.jpg)
Work-life balance is important in every sphere of business, but it's even more so in the unique world of childcare. Fortunately for the 450 staff of the Cherie Hearts group, it's something founder and president Gucharan Singh understands very well. The work-life leadership award winning leader talks to HRM about the advantages of family-friendly work policies
Dr Gucharan Singh knows all about the importance of work life balance. The founder and president of the Cherie Hearts childcare group has been a committed advocate since opening his first centre in 2001 - and the company has been recognised with four annual Work Life Excellence awards by the Ministry of Manpower.
It has been an impressive effort, but was capped off this year with Singh personally taking one of two inaugural Work Life Leadership awards.
Singh says he was surprised to find the individual award was even on offer, let alone that it had his name on it. "It had never been introduced before, so when I was told that I was a winner, I was even more pleasantly surprised."
In many ways, it is not surprising that a childcare group is leading the way in terms of offering flexible work practices in Singapore. With some 80% of his workforce married with children, Singh understands that they too need time with their families.
"It is important to me to ensure employees are able to strike a balance between career and family life, in order to bring quality care to their own family as well," he says, adding that this balance also brings positive factors to the workplace. "If they are happy at home, they can deliver at work happily and are stress free."
The fact that his staff deal with children and parents as a core part of their work is yet another reason to ensure work is an enjoyable and positive experience. "It is more crucial in the childcare sector, simply because we deal with the lives of little ones, and their families, of course."
The work-life initiatives at Cherie Hearts are wide and varied. As well as offering a range of healthy lifestyle, the company provides flexible work schedules and regular social events that cater for both staff and their families. It also has its work-life policies laid out in plain English so all staff know and understand their options.
But the biggest policy difference between Cherie Hearts and other similar groups is possibly the most simple. "One fine example that I am always proud to share - all my staff enjoy free childcare services for their kids at any of our childcare centres island wide," Singh says. "Our staff are entitled to utilise any of our over 50 childcare centres in Singapore."
That's something he says other childcare services don't offer, and it helps to define Cherie Hearts as an employer of choice for the country's best childcare professionals.
Singh is also proud of the company's policies for staff at Cherie Hearts' headquarters. A new telecommuting policy allows the more than 50 staff there to spend one day a week working from home. "It was especially introduced so that my staff have more flexi-time to spend with their families," he says.
"At the bottom of all these initiatives is the consideration of my staff's families and personal interests."
But there are also flow-on cost savings for the company. "With initiatives like ours, we actually save a lot on labour and manpower costs, especially in the areas of recruitment and training," he says. "With our turnover rates lowered progressively over the years, it can definitely be said that our work-life initiatives pay off much more."
Just like everything in business, work-life initiatives require leadership from the front. It's always harder for the boss to disengage from work - particularly when they are also the company founder - but Singh recognises the importance of making the effort. It's not just for himself, but for his staff to also see that balance is considered at all levels of the business.
"While it is almost impossible for me to totally disengage myself from work, I make it a point to put my initiatives into practice myself," Singh says. "For example, I try to be home three times a week for dinner with my family."
Sometimes, achieving work-life balance actually involves integrating the two. "Whenever possible, I involve my family in what I do. I also encourage staff to do the same. For example, when we have retreats, I ensure that staff bring their families along and I make it a point to get to know them better."
Weekends are also important family time - and Singh works hard to make the most of them. "Outside of work, I derive great pleasure in spending time and engaging in simple activities with my family members, who are very important to me." Whether it is a picnic or going out to dinner, or even engaging in "movie marathon watching" with his children, the activity is less important than the company.
"Family always comes first, and I cannot think of a better way to spend my free time with them engaging in simple relaxing activities."
Singh also enjoys reading, traveling and is a keen musician, playing piano as regularly as he is able.