perfect venue for unrestrained merry-making. The pub comprises an open-air “farm yard” and an air-conditioned traditional Irish country cottage pub dating back to the 1840s indoors.

profile JP Pepperdine Group

Eatzi Gourmet Catering B

eautiful decor, an inviting ambience, and delicious food. Key ingredients to a perfect party.

The Eatzi Gourmet brand comprises of Bakery, Catering and Restaurants divisions which are certified Halal by MUIS. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of JP Pepperdine Group Pte Ltd (formerly known as Jack’s Place Holdings Pte Ltd: Winner of Singapore Heritage Brand Award 2006 and Silver Award Winner of Singapore Promising Brand 2006).

With a HACCP Certified brand name established since 1992, coupled with wide choices of delectable food and staff who are committed to perfecting even the tiniest detail, you know that the catering team at Eatzi Gourmet have all the right ingredients to whip up a fantastic feast for you.

Menus to suit all tastebuds

The finely-trained chefs at Eatzi Gourmet have designed a range of Chinese, Malay, Western and even International cuisines which can suit even the pickiest palates! Wow your guests with Famous House Specials which includes the succulent, hand-carved meats such as Roast Beef on wagon, Roast Leg of Lamb and their famed BBQ Spit Baby Roast Lamb; a centrepiece dish that is bound to leave any meat-lover salivating. If seafood is more to your fancy, grace your tables with their

ocean’s freshest catch; prepared in a variety of styles and sauces. The best thing is, with Eatzi Gourmet, you can rest easy knowing that the wonderful spread can be enjoyed by all.

From Food to Decor

Eatzi Gourmet’s quest to impress does not stop at just pleasing the palate. From choosing the appropriate theme, setting up the venue, to creating the perfect ambience suited to your function, every last detail is meticulously taken care of. Vibrant floral arrangements and elegant table decor speak volumes to guests in making them feel important and welcomed. At Eatzi Gourmet, you can expect no less. The buffet spread itself serves as a beautiful centrepiece; with special care taken to display the array of tantalizing creations in a manner that is nothing short of gastronomic.

Eatzi Gourmet Bakery

Cakes are the perfect accompaniment to almost every occasion. You can place orders for these decadent treats through Eatzi Gourmet Bakery and join the many fans of their Signature Mango Mousse cake or select from other yummy ranges like the ‘All Time Favourites’. You can even request for a customized cake with your preferred shape, size, flavour and special message, to suit your occasion perfectly!

Whatever the occasion, be it corporate events, private functions, birthdays or even larger scale celebrations like weddings, Eatzi Gourmet fits the bill. Even if you do not have a venue for your event, there are private function rooms available for your events, at selected JP Pepperdine outlets. So, host your next event in style and confidence as you leave the rest of the work in their capable hands.

For more information, please contact: + Eatzi Gourmet Catering 123 Defu Lane 10, Singapore 539232 Tel: (65) 6858 0111 Email: catering@eatzi.com.sg + Eatzi Gourmet Bakery Hotline: (65) 6287 6298 Website: www.jppepperdine.com

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S I N G A P O R E

A Haven

Where Flowers Bloom Everyday Flowers have always been present to each and every occassion in one’s life, may it be birthdays, company openings, festive celebrations, grief for a loved one, or simply an expression of love.

Having a trusted flower shop to assist with one’s expressions of love, happiness, or grief, is truly a bliss. With over 50 years of experience, Prince’s Flower Shop has been unceasingly existent into making every occassion a memorable one.

Backed by a team of experienced and committed designers and customer service staff, with continuous training and development program, Prince’s assures that they deliver with pride your messages of love, greetings and gratitude you’ve always wanted.

Wonderful Memories Flowers are truly a magnificent array in different colors and hues, shapes and sizes, which makes every moment worthwhile. Allow Prince’s to take a significant part in creating wonderful memories. It is truly a haven where flowers bloom everyday.

Corporate Events

Special Gifts

If there is a need to enliven up a conference hall, or a place for an event, may it be wedding, graduation rites or just simply a formal gathering, entrust it to the professional skills of Prince’s.

With its diverse experience from cocktail arrangements to stage design displays, your every corporate event would truly be a memorable one.

Flowers make the most romantic gift ideas. However, if they’re given with hampers, chocolates, or wine, it would truly make your recepient feel that these presents have been carefully hand-picked just for them. Make them feel loved with Prince’s wide array of special gifts, hampers, wines, and chocolates.

__________ For more information: Florist Operation 53 Sungei Tengah Road Singapore 698998 Tel: +65 6766 7000 Fax: +65 6769 7000 Head Office 144 Upper Bukit Timah Road, #0117 Beauty World Centre Singapore 588177 Tel: +65 6466 7000 Fax: +65 6467 5920

We make all

The Flowers

B l o o m E v e r y d ay.

Flowers are timeless, ageless, classic.

It speaks of a million words beyond what sweet lips can utter.

That’s why at Prince’s, we provide you exceptional and contemporary arrangements to suit your every need. We are proud to claim that we are a team of experienced and committed designers that delivers your messages of love, greetings, and gratitude in a manner you’ve always wanted.

Allow us to make your every occasion a memorable one. It is our commitment, sincerity, and enthusiasm that brings the best service and integrity in our craft.

Order now and receive 15% off to all online orders of flowers and 10% for flowers+gifts and plants.

Promotion code: FSMAG02. Promotion is valid until NOV 2011.

Valid for purchase of regular items on www.prince.com.sg, not applicable for promotional items. Terms and conditions apply.

For more information, please call, (65) 6766 7000, or email, flower@prince.com.sg.

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THE TEAM SPIRIT 3 SHARE AND PARTICIPATE

Play a round at one of Australia’s top 10 Championship golf courses or lose yourself in the roar of the crowds at the Australian Open Tennis Championships from a box suite at Rod Laver Arena. Catch the sport of kings as an exclusive guest in a private Marquee at the Melbourne Cup Spring Racing Carnival.

TOP 10 IDEAS

THE TEAM 4 ENCOURAGE TO “SPEND TO SAVE”

FOR MOTIVATING AND RETAINING YOUR STAFF: MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – THE ULTIMATE INCENTIVE

1 EXPAND THEIR HORIZONS & HELP THEM SOAR TO NEW HEIGHTS See Melbourne and regional Victoria from the best vantage points; a private hot air balloon ride over the Yarra Valley, a helicopter adventure hugging the coastline of the Great Ocean Road, or gain ‘The Edge’ when you experience Skydeck 88 at Eureka Tower – the only observation deck in the world which projects three metres out from the building whilst you stand in a glass cube suspended 300 metres above the ground.

THEIR APPETITES 2 WHET & INDULGE THEIR EVERY WHIM

Discover Melbourne’s labyrinth of laneways peppered with award winning restaurants. Savour internationally renowned Japanese cuisine at Nobu or sample exquisite local produce straight from the farm.

Tour world famous vineyards of the Yarra Valley, meet the wine makers and bottle your own vintage, or sip the finest sparkling at Moet and Chandon’s Australian vineyards – Domaine Chandon.

With your own private limo and an expert retail therapy guide, lose yourself in Australia’s shopping Mecca - Melbourne’s maze of historic arcades, laneways, malls, markets, boutique stores and factory outlets.

You’ll never want to leave this city…. empty-handed.

5 ENSURE A WORK / LIFE BALANCE Celebrate in style with a stay at the Lake House in Daylesford, Victoria’s spa country. Indulge in spa and wellness treatments at the property’s Salus Spa, voted best ‘Spa/Health Resort’ in Australia. Sit in private treetop cabins and lookout through the waterfront willow trees as you soak in spa tubs filled with 100% pure Daylesford mineral water.

YOUR AFTER 6 EXTEND HOURS ACTIVITIES

OUT OF THE OFFICE YOUR 7 GET 8 KEEP AND HAVE SOME FUN ENVIRONMENT FAST

OUT THEIR 9 BRING WILD SIDE

Sip cocktails while admiring the city views, take in an art house film from an outdoor roof top cinema or settle in for a selection of unique martinis at one of Melbourne’s hidden bars or lounges.

Throw the dice with the high rollers in the Mahogany Room at Crown Casino and then pick up the pace after dark in one of Melbourne’s velvet rope members only nightclubs.

Hoist the sails as your team takes part in a sailing regatta across Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay, under the guidance of professional yachtsmen. Then enjoy a sumptuous lunch at one of the picturesque yacht clubs overlooking the Bay with a tantalising menu of fresh local produce and fine wines.

Alternatively, split into teams and be mentored by master chefs in preparing your own lunches using only select local ingredients with special prizes awarded for the most mouth watering results.

Get to know the Melbourne locals, like the Little Penguin colony on Phillip Island, or the kangaroos and koalas that call Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary home. For an up close and personal experience with some scarier critters, come face to face with crocodiles or handle an exotic snake at Ballarat Wildlife Park.

PACED & EXCITING

Leather up and tour Melbourne on a Harley Davidson motorcycle unlocking the pulse of the city. Alternatively, Melbourne is one of only two places in the world where you can surf and ski all in one day. So take up the ultimate experience of surfing your way through the morning at famous Bells Beach, then jump aboard a 45-minute flight and land on the slopes of beautiful Mt Hotham and ski the rest of the day away.

10 REWARD YOUR PEAK PERFORMERS Your team will have exclusive access behind the scenes at Australia’s largest entertainment and casino complex – Crown. They will be guided through a maze of kitchens, see world-class chefs at work and marvel at the precision and craftsmanship behind every dish. A master chef will prepare a sublime meal for your group right in the heart of Australia’s largest banquet kitchen.

This is a rare treat.

HELP AT HAND The Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau can assist in every aspect of Business Event bidding, planning and budgeting – from concept stage through to event support – be it a meeting, conference, incentive group or corporate event.

To plan your next event in Melbourne, please contact: Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau p: +65 6356 8639 f: +65 6356 5395 e: singapore@mcvb.com.au w: www.mcvb.com.au

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST To be selected to attend a fully hosted exclusive familiarisation program to Melbourne, send your email with subject heading “HRM famil” to singapore@mcvb.com.au and include: name, title, company, email address and telephone number.

profile Hotel Re!

Re!lax in modern retro comfort L

ocated at the heart of the city, Hotel Re! is the perfect choice be it for your accommodation or event requirements. All guestrooms in this boutique hotel are furnished with retro- inspired furniture and complimented with ultra modern technology for that extraordinary Hotel Re! touch. Each floor in this boutique hotel has its own color theme and all the rooms on the floor resonate with the designated colour and dĂŠcor.

Distinctive and professional event venues

Our function rooms and grand ballroom are equipped with advanced audio visual technology and unique characteristics, which ensure that you achieve the varied objectives of events held with us.

With the launch of our new ballroom, Re!Joice, we have expanded our capabilities to host events from small meetings to large conventions of up to 600. Coupled with our experienced operations team, this al fresco ballroom is perfect for Product Launches, Dinner and Dance, Team Building and Themed Parties.

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Re!Union, Re!Tune and Re!Call function rooms are versatile areas that can accommodate up to 120 people comfortably. These are ideal for a variety of events, from cosy gatherings to discussions and executive meetings. Re!Union also features an exclusive al fresco viewing area on the 2nd level overseeing a wide outdoor area on the 1st level. This space can be utilised for special events, most notably from our history, a racing car drift demonstration.

Personalised services

The excellent hardware that Hotel Re! possesses is coupled with affable and dedicated software.

Personalised and committed services are accentuated through each of our dealings. A devoted event planner will creatively work with your team to deliver the event beyond expectations. Ask for a proposal from our Hotel Re! Team today and be impressed by the unique experience we have to offer.

+ Call 6827 8282 or visit www.hotelre.com.sg to learn more. + Hotel Re! @ Pearl’s Hill 175A Chin Swee Road Singapore 169879

profile Royal Caribbean Cruises

Royal Caribbean Cruises

The ultimate MICE experience at sea!

All-encompassing Competitive MICE Packages

L

ooking for a refreshing getaway for your staff incentive trips, company retreat or meetings?

Royal Caribbean International, the award-winning cruise brand offers the ideal Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Exhibitions (MICE) package that blends business with pleasure in a relaxing ambience as well as visits to multiple destinations in just one trip!

Known as the ‘ship of light’, Legend of the Seas is the ultimate getaway for guests in need of total relaxation: its sun-filled atriums, sky-lit glass canopies, and floor-to-ceiling windows offers plenty of natural light in and stunning views out to the sea.

The 70,000-tonnage, 2,074-guest ship is the ideal MICE experience at sea:

Indulge in a wide spread of international cuisines at the buffet restaurant. Dine in style at the fine-dining restaurant and be pampered by personalised attention from the Gold Anchor service staff. Scale the 9-metre rock-climbing wall for spectacular views from the top or bond over a game of mini golf in the middle of the ocean. Rejuvenate in the stylish indoor solarium, jacuzzis and spas and enjoy relaxing live entertainment at the wide array of bars and lounges onboard and more!

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Legend of the Seas’ MICE packages offer competitive value with exquisite international cuisines, comfortable accommodation, 24-hr room-service, top-class entertainment, fun activities and to top it off – the flexibility to cater to your groups’ needs. Team-building sessions, open-bar liquor packages, private functions and shore excursions can also be customised.

For an added special touch, the ship can also include your company logo on ice-carvings, activity programs and menus. To create an even bigger impact, a banner can be displayed on the ship’s exterior to welcome your group onboard, customised with your brand name!

From staging intimate functions to hosting large-scale seminars, Royal Caribbean International’s fleet of 22 ships are wellequipped with wide-ranging conference facilities. Guests can also expect unparalleled dedicated service from onboard convention service coordinators who offer round-the-clock assistance to ensure your corporate events run smoothly.

Legend of the Seas’ cruises from Singapore

Based year-round in Asia, Legend of the Seas offers a wide selection of itineraries and sailings out from Singapore this November till March 2012 . Choose from 2- to 6-night Southeast Asia cruises to popular destinations - Malacca, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket and Langkawi and longer 7- to 8-Night cruises to Bangkok (Thailand), Halong Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue/Danang (Vietnam). Book a Royal Caribbean cruise for the ultimate MICE experience at sea now!

Contact Royal Caribbean MICE Specialists at + TEL: +65 6305 0003 / 6305 0011 + EMAIL: RcclGroupSales@rcclapac.com + Web: www.royalcaribbean-asia.com

BEST CRUISE OPERATOR 2008, 2009 & 2010

TO MIX BUSINESS WITH PLEASURE

JUST ADD WATER™

If you’re thinking about holding a meeting or incentive program at the same old landlocked hotel, it’s time to think outside the box – about 500 nautical miles outside the box.

If you’re looking to increase sales, recognise performance and build morale, a Royal Caribbean cruise has more to offer. Like what? Well, how about these: • 280 destinations in 80 countries

• Gold Anchor Service crews

• Most innovative, state-of-the-art ships

• 3-through 14-night cruises departing

• Amazing onboard & onshore activities

from ports all around the world

It’s a unique combination we call The Royal Advantage — a combination that makes us the preferred brand and ideal choice for your next corporate event.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Vouchers Available For Sale Reward your staff with our cruise vouchers for an all-encompassing experience to any of our cruise destinations worldwide now!

SOUTHEAST ASIA CRUISE ESCAPADES — LEGEND OF THE SEAS 2/3-NIGHT BEST OF MALAYSIA CRUISE

4/5/6-NIGHT SOUTHEAST ASIA CRUISE

Ports-of-Call: Penang, Malacca^

Ports-of-Call: Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Phuket, Langkawi+

Singapore Departures: Nov 19^ & 25, Dec 2, 9, 16 & 19, 2011 Jan 6 & 21#, Feb 3, 10 & 17, Mar 2 & 9^, 2012

Singapore Departures (4N): Nov 21 & 28, Dec 5 & 12, 2011, Jan 2 & 9, Feb 6, 13 & 27, 2012

^2-night weekend Malacca cruise. #Holiday sailing

Singapore Departures (5/6N): Dec 22^# & 28#, 2011, Jan 24# & 29, 2012

+Additional port-of-call for 5/6N Cruises. ^6-night cruise with an overnight stay in Phuket. #Holiday sailing

Join us now at RoyalCaribbeanAsia Royal Caribbean Cruises (Asia) Pte Ltd

3 Anson Road #13-02 Springleaf Tower Singapore 079909 (near Tanjong Pagar MRT station) Tel: (65) 6305 0003 Email: RcclGroupSales@rcclapac.com www.royalcaribbean-asia.com

profile

Club Yamu

Club Yamu brings all –

inclusive innovation to Phuket

C

To find out more about Club Yamu, visit our fresh-look website at www.clubyamu.com + Club Yamu 171/23 Moo 7, Paklok, Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand + Tel: +66 (0) 76 336 500 + Fax: +66 (0) 76 310 558 + Reservations Tel: +66 (0) 76 316 555 + Reservations Fax: +66 (0) 76 316 595 + Email: book@clubyamu.com + Website: clubyamu.com

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lub Yamu, a stylish resort on Phuket’s peaceful east coast, is pioneering an all-inclusive concept that offers families first-class accommodation and an authentic taste of Phuket’s local charm.

Located a world away from the hectic tourist areas of Phuket, Club Yamu is set on the fringe of an idyllic east coast cape that still retains its sleepy fishing village charm. The exquisite Phang Nga Bay is within view and within easy reach for those who wish to cruise among its magical karst islands and hidden beaches.

Exploring the island is superbly fun with the resort’s own ‘Bubble Car’ rental service. Taxi and shuttle services can also be arranged. Guests enjoy exclusive access to the private luxury motor yachts operated by Twinpalms Resort, for discovering the area’s fabulous cruising waters in high style.

As part of the acclaimed Baan Yamu resort estate, Club Yamu gives families a choice of two or three bedrooms in 22 luxurious Private Pool Villas with sea views or 58 double-height Garden Residences set around a breathtaking 1600-squaremetre swimming pool and tropical gardens.

Club Yamu’s interior spaces are thoughtfully designed and equipped with modern amenities, with a balance of stunning entertaining and living areas and ultra-private bedrooms. Spacious master suites include lavish and romantic ensuite bathrooms.

Shared areas feature a stylish living room with a

large flat-screen satellite TV with DVD player, a sleek and fully-stocked kitchen as well as dining facilities. The bright and open interiors are well connected to outdoor living areas to offer full enjoyment of Phuket’s sunny tropical climate.

Guests may join daily shuttle trips to the picturesque Rang Island just 15 minutes away or enjoy exotic adventures including ATV rides, elephant riding and mangrove canoe trips with nearby service providers on their own. Water aerobics, Thai massage, Thai shadow puppetmaking, Muay Thai boxing and Thai dance are among the other activities offered. In addition to a selection of excursions and activities, airport transfers, all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) as well as snacks, ice creams, soft drinks and juices are included.

Club Yamu boasts an extravagant range of facilities and services to keep family members of all ages entertained and blissful throughout their stay. Guests may unwind and soothe their senses with a full range of treatments at the Spa, keep in shape in the modern fitness centre, indulge in scrumptious buffet meals at the Dining Room or simply relax in the shade at the Pool Bar and Lobby Lounge. Kids, meanwhile, have an exciting choice of active and artistic pursuits to join at the Juk’s Adventures Kids’ Club. Even the tiniest guests are assured a comfortable and happy holiday with baby cots and other baby amenities provided on request.

P

rt

lusive Fam c n I l l il y A s ’ Re t e k so u h

Club Yamu, located in Phuket's exclusive east coast, is an all-inclusive resort hideaway for discerning families seeking both a luxurious escape and a tropical island adventure.

clubyamu.com Tel: +66 (0) 76 336 500 Reservations Tel: +66 (0) 76 316 555

profile

Aetna

Increasing Productivity and Improving Health Through Wellness Programmes

Why should you care if your employees live a healthy lifestyle?

Derek Goldberg, Managing Director, Southeast Asia, Aetna, shares his views Worldwide trend

Eighty percent of Fortune 500 companies now offer some type of wellness programmes1 to keep their employees healthy. One common key driver is the better return on capital via increased productivity.

The effect of poor health on productivity + To learn more call us at +65 6408 0140 or visit www.aetnainternational.com

Research has shown a direct correlation between lifestyle choices and health conditions. Stress is cited as the top reason driving wellness programmes2 in Asia (Fig 1).

As for Singapore, COPD* is the 7th leading cause of death3 while 1 in 4 Singaporeans aged 40 years and above have at least 1 chronic disease (diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and stroke).4 This translates to direct medical expenses, absenteeism, and loss of productivity on the job (“presenteeism”).

A key reason for the rise in chronic diseases in Singapore is the adoption of unhealthy lifestyles.

Benefits of wellness programmes

Employers worldwide have implemented wellness programmes to combat this rising trend in chronic diseases and stress. The best way appears to be through holistic employee benefit programmes designed around employee physical health, mental wellbeing and financial security.

A recent study found that the most effective wellness programmes had total returns of 15 percent

Fig 1: Top priorities for wellness programmes in Asia Top priorities for employers

Health risks or issues Top wellness driving strategies programmes

Fastest growing wellness programmes

1 Maintaining wirk ability

Stress

Biometric screening

Work/life balance

2 Improving workforce morale/emgagement

Work/life balance

Executive screenings

Web-based healthy lifestyle programmes

3 Furthering organisation values

Physical activitly/ ecercise

Co-sponsored Improving psychosocial sports teams work environment

Source: Global Survey of Health Promotion and Wellness, Nov 2010, Bucks Consultants

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over a five-year period compared to low-effectiveness programmes that reported negative returns of 10 percent.5 Measuring ROI is both a short- and long-term process. The real question in terms of ROI is what defines success for your company? Is it to save money?

Give back to your employees? Promote work-life balance? Once your objectives are defined, you will be able to attach short- and long-term metrics in order to gauge effectiveness—and value—for your company.

Creating a culture of health and wellness

Like most aspects of people management, wellness programmes face the 80/20 rule—20 percent of the people use 80 percent of the resources. When designing and implementing a wellness programme, it’s essential that you take an evidencebased, multi-pronged approach and provide resources for the total population. An effective worksite wellness programme should include: » Health check / screening » Online health risk assessment » Clinical analytics to stratify all employees into ‘low’, ‘moderate’, ‘high’ risk categories » Online wellness programmes for relatively healthy employees » Health and lifestyle coaching for high-risk employees Wellness is not a quick fix. The most effective wellness programmes are those that create a culture of health and wellness in your company.

This would support your employees throughout their journey to better health. * COPD refers to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 1 National Business Group on Health 2 Global Survey of Health Promotion and Workplace Wellness, Nov. 2010, Bucks Consultants 3 Singapore Ministry of Health, http://www.moh.gov.sg/ healthscope/issue02/article4.htm, queried 1 July 2011 4 Singapore Health Promotion Board, http://www.hpb.gov.sg/ hpb/default.asp?pg_id=2250, queried 1 July 2011 5 2009/2010 Staying at Work Study, Tower Watson and National Business Group on Health

Empowering people to live healthier lives worldwide.

Building on our 150-year history, Aetna is a leader and pioneer in health solutions. We serve more than 37 million people worldwide, providing access to affordable and high-quality healthcare. Nothing matters more. We’re dedicated to partnering with individuals, doctors, employers and governments to build a more effective healthcare system.

To learn more call us at +65 64080140 or visit www.aetnainternational.com.

China

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Hong Kong

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Indonesia

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Singapore

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United Arab Emirates

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United Kingdom

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USA

All programs and products are not available in all regions and locations. Aetna does not provide care or guarantee access to health services. For more information about Aetna International programs and products, refer to www.aetnainternational.com. © 2011 Aetna Inc.