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Achieving Occupational Wellness: A Counsellor’s Perspective

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Hello readers, I was always curious to know how many people on this planet feel joy in the work that they do or perhaps a study course that they are in. After I found out that amongst the people that I know in Singapore; less than a handful were truly content.

“I’m not happy with my boss”, “I don’t like the way how they expect me to do my work”, “It’s pointless, I’m not sure what I am doing, I’m not learning nor applying any of my good abilities” – these are some real thoughts that go through many individuals’ mind every single day.

In a recent study carried out by human resource software developer, Employment Hero, it presented that about 48% of 1,000 Singaporeans are unhappy and dissatisfied with their work. This has brought Singaporeans up on the rankings of most unhappy workers (Wong, 2021).

For students, it was recorded in 2019 that 78 percent of Singaporean students agreed or strongly agreed that they had doubts about their future, due to their failures in studies. This study carried out by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) showed that there was a high fear of failure, that caused barriers for students to protect themselves and avoid challenging situations in life.

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It is evident that many working adults, and students in Singapore lack occupational wellness. The sadness, anger, disappointment and fear create hurdles in life. When negative emotions are starting to fill the individual, it could result in avoidance, denial, resistance, unwillingness, lack of motivation, and hopelessness. This causes disequilibrium in their psychological state and mental ill-being.

Besides Singapore, many countries, such as Thailand, South Korea, Japan, China, the United Kingdom, do face very similar issues. Career switches are very common these days, hence we are in the period of the “Great Resignation”. For these individuals, it is really about changing their career for a better purpose in life. Perhaps you may have met or know someone who has made such a transition.

What are some approaches that you can integrate to maintain a good occupational wellness routine in your life?

  • Engage yourself in work that you feel motivated in.
  • Explore if it is possible to find a job that is of interest to you.
  • Work in a way that suits your personal learning style.
  • Communicate and collaborate with others amicably.
  • Have the ability to work independently, and as a team player.
  • Have openness to listen to suggestions and share your views when needed.
  • Learn new skills, and expand your knowledge to advance your occupational wellness goals.
  • If you feel half-hearted about your current job, find the benefits and focus on the positivity.
  • Obtain a good work-life balance.

If you notice yourself reading these tips and asking, OK, I’m ready but I don’t know how to do them. How do I actually take the step towards achieving a work-life balance, or how do I take steps towards learning better communication skills? Fret not, that’s where we come in!

Our counsellors, coaches and psychologists at A Kind Place are here to help support you in exploring your strengths and maximising them at your best potential. Companies who wish to retain their employees and improve their well-being can engage in our corporate wellness programs. Let us guide you in how you can gain overall wellness and improve the quality of your life. Email us at: team@akindplace.co or WhatsApp us here to find out more.

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References:

Wong, D. J. (2021). Singaporeans are the world’s unhappiest workers, survey finds: No fun at work. Mashable S.E.Asia. https://sea.mashable.com/culture/16210/singaporeans-are-the-worlds-unhappiest-workers-survey-finds

Wong, P. T. (2019). 3 in 4 Singapore students fear failure, higher than global average: OECD study. Today Online. https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/3-4-singapore-students-fear-failure-higher-global-average-oecd-study

Nur Sofiawati
Educational therapist

Sofia is an NIE SPED-trained educator with over 6 years of experience in Special Education settings and MOE mainstream schools. She has a strong background in psychology and is currently pursuing a Master of Psychology.

She also has experience teaching primary school curriculum subjects, including Math, English, and Malay, providing foundational support to children with diverse learning needs.

She works with children aged 7–12 who have a range of learning needs, including autism and emotional regulation difficulties.

Her teaching style is calm, structured, and strengths-based, helping children feel safe, understood, and supported in their learning journey. Her sessions are personalised and child-centred, using clear routines, visual supports, hands-on activities, and positive reinforcement to build attention, confidence, and essential learning skills.

Session rates: $120/hr
Jannah
Special Needs Trainer
  • 2+ years of experience in special needs education, supporting learners with diverse behavioural and learning needs
  • Holds a Diploma in Psychology from Temasek Polytechnic, providing a strong foundation in developmental and behavioural understanding
  • 1.5 years of hands-on ABA therapy experience, delivering structured 1-to-1 and small-group behavioural interventions
  • Experience in vocational skills training for adults with disabilities, focusing on building practical skills and workplace readiness
  • Supported individuals in transitioning to supported employment
Melissa
Special Needs Trainer
  • Melissa brings a unique blend of corporate banking experience and special needs education, currently serving as a trainer for adults with special needs, focused on building confidence, resilience, and life skills.
  • A mother of four neurodiverse children, which deepened her understanding of neurodiversity and inspired her career shift.
  • She holds a Diploma in Special Needs & Child Psychology, and is known for her strong communication and problem-solving skills.
  • Melissa’s empathetic and engaging approach helps individuals build confidence, resilience, and independence.
Kwang Yong, a professional counsellor at A Kind Place (AKP).
Kwang Yong
Special Needs Trainer/Professional Counsellor
  • Transitioned from Engineering and the financial sector to the helping profession during Covid.
  • Earned a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology and an Advanced Certificate in Learning and Performance (ACLP).
  • Works as a Special Needs Curriculum Specialist and Trainer, supporting clients and caregivers.
  • Serves as a mental health counsellor for neurotypical and special needs clients.
Farah Shida, an educational therapist at A Kind Place (AKP).
Farah Shida
Curriculum Specialist & Special Needs Trainer
  • Over 10 years of experience in special needs education, with a Diploma and Master’s in Special Education from NIE.
  • Develops experiential, gamified curricula focused on fostering independence, confidence, and social engagement.
  • Utilizes creativity and evidence-based practices to create engaging, learner-centered experiences.
  • Collaborates closely with families, caregivers, and community partners to personalize support and build comprehensive learning plans.
  • Experienced with autism, ADHD, intellectual and multiple disabilities through roles with A Kind Place and other special needs agencies.
Session rates: $120/hr

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