Employee Wellbeing in Singapore: Here’s What Our Team Does With Their Half-Day Off
At Accela, we believe that doing great work starts with taking care of our people. As part of our commitment to employee wellbeing and fostering a positive workplace culture in Singapore, we introduced Reset Friday – a dedicated half-day off once a month for employees to pause, recharge, and focus on what matters most outside of work.
So, what does Reset Friday actually look like in practice? Here’s a glimpse into how our team spends those extra hours.
Medea Roesti - Director of Finance & Corporate Services
For me, Reset Fridays are about slowing myself down a little and giving myself permission to recharge before another hectic week begins.
Most Fridays are usually packed with deadlines and responsibilities, so having this space to pause honestly makes a huge difference to my mindset.
Sometimes my reset is as simple as lying by the pool with a face mask on, a glass of wine beside me, and just enjoying the quiet without feeling guilty for not being “productive” every second.
I’ve realised these small moments actually help me show up better the following week — calmer, more focused, and with a clearer head.
Depending on the week, I either spend it enjoying some alone time or with family, but either way it completely changes the pace and energy of my Friday afternoons.
If I had to describe Reset Fridays in one word, it would be: balance.
Caption: Highly strategic recovery session 🥰
Lydia Lee - HR Manager
My Reset Fridays are a solid mix of meeting friends, working out, and running errands! It’s easy to book a facial or a workout class during the afternoon when everyone else is at work. On the rare days that my friends also have the day off, it’s always nice to go for an early dinner before the crowds arrive.
To me, Reset Friday is calming. Reset Friday feels like an especially relaxing (uncrowded) weekend, and when Saturday arrives, it feels like I’ve got an extra day, and all is good in the world!
Rocco Ahuja - Corporate Services Manager
The secret to a successful Reset Friday starts before I log off for the day. I dedicate the last 30 minutes of my workday to a gentle, mindful wrap-up.
I quickly scan my to-do list and organise it for the next week so that I can start the following Monday with a clear plan.
When Reset Friday starts, I dedicate a short window of time to resetting my physical environment. This isn't about deep cleaning; it’s about quickly tidying the apartment to make my home feel more like a sanctuary.
I set the mood by turning on my EDM playlist that evokes positive emotions and lighting my favourite scented candle (citrus blend of orange, lemon & grapefruit), which brings energy & freshness to a space.
This ritual changes my home's entire atmosphere, signalling to my brain that it’s time to relax.
I crave some movement, so I might go for a walk around the vicinity, lift some weights and take a dip in the inviting swimming pool, which feels rejuvenating.
As sunset approaches, I step into my car and head out for a spontaneous, random night drive (my favourite ritual), cruising along the highways as it offers a unique blend of solitude, sensory calmness, and a sense of freedom.
Shamili Periasamy - Senior Finance Associate
Reset Fridays are my little mid-month treat. I’ll usually kick things off with an early Pilates class - way nicer without the usual post-work crowd, and sometimes I squeeze in a bit of shopping while it’s still quiet. The best part is having time to just chill and recharge before heading out for TGIF night plans with my friends. It always feels like I get a head start on the weekend!
If I had to sum it up in one word, Reset Fridays feel like an escape!
Lou Yi Lin- Finance Associate
On a typical reset Friday, I usually take the rest of the day to relax and unwind after a busy week. I would probably go out for a nice lunch, spend some time catching up on personal errands, and enjoy a slow afternoon before the weekend begins. If the weather is good, I may also head out for a walk or meet up with friends for coffee or dinner later in the evening. Overall, it would be a good opportunity for me to recharge and enjoy some personal time.
Deeksha Bhatnagar - Finance Manager
My Reset Fridays are all about slowing down and reconnecting — usually over lunch or coffee with friends, my little version of therapy. I love exploring hidden cafés around Singapore, finding cosy corners, and enjoying long conversations over good coffee. I also try to fit in a badminton session with my baddy group, which always leaves me feeling refreshed and energised.
Lately, I’ve started bringing movie dates back into my routine, and it’s been such a fun way to unwind with friends. Recently, we watched The Devil Wears Prada 2 together and had the best time. I’ve also been catching up on books like Ikigai, Atomic Habits, and Becoming, each leaving me with little lessons to carry into daily life.
And sometimes, Reset Fridays are simply about self-care — a hair spa, nail appointment, or body massage to recharge. For me, it’s the perfect balance of connection, movement, learning, and self-care
Jean Ho - Talent & Operations Executive
I usually spend my Reset Friday taking it slow and enjoying the break - no agenda, no rush. I love staying home, hanging out with my dog (she’s definitely the real boss of the house), and sometimes bringing her to One Holland Village - one of Singapore’s most popular pet-friendly malls. Occasionally, I’ll go for an afternoon tennis session around 4-ish, which is always a good way to move and unwind.
Every now and then, I’ll turn Reset Friday into the start of a mini escape to Ho Chi Minh City, my go-to spot for a quick getaway. I’ll get my nails and lashes done, squeeze in a massage, go shopping, and of course, indulge in some good pho. It’s the perfect mix of fun and recharge, and I always come back feeling like I’ve properly reset. I’m really grateful for Reset Friday because it’s such a privilege and exactly what I need to slow down, recharge, and take care of myself before jumping back into the week ahead.
Christine Huang - Media Monitoring Coordinator
Reset Fridays have become a good way for me to slow down and reset before the new week starts. I usually spend the afternoon learning new recipes, trying out healthier wellness-focused meals that I can adapt into my work-from-home routine, and spending more time with my dog, Gugou. Whether it’s a slower walk, a café stop, or simply enjoying a quieter pace together, it helps me feel more balanced and recharged for the week ahead.
Savitha Raman - Associate Director, Finance and Corporate Services
Reset Friday is a wonderful time to spend with myself. I usually spend most of my free time doing chores at home or accompanying my son to his classes, so this time alone feels like a luxury that I truly cherish.
Most of my Reset Fridays are spent reading a good book or binge-watching movies. Last month, I even went on a long bus ride. It felt wonderful to simply sit by the window and gaze outside. I used to love doing that as a child, and for a little while, I just felt like myself again.
One word to describe Reset Friday — therapeutic!
Erin Padilla - CEO & Founder
My Reset Friday micro-adventure lately has been a trip to Hideaway Spa at New Bahru, somewhere I'd struggle to squeeze into a regular weekend. But honestly, what pays off most is the unglamorous stuff - nails, brows, a doctor's appointment that's been sitting on my to-do list for weeks or months. There's something genuinely luxurious about wandering through a mall on a Friday afternoon while everyone else is working, not rushing to get back for anything. I spend it on my own, which feels intentional, because Reset Friday isn't something everyone gets, and I'm aware of that and grateful that Accela extends it. The one exception is my dogs, who are excellent company and, unlike the rest of us, don't need a reset because they don’t have very busy schedules. If I had to sum it up in one word - reset, exactly as advertised.
Ain Rani - Senior Corporate Secretary Associate
Reset Fridays have now become something I genuinely look forward to.
I usually spend my Reset Fridays with close friends, family members, or sometimes just by myself. Sometimes we try a new café, sometimes we walk around without a plan — one Reset Friday even turned into a house-hunting and furniture-shopping adventure.
If I had to describe Reset Fridays in one word, it would be "Meaningful."
A few things that inspire my reset routine:
Current read: Forgiving What You Can't Forget
Simple ritual: leaving my phone on silent for an hour to give myself a little digital cleanse.
Vicky Jones - Finance and Administration Coordinator
Reset Friday for me usually includes a good book and an iced coffee. I love having the extra quiet afternoon, knowing I still have the full weekend ahead. This month, it falls on my oldest son's final day at school before he goes off to college in September, so we will be spending the afternoon together celebrating!
Tatyana Kromli - Senior Communications Executive
I always look forward to getting some breathing room on Reset Fridays. It’s usually the day I finally get to do all the things I’m normally too busy or tired to fit into the rest of the week. Sometimes that means taking myself out for a long late lunch and making it to a gym class without feeling rushed, and other times it’s catching up on life admin like cleaning the apartment, doing laundry, grocery shopping, and actually having enough time and energy to cook a proper dinner.
I also love that it gives me the chance to see friends who don’t work the usual 9–5 schedule - people I’d normally struggle to catch up with during the week. It makes Fridays feel slower, calmer, and a lot more intentional, and I usually head into the next week feeling much more reset both mentally and physically.
Messiah Abalos - Communications Director
Because I live in the west, I’ll sometimes make the trip to the east side of Singapore to meet friends or visit spots like Grafunkt and the dive shops around Ubi. Other times, it’s a spontaneous escape to Johor Bahru for seafood and a massage. If I stay in, my reset usually looks like baking, cooking, or finally giving my place a proper clean.
One thing I did for “Future Me” was finally getting myself a full set of diving gear ahead of my recent Maldives trip. Most weekends, I’m usually horizontal at home or catching up with friends, so I tend to be lazy about venturing far out. Getting it done on a Reset Friday made the trip feel so much smoother.
I usually share these Fridays with my partner or my best friends. It doesn’t necessarily change the vibe, but any extra quality time beyond the usual weekends always feels like a gift.
If I had to sum up Reset Fridays in one word, it would be: breathe.
And honestly, an extra dirty martini always inspires my reset :>
Charlene Yeo - Senior Communications Executive
Lately, my Reset Fridays have been spent running errands and attending appointments as I put together my new home! Having that extra time during the day has made it much easier to get things done, while leaving more room to rest and recharge over the weekends. 🏠