The best example leaders can set is well-being

Decades of glorifying overwork are hard to undo. But as the nation turns 60, sustainable performance depends on leaders modelling balance, not burnout.

- Anthea Ong and Reuben Ng

Singapore's success story has always been built on its people. With nearly 70 per cent of residents aged 15 and above participating in the workforce, human capital remains our nation's most vital asset. Yet, even as working hours have declined worldwide, Singapore remains the most overworked country in the Asia-Pacific region.

Burnout, attrition and disengagement persist, despite billions spent globally on well-being apps, employee benefits and wellness programmes.

A new, Singapore-specific study found that these individual-level interventions have limited impact whereas leader well-being is the single strongest driver of organisational well-being making it Il times more impactful on performance than stress management programmes, and four times more than well-being apps.

Leader well-being is a leader's psychological and emotional health, characterised by a sense of purpose, strong social connections, active engagement, personal competence and optimism about the future. Leaders include not only CEOs, but also those in junior, middle and senior management.

The Impact Measure study was commissioned by WorkWell Leaders, a nonprofit collective of CEOs and boards championing mental health and organisational well-being, in partnership with the National University of Singapore. Conducted between November 2024 and April 2025 with over 2,400 employees across sectors, the study analysed more than 200 factors.

The findings overturn conventional wisdom. Getting leaders to prioritise their own well-being goes against the entrenched culture that equates leadership with self-sacrifice and hustle. For decades, we have glorified long hours and burnout as proof of commitment.