Diageo, maker of Smirnoff, Gordon’s and Guinness, has today become the first global FMCG company to make the Unmind mental health app available to all employees worldwide.
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Coinciding with World Mental Health Day, Diageo’s 27,000 employees can now access the Unmind app through mobile and desktop devices. The app gives unparalleled access to a range of tools to support mental health and wellbeing, including interactive courses, in-the-moment exercises, and science-backed assessments to help with areas including sleep, nutrition and coping with life stressors. Diageo employees will also have the opportunity to ‘Invite a Friend’, so a loved one can enjoy the benefits of Unmind too. Employees will be among the first to benefit from Unmind’s content being accessible in multiple languages.
Recent research has shown a 25% increase in common mental health conditions since the pandemic worldwide1, and that 1 in 6 employees will experience mental ill-health each year2.
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Commenting, Caroline Rhodes, Global Inclusion and Diversity Director at Diageo said: “Now, more than ever, we need to proactively support and recognise mental wellbeing. We’re delighted to be partnering with Unmind, and we hope today’s launch will be another step in supporting our people with mental health tools, tips and advice so they can thrive in all aspects of their lives, while also continuing to open-up the conversation.”
Today’s global launch supports Diageo’s commitment to create a truly inclusive place to work, and an environment where every person can be at their best. It follows the introduction of Diageo’s Global Wellbeing Philosophy launched in 2021 and sits alongside a range of other mental health support available for employees and line managers, including Diageo’s Employee Assistance Programmes and modules to help improve employees’ understanding of mental health related topics.
To support the roll out of the Unmind app, and to allow for continued trusted conversations, over 100 employees around the world have volunteered to become champions and advocates on this important agenda by engaging employees locally and helping with use of the app, as well as ensuring this essential topic remains live all year round.
Dr Nick Taylor, Co-founder & CEO, of Unmind said: “Diageo shares our understanding of the importance of taking a proactive and preventative approach to mental health and wellbeing at work. We’re delighted to partner with the organisation on this significant milestone of its mental wellbeing journey. We can’t wait to roll out the app and platform to its truly international workforce this World Mental Health Day, and to support the entire organisation in the months and years ahead.”
Dharmesh Patel, Head of Talent Development, Diageo India added: “To me Unmind is like a gym for mental fitness, and it’s great to have a custom plan that helps me build stronger muscles to cope, adapt and problem solve. Through having access to Unmind, employees have the ability to practice consistent routines that help nurture mental health, which in turn ignites wellbeing, performance, and growth.”
1 World Health Organisation. COVID-19 pandemic triggers 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide. March 2022
2 Mind. How to support staff who are experiencing a mental health problem.
