EtonHouse

CHINA

INDIA

INDONESIA

KOREA

MALAYSIA

PHILIPPINES

SINGAPORE

THAILAND

VIETNAM

SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS EXCELLENCE

ASIA BUSINESS CHANNEL

EVELYN TAY CEO, SINGAPORE, AND GROUP CHRO ETONHOUSE INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION GROUP

CREATING A CREATING A THRIVING THRIVING COLLABORATIVE CULTURE COLLABORATIVE CULTURE

EtonHouse: Cultivating a Collaborative Culture for Educators and Staff to Thrive

At EtonHouse International Education Group, a people-first philosophy is not a statement on paper. It is a lived experience shaped by intentional practices, thoughtful leadership, and a deep belief that people are the foundation of meaningful education.

This commitment to nurturing educators and staff has been central to EtonHouse’s journey as an employer of choice, where individuals feel valued, heard and empowered to grow.

Listening, Growth and Recognition at the Core EtonHouse brings its people-first culture to life by creating structured and meaningful avenues for employee voice. Regular engagement surveys, dialogue sessions and ongoing conversations ensure that feedback is not only heard but acted upon, fostering trust and transparency across the organisation.

Professional growth is equally prioritised.

Employees are supported through a range of internal and external development opportunities, empowering them to take ownership of their learning journeys.

These initiatives are complemented by recognition programmes that celebrate contributions across all roles and levels, reinforcing the belief that every individual plays a vital part in EtonHouse’s collective success.

Creating a Culture of Belonging and Empowerment A strong sense of belonging at EtonHouse is shaped by everyday practices grounded in respect, trust and shared purpose. Open and transparent communication channels create safe spaces where ideas can be shared, acknowledged and valued.

Employees are encouraged to explore new ideas with confidence, supported by continuous professional development that nurtures curiosity and reflective practice.

Distinctive learning experiences, such as the International Study Group to Reggio Emilia, allow educators to engage deeply with the transformative Reggio Emilia approach, strengthening pedagogical understanding and professional reflection.

Meanwhile, initiatives like the Combined Professional Development Day bring educators together to exchange perspectives, build connections and grow collectively as a learning community.

Empowerment is further reinforced by entrusting individuals with meaningful responsibilities and decision-making autonomy, cultivating a collaborative environment where people thrive together. .

Supporting Sustainable Work-Life Balance In today’s fast-paced and hybrid work environment, EtonHouse recognises that sustainable performance is closely linked to wellbeing. The organisation’s formal Flexible Work Arrangement policy, aligned with TAFEP guidelines, provides clarity and consistency across teams.

This is complemented by a dedicated Wellbeing Policy embedded within the Staff Handbook, which promotes psychological safety and access to wellbeing resources.

Leave provisions fully comply with MOM requirements and are enhanced by additional wellbeing-focused initiatives such as birthday leave.

Leaders are equipped to hold proactive conversations around workload and wellbeing, enabling early intervention and timely support. Together, these practices foster trust, encourage balance and support healthy work rhythms.

Embedding Diversity and Inclusion in Everyday Practice Diversity is a lived reality at EtonHouse, with educators representing a wide range of nationalities, cultures and language backgrounds. To ensure diversity translates into genuine inclusivity, deliberate practices are embedded into daily work.

Teams are intentionally structured to bring together local and international educators across classrooms, curriculum planning and school committees, encouraging crosscultural learning and collaboration.

Inclusivity is further strengthened through shared experiences such as cultural celebrations, intentional inclusivity education and meaningful community engagement initiatives.

Events like Middleton Stories Under the Stars bring the community together in a Reggio-inspired setting, fostering authentic connections and a strong sense of belonging among educators, families and students.

A Holistic Approach to Employee Wellbeing Employee wellness at EtonHouse is supported through a holistic approach that integrates physical health, mental wellbeing and social connection. Regular health screenings encourage proactive care, while initiatives such as 30 Years in Motion: The EtonHouse Challenge connect movement with purpose—uniting staff and the wider community to support children and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Mental and emotional wellbeing is strengthened through a unique partnership with The Contentment Foundation, offering mindfulness sessions and practical tools for resilience. Social connection is nurtured through appreciation gatherings, teambuilding experiences and celebratory events, allowing employees to recharge beyond daily routines.

Corporate partnerships further extend wellbeing support to employees’ families, reinforcing EtonHouse’s belief in holistic care and community.