The COVID-19 pandemic had far-reaching consequences for how we lived, worked, and connected. It upended the very foundations of economic, human, social and environmental systems that supported our well-being.

Companies started to recognise the immense toll the pandemic took on their workforce and introduced a range of initiatives to support their employees’ well-being during these trying times.

QI Group’s HR team in Malaysia stepped up their game in this area and won Gold at the Human Resources Online Employee Experience Awards 2023 for Best Employee Wellness Strategy.

The team conducted groundwork to understand the needs and challenges of our workforce, developed wellness initiatives targeted at these needs and concerns, and tailored programmes to suit the various cultures and demographics of our employees. Regular evaluations and reviews were also carried out to improve the programmes.

Remote and flexi work options have been introduced emphasising mental health and work-life balance. Virtual wellness programmes, such as fitness classes and counselling services were introduced to help employees cope with stress and isolation. These initiatives fostered a sense of community and solidarity within the employees, promoting resilience and productivity even in the face of adversity.

Additionally, recognising the importance of upskilling and reskilling during economic downturns, virtual training programmes and workshops were conducted, empowering employees to acquire new skills and adapt to evolving job requirements. These proactive measures have boosted employee morale and engagement and positioned our companies to emerge more robust and adaptable post-pandemic.

All these initiatives have resulted in improved employee well-being, greater engagement, better retention rates, improved morale and even attracted new talent.

As we mark our 25th anniversary in 2023, we will continue to listen, engage and support our most valuable asset: Our People.