Health is wealth: walking the talk in JNP

It is no secret that a culture exists within JNP where advisers are constantly motivated to keep themselves in the pink of health. From the weekly group qigong sessions, emphasis on traditional Chinese medicine, and the

carefully-selected food and beverages on the cafe menu, healthcare is a way of life for JNP advisers.

From a practical perspective, the reason appears simple: a physically-fit adviser is one who is also more likely to be emotionally and mentally-balanced, and able to serve his or her clients optimally. Most corporate organizations adopt fitness programmes precisely with the objective of keeping their workforce productive. But for JNP, the emphasis on healthcare goes beyond the bottom-line.

Even though they are often seen as the ones who contribute most directly to the organization's revenue, advisers are not the only ones who benefit from this overarching emphasis on healthcare. Take Mdm Teo Chai Wat, who is in her forties, who works as a server in JNP's Red Olive cafe. Employed by JNP for just under a year, she has already been treated to several traditional Chinese therapeutic massage sessions, fully paid for by Patrick Tan, the Branch Head of JNP and Executive Director of IPP. In fact, it became a semi-official Branch policy shortly after the cafe started, for Patrick to send Mdm Teo and her cheerful group of Red Olive colleagues for monthly TCM massage sessions. These sessions are not merely seen as a work-related benefit, but an expression of genuine familial care.

The always affable Mdm Teo, who previously worked in a factory is, needless to say, deeply touched by it. Her soothed muscles are matched by the warmth of her gratitude. She feels Patrick - or "Boss," as he is addressed by advisers and employees alike - is a man of principle and graciousness. Such an approach to her well-being inspires her implicit trust in him and the organization.

The administrative and personal assistants of JNP have also seen their health improve ever as they immerse themselves in the JNP way of life. Twenty-five year old Siti Shyuhaila, assistant admin manager, recently reignited her desire to stay in shape after some introspection. As she reflected on her senior position among the personal assistants, she felt responsible to be a positive role model for her colleagues. Whereas in the past, she just made a mental effort to get in some weekly exercise, she has now decided to commit that desire it to paper for more compelling effect.

"Thinking alone is not enough. I wanted to be a role model and if I don't do it, people won't follow. Many people give the excuse that there is not enough time. But time is a human construct. We can make time. We have to write down our goals. Mental visions are not enough," said Siti.

Calina Chew, who is overall in-charge of the Branch's administrative affairs is another model of commitment to personal health. She makes an effort to go for aqua jogging sessions three to four times a week. She adopted the activity after Patrick advised her to replace her visits to the gym with a pool-based regime instead. It would be better for her weak knee-joints, he said.

So far so good. Not only is Calina managing to keep her weight under control, her improved physical health has translated into other benefits as well.

"I used to feel lethargic and temperamental. But ever since I started exercising more regularly, I have felt much better," Calina attests.

But she also advises others to keep the exercise regular. She adds: "If we fall sick, it's hard for us to build up a healthy momentum again."

Healthcare indeed permeates life in JNP. Everyone does his or her part to keep each other motivated. The managers and advisers who have personal assistants especially make it a point to remind and encourage them to keep a disciplined exercise schedule.

Perhaps the old adage that health is wealth can find a no-more-apt expression in a financial services organization as fit as JNP.