NNI CEO wins the Wellbeing CEO Award

5/14/2025 9:00:00 AM |

The article is contributed/written by

Congratulations to Associate Professor Au Wing Lok, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Neuroscience Institute (NNI), on winning the Wellbeing CEO Award at WorkWell Leaders Awards 2025!

Building a healthy and joyful work environment is no easy feat – but for A/Prof Au Wing Lok, it is a mission that lies at the heart of leadership. His purposeful efforts to prioritise staff mental wellbeing have not only shaped a more resilient and supportive workplace at NNI, but also earned him the Wellbeing CEO Award at WorkWell Leaders Awards 2025.

The award honours CEOs of Singapore-based organisations who champion workplace wellbeing and foster mentally healthy, thriving teams.

NNI was also named among the first Top 25 Impact Employers for Wellbeing at the national WorkWell Leaders Awards & Gala Dinner 2025.

This recognition comes as a timely celebration of what NNI has been building over the past years – a safe, joyful and collaborative work culture, where staff feel supported.

“Healthcare is a team sport – and we can only give our best to patients when we care deeply for the people on our team,” said A/Prof Au. “I’m honoured by this recognition, but it truly belongs to every staff member who has helped create a culture where we lift each other up, celebrate the little things, and speak up when it matters.”

This culture was nurtured through intentional strategic planning, which focuses on building a resilient workforce and cultivating a supportive work environment.

F.U.N. (For U @ NNI) Committee

A cornerstone of this effort is the F.U.N. Committee, co-led by Belinda Sia, Chief HR Officer, and Dr Jai Rao, Head and Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery, NNI@SGH. Set up in 2021 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, this committee brings together 16 F.U.N. champions from various departments across NNI, all working together to support staff wellbeing across four key areas – physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing, social wellbeing, and mutual care and support.

This holistic approach has facilitated a variety of activities and help, with the core purpose of bonding and providing support to employees.

On the physical front, Sports Days and NNI Interest Groups such as badminton, dragon boat, and hiking offer employees fun and active ways to unwind and bond. The committee has also sparked initiatives that support mental wellbeing – from lunch-time craft sessions to workplace comic strips that promote positive norms such as respecting colleagues’ time away from work.

Social connection is fostered through initiatives such as the annual NNI F.U.N. Fest. The NNI F.U.N. Fest brings together staff based at seven hospitals across Singapore to enjoy and engage in fun activities. These include hikes in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, virtual workshops on vegan leather crafting, and ice-cream making workshops.

Mutual care and support are provided to employees through the Peer Support Network (PSN). This consists of NNI staff whom colleagues can turn to for a ‘friend in need’ and a listening ear. To raise awareness of mental health and forge camaraderie amongst employees, PSN organises a Mental Wellness month – where employees can take time to enjoy mindful engagements, such as creating floral resin coasters or singing, for mental wellness.

Encouraging a Culture of Openness

At NNI, the voice of every staff member matters. Creating a psychologically safe and trusting environment where individuals feel empowered to speak up is a priority woven into the institution’s leadership approach.

Townhalls are held regularly, offering a platform for open dialogue where staff can ask questions directly – with 30 to 40 questions typically raised in a single session. Beyond these sessions, the Voices of NNItes platform allows employees to share – either anonymously or openly – suggestions, feedback, or concerns. Senior leadership also makes regular walkabouts across departments, taking the time to connect with staff on the ground, listen to their experiences, and create space for honest conversations.

The TeamSpeak initiative further builds on this culture of openness, equipping all staff with tools and confidence to speak up respectfully and constructively..

These collective efforts have built a workplace culture rooted in mutual trust and camaraderie – where any matter can be raised without fear, and collaboration thrives. This shows in numbers as well. NNI’s Staff Wellness Index rose from 79% in 2021 to 84% in 2023, surpassing the national healthcare average of 73%. The 2024 pulse survey saw a further boost to 86%.

For A/Prof Au, this recognition is not a final milestone; it is a reminder to continue persevering to promote and adopt practices that encourage a healthy work environment.

“When staff feel seen, heard, and cared for, it creates a ripple effect. And that transforms the way we care for our patients.”