Alcoholic beverage business Diageo, which includes brands such as Smirnoff, Gordon’s and Guinness, has rolled out the Unmind mental health app to its 27,000 employees worldwide, to mark World Mental Health Day (10 October).
The app, which can be accessed through mobile and desktop devices, offers tools to support mental health and wellbeing, including interactive courses, exercises, and science-backed assessments to help with sleep, nutrition and life stressors. Diageo also made the app available to employees’ friends and family, as well as in multiple languages.
According to the business, this move formed part its commitment to create an inclusive place to work, and an environment where every person can be at their best. This added to its global wellbeing philosophy, launched in 2021, which included employee assistance programmes (EAPs) and modules that help improve understanding of mental health related topics.
In addition, more than 100 of the business’ employees around the world have volunteered to become mental health champions and advocates. They will help engage employees locally with the app, as well as ensuring the topic remains active all year round.
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.”
Dharmesh Patel, head of talent development at 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.”
