From perks to performance with new wellness standard

In a post-pandemic world where employee expectations are evolving faster than ever, the conversation around workplace wellness has shifted from perks to strategy. Across Singapore and the wider region, organisations are rethinking how they support their workforce, not just to enhance morale, but to stay competitive in attracting and retaining talent.

Amid this growing movement, a new framework for wellness certification has emerged. The Certified Corporate Wellness Champion (CCWC), developed by Aventis Wellness, is setting a fresh benchmark for organisations seeking to translate their wellness ambitions into credible, data-backed decisions.

Dr Christopher Fong, Centre Director of Aventis Wellness Centre, told HRM Asia, “In today’s talent-driven market, employer branding is no longer just about attractive perks or competitive pay—it’s about demonstrating a genuine commitment to employee wellbeing. The CCWC certification is helping forward-thinking organisations turn wellness into a measurable advantage that strengthens their brand, attracts top talent, and inspires loyalty.”

The CCWC certification process requires more than a simple approval. It requires organisations to complete a structured, three-step journey: conducting a company-wide wellness survey, receiving a tailored Corporate Wellness Benchmark Report, and attaining a minimum wellness score of 70% with at least 50% employee participation.

This emphasis on quantifiable results is what sets the certification apart, according to organisations that have gone through the process. Declarators, for example, found this to be true. Their Managing Director, Javier Yip, stated, “Our long-term goals will include reducing health costs, reducing absenteeism, increasing employees’ productivity and engagement, and increasing employee retention rate. We also aim to improve employee morale and attract new talent. So, of course, the award will enhance our reputation as a corporate wellness organisation, which would enable us to attract top talent.”

A Five-Pillar Model of Corporate Wellness

The framework underpinning CCWC is built on five key dimensions of wellbeing: occupational, intellectual, emotional, physical, and social wellness. These pillars guide the evaluation process and help organisations align their wellness initiatives with the actual needs of their employees.

• Occupational wellness focuses on job satisfaction, morale, and work-life harmony.
• Intellectual wellness supports continuous learning and creative growth.
• Emotional wellness encourages resilience and stress management.
• Physical wellness promotes healthy habits and reduces absenteeism.
• Social wellness aims to strengthen connection and inclusion across teams.

By offering a multidimensional lens, the certification encourages employers to take a more integrated approach to employee wellbeing, one that spans far beyond mental health days or fitness reimbursements.

Wellness as a Branding Test

While wellness programmes have often operated in the background of Human Resource (HR) departments, CCWC brings them into the spotlight, positioning wellness as a key part of an organisation’s Employer Value Proposition (EVP). This is increasingly vital in a climate where jobseekers are actively comparing employers based not only on pay and perks, but also on culture and care.

For Crystal SL Global, earning the CCWC helped solidify their standing in the market. “This certification signals that we are an organisation of your preferred choice; it has enhanced our reputation as an organisation and improved our employer branding,” said Joyce Han, General Manager of HR and Admin at Crystal SL Global. “We are ahead of other competitors because we earned this special privilege award.”

Muhammad Ja’afar Kareem Laksmana, Vice-President of Corporate Affairs at the Muslim Converts’ Association of Singapore (MCAS), noted that the recognition has helped foster a more cohesive internal environment. He said, “We want employees here to be in a holistic, family-like environment where they can bond, build peer-to-peer trust, and offer comfort. This will create a more holistic and strategic working environment, helping MCAS reach new heights.”

The CCWC certification represents a commitment to building resilient, future-ready workforces, going beyond mere recognition. Certified organisations embed wellness into their strategic priorities, better equipping themselves to navigate today’s workforce demands while fostering supportive environments.

The CCWC is also a key highlight at HRM Asia Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, where Aventis Wellness is a sponsor of the Best Organisation for Corporate Wellness category. This platform celebrates organisations that lead with innovation and purpose in HR, and the CCWC serves as a beacon for those striving to prioritise wellbeing. Nominations for the Best Organisation for Corporate Wellness are now open—click here to find out more.