FEATURED

I’m Ok, You’re Ok

Being Neighbourly x Fraser Moore, URecover

Author/ Being Neighbourly
24 February 2025

Hong Kong’s extended working hours, coupled with the expectation of being constantly available for calls and emails outside of work, can really affect a person finding time for exercise, self-care, relaxation, or pursuing their interests,” says Fraser Moore, Founder of URecover. For the past 20 years, the Australian has been dedicated to enhancing the physical and mental well-being of employees, working in both consultancy and internal roles within various companies.

Breaking it down, he says, “I support people to remain at work or return to work following physical or mental health conditions, and make recommendations to adapt the workplace and tasks to fit the person’s health capacity and abilities.”

Moore says that work/life challenges are not exclusive to Hong Kong, but says that yet other countries like his native Australia are taking concrete legislative steps such as, the so-named, ‘The Right to Disconnect,’ legislation, granting employees the entitlement to disconnect and decline communication—such as emails and calls—beyond their designated working hours, unless such contact is deemed unreasonable.

While some managers may argue that this measure could reduce productivity, research demonstrates that individuals perform at their best and are more productive when they can prioritize their well-being and find a balance between work and their personal life.

Not surprisingly, Moore is a staunch ally of the working from home contingent, saying that working from home can offer numerous benefits, from providing individuals with the flexibility to prioritize their well-being, engage in physical activities like running/walking, prepare nutritious meals, and spend quality time with loved ones. “Research indicates that when individuals prioritise their well-being, it can lead to increased productivity and higher levels of engagement at work,” he says.

“Managers play a crucial role in supporting remote workers by focusing on the quality of work and outcomes rather than focussing on how much time a person spends in the office,” says Moore, adding that it is essential for managers to understand their team members better, establish genuine connections, identify their motivations, interests and strengths, celebrate achievements, offer support during setbacks, and encourage a focus on well-being.

“When managers cultivate these supportive relationships, employees are more likely to perform well, whether they are working from home or in the office. This approach fosters a positive work environment that enhances productivity, engagement and overall job satisfaction.”

Moore is a Health Professional who was employed at an Australian energy company under the ownership of a Hong Kong-based energy corporation. One day, his manager encouraged him to apply for a newly established health and well-being position within the parent company in Hong Kong.

He submitted his application, and two months later, found himself on a plane to Hong Kong! Fast forward six years, and he says he is still happily residing here. “Undoubtedly, this has been the best decision I have ever made. During my time in Hong Kong, I have not only excelled in my career, but met my wife and we now have a very energetic 2-year-old!”

The Man Safeguarding Health

Fraser Moore is the Founder and Executive Director of URecover, bringing 20 years of experience in helping organisations adopt an early intervention approach to support employee physical and mental health. With a background as a health professional, Moore has worked in both consultancy and large corporations, focusing on employee well-being.

To date, he estimates having empowered over 1,000 employees to regain their physical and mental health through early intervention services.

Recognising the need for a more effective way to manage workplace health, Moore founded URecover in Hong Kong to empower companies to take proactive control through early intervention strategies.

Companies in Hong Kong are increasingly recognising the necessity to move beyond traditional offerings like Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and Mental Health First Aid. Instead, they are turning to URecover to deliver tailored and progressive care for their employees, ensuring a more holistic and effective approach to mental health support in the workplace.

URecover emphasises training leaders to identify early indicators of employees who may be experiencing challenges with their well-being and encourages them to take proactive steps to assist these individuals in enhancing their overall well-being. By recognising these early signs and providing necessary support in the workplace, coupled with access to high-quality care, he emphasises that there is a significant opportunity to prevent the escalation of serious health conditions or injuries.

“As the saying goes, ‘Prevention is better than cure.’ Companies that prioritise early intervention and support their employees, including their mental health, can profoundly impact the organisational culture. When leaders actively communicate a commitment to the well-being of their staff and employees share positive experiences of receiving support during challenging times, it fosters a culture of wellbeing, inclusiveness and care within the organisation. This nurturing environment leads to increased employee engagement and trust, which, in turn, contributes to the overall success and well-being of the company,” says Moore.

“Different professions will have different risks and challenges that can impact the well-being of employees. In the banking sector, mental health issues may arise due to high levels of stress, pressure and extended working hours. Conversely, in police work, physical injuries may be more prevalent as officers are often exposed to dangerous and unpredictable situations that require swift physical responses, such as chasing suspects or handling emergencies.”

Moore says it is essential to recognise that jobs with a physical component also carry mental health risks. Police officers, for instance, face traumatic incidents, violence, and conflicts that can significantly impact their mental well-being. Similarly, he says, in banking, employees may experience physical risks from prolonged sitting and computer use, leading to potential musculoskeletal issues such as back, hip, shoulder, and wrist injuries. “Organisations should adopt a holistic approach to employee health, addressing both physical and mental well-being with equal importance,” he adds.

Moore continues that regarding physical health, industries characterised by demanding and heavy work, and an aging workforce, such as shipping, logistics, transport, and manufacturing, should consider transitioning towards an early intervention approach. “Proactive measures aimed at maintaining and improving the physical well-being of employees can significantly enhance their health outcomes and overall productivity.”

URecover Services

URecover collaborates with companies to facilitate early intervention processes for both physical and mental health issues among their workforce. Our primary objective is to engage leaders in a supportive capacity to aid in the recovery of their employees. Our key services include:

Return to Work Planning and Programs
One-on-One Well-being Meetings with employees to identify their specific support requirements at work and treatment needs
Development of Individual Employee Care Plans outlining a structured path to recovery
Crisis Management support for the employee, and also advice to the organization on how to manage risks
Well-being Workshops designed for employees and leaders, covering topics such as burnout prevention and strategies to enhance positive mental well-being.

When individuals are referred to him, he says they are often grappling with the challenges of managing their health conditions at work, while juggling external stressors such as caregiving responsibilities for their parents or children. His role, he says, involves empowering individuals to take charge of their health condition by devising a Care Plan that includes workplace adjustments, reasonable accommodations, manager support and access to high quality treatment.

“Months later and after the Care Plan was completed, I would see these people at work doing really well, they would be presenting in packed rooms, being promoted or simply leaving work for the day with a smile on their face. This is the driving force behind my enthusiasm for launching URecover: enabling individuals to restore their wellbeing, get their career back on track and be the best versions of themselves at work and in their personal lives.”

“So to any leaders out there, my message would be, when individuals are supported in prioritising their well-being, they perform at their peak potential, benefiting both the team and the organisation as a whole.”

URecover
The Centre, 99 Queen’s Road Central. Central.