SMALL and medium enterprises (SMEs) will get a leg up from the Health Promotion Board (HPB) to implement workplace health programmes.

HPB is set to announce an enhanced Workplace Health Promotion (WHP) grant and arrangements with building owners to defray costs and help small businesses implement the programmes.

The WHP grant provides financial support to help companies start and sustain workplace health programmes.

Covering areas such as consultancy and health- needs assessment, the enhanced grant will co-fund up to 90 per cent of the cost of a project, capped at $10,000.

Additionally, HPB has been working with commercial and industrial building owners since last September to make WHP programmes more easily accessible to SMEs.

Health screening and initiatives such as jogging groups and mental well-being and education programmes will be organised with building owners for tenants and their employees.

Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan flagged off an event yesterday as part of a Sporting Lifestyle and Wellness Week organised by Ascendas, one of HPB's pioneer partners in the latest effort.

HPB is in talks with CapitaLand and Jurong Town Corporation to bring them on board for the scheme.

This article was first published in The Business Times.