In today’s fast-paced world, family time often takes a backseat to the demands of work. Eat With Your Family Day (EWYFD), launched by the Centre for Fathering in 2003, aims to change that by encouraging families to come together over a shared meal. Held on the last Friday of each school term, EWYFD encourages companies to allow their employees to leave work early so they can sit down and enjoy dinner with their families.
For companies in Singapore, EWYFD represents more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to work-life balance. By supporting this initiative, companies show that they value their employees’ well-being and family lives, which can, in turn, lead to happier, more productive teams. With family-friendly policies becoming a key differentiator in corporate culture, EWYFD offers an easy, effective way for businesses to align with modern values and enhance their workplace environment.
In this article, we’ll explore why eating together matters, how EWYFD boosts employee morale, and how companies can organise their own family day events.
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Why Eating Together Strengthens Families and Benefits Companies
Sharing meals as a family is more than just about eating together; it’s about creating space for connection, conversation, and strengthening bonds. Studies have shown that families who regularly dine together enjoy improved communication, stronger relationships, and even better mental health. Whether it’s catching up on the events of the day or simply being present with one another, eating together fosters an environment where relationships can flourish.
These benefits extend beyond the home and into the workplace. Happier, more connected families lead to happier, more focused employees. When employees feel supported in their personal lives, their stress levels drop, and they are better able to concentrate at work. This is where Eat With Your Family Day can make a real difference, encouraging employees to take a step back from their busy routines and invest time in the people who matter most to them.
One example comes from Collin Sta Maria, Head of Human Capital at Etiqa Insurance Pte Ltd, who shared, “Here at Etiqa, we believe that family support is instrumental in reducing work stress and facilitating productivity. With this in mind, our company practices EF2F — Early Friday 2nd Friday — to allow staff to return home early the second Friday of each month for dinner with their family. This arrangement boosts staff morale while creating a culture of good work-life balance in the company.”
Incorporating family meals into the corporate structure, as Etiqa has done, not only supports employee well-being but also builds a more positive, cohesive work environment. When employees are well-connected with their families, they can bring that same sense of connection and balance into their work, leading to stronger performance and a more harmonious workplace culture.
Boosting Employee Morale and Loyalty Through EWYFD
The success of any company hinges on the morale and loyalty of its employees. When employees feel valued and supported, they’re more likely to remain committed to the organisation. Eat With Your Family Day (EWYFD) is a simple yet powerful way for companies to demonstrate that they care about the work-life balance of their employees, which in turn can lead to increased job satisfaction and retention.
One standout example is City Developments Ltd (CDL), which has embraced EWYFD as a core part of their family-friendly initiatives. Steven Tan, Chief Human Resource Officer at CDL, explains: “Eat With Your Family Day has become an integral part of our family-friendly initiatives. Since 2012, we have increased the frequency of this initiative to four times a year to encourage employees to leave work earlier to have dinner with their family.” CDL recognises that by fostering a harmonious balance between work and family, employees can be more productive and effective in their roles.
In challenging times, especially during pandemic-enforced periods of remote work, EWYFD has taken on even greater importance. Haryati Hassan, Executive Director at MMW Shared Services, shared how their company has found value in the initiative: “While we implemented Work-from-Home measures for the safety of our employees and their families, we also acknowledge that dedicated time should be set aside for them to spend quality time with their loved ones during this very challenging time. This gesture by EWYFD is a timely token of appreciation for the sacrifices they make to ensure our continued operations while making sure everyone is safe.”
By participating in EWYFD, companies like CDL and MMW Shared Services show employees that their family life matters. This commitment to work-life balance not only boosts morale but also fosters loyalty. Employees who feel supported are more likely to stay long-term and contribute positively to the company’s culture and success.
Key Benefits for Companies Hosting Family Day Events
Family Day events, such as Eat With Your Family Day (EWYFD), offer far-reaching benefits for both employees and companies. Hosting these events demonstrates that the company values work-life balance, creating a culture where employees feel appreciated. In return, companies often see improvements in employee engagement, retention, and overall productivity.
One company that has successfully implemented EWYFD and other family-friendly initiatives is Eu Yan Sang International Ltd. According to their Group Chief Executive Officer, Aaron Boey, “At Eu Yan Sang, we not only believe our people are a key contributor to our success, but also that their families inspire them to be the best they can be. ‘Eat With Your Family Day’ allows us to recognise both our staff and their families. These supportive practices provide our staff greater work-life balance and strengthen Eu Yan Sang’s ability to attract and retain talent, as well as improve employee engagement and morale.” Eu Yan Sang’s approach to family-friendly policies has been instrumental in improving employee satisfaction and loyalty.
Another example comes from BSM Singapore, where Elphia Wong, an LPSQ Officer, notes how EWYFD has impacted employees: “Eat With Your Family Day is an excellent initiative from the Centre for Fathering. It brings the family together from the busy schedule to create a special bond that we missed out on during our hectic schedule. Sitting down as a family to have meals also helped the commuters/working parents to reduce the tension and strain from long hours at the office.”
Companies that prioritise family-centric events like EWYFD are more likely to foster a positive, productive work environment. Employees who know their family lives are valued by their employers feel a stronger sense of loyalty, reducing turnover rates and helping to build a supportive company culture. By investing in such initiatives, businesses position themselves as caring employers, which enhances their brand reputation and attracts top talent.
How to Organise an EWYFD-Centred Event for Employees
Planning a successful Eat With Your Family Day (EWYFD) event doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right approach, companies can organise an enjoyable and meaningful experience that allows employees to spend quality time with their families. Here are some practical steps to help you get started:
Set the Date and Communicate Early
EWYFD typically falls on the last Friday of each school term, with key dates for 2024 being 8 March, 24 May, 30 August, and 15 November. Choose one of these dates, or another that suits your company, and inform your employees well in advance so they can plan accordingly.
Early Release for Employees
To allow families enough time to come together, consider an early release policy on EWYFD. For example, City Developments Ltd offers their employees 1.5 hours of early release every quarter, as Loh Ferng Lyng, Manager at CDL, shared: “This allows our family to get together and have a good meal and brings us closer as a unit.” Early releases give employees the opportunity to prioritise family time without feeling the stress of rushing home.
Plan Family-Centric Activities
In addition to simply allowing employees to leave early, you can add special activities to the event. Organise a company-wide family picnic, a potluck dinner, or a virtual family meal to encourage families to connect in meaningful ways. Creating a memorable event with food and fun activities strengthens family bonds and adds a sense of community among your employees.
Overcome Potential Challenges
While planning EWYFD events, consider logistical aspects like choosing an appropriate location, dietary preferences, or even creating virtual alternatives for remote employees. Offering various options ensures that all employees can participate, no matter their situation.
By following these steps, companies can create a positive and impactful EWYFD event that brings employees closer to their families and reinforces a healthy work-life balance. This not only boosts morale but also contributes to a stronger, more loyal workforce.
Conclusion
Eat With Your Family Day (EWYFD) is more than just an opportunity to enjoy a meal with loved ones—it’s a powerful initiative that helps strengthen family bonds and supports a healthy work-life balance. By encouraging employees to spend quality time with their families, companies demonstrate that they value the personal well-being of their workforce. This, in turn, leads to increased job satisfaction, higher productivity, and a more loyal workforce.
Companies like City Developments Ltd, Eu Yan Sang International Ltd, and MMW Shared Services have already embraced EWYFD as part of their family-friendly policies, reaping benefits such as improved employee morale, stronger workplace culture, and better retention rates. As companies continue to prioritise work-life balance, initiatives like EWYFD play a crucial role in creating a more supportive and engaged workforce.
Now is the time for your company to join this growing movement. By participating in EWYFD and planning family-centric events, you can build a more positive, loyal, and productive workplace culture. Strengthen bonds and boost your company’s success—one meal at a time.
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