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Flight Centre’s Commitment to Holistic Employee Mental Health
In a commendable step towards enhancing well-being in the workplace, Flight Centre Travel Group has clinched a prestigious award at the 2025 Workplace Benefits Awards for its innovative approach to mental health support. Recognized for its comprehensive ‘deep health model,’ the organization emphasizes not only mental well-being but also integrates emotional, physical, relational, and environmental health. Anna Fisher, the Health and Wellness Director, notes, “Mental health is embedded in our company culture and is communicated to workers on their very first day.”
A Culture of Care: Mental Health from Day One
Flight Centre’s commitment begins with a unique onboarding process, where new hires participate in sessions designed to initiate conversations about mental wellness early on. This proactive strategy ensures that employees understand the importance of mental health and how to support one another right from the start of their new roles.
The ‘Hour of Power’ initiative further supports this cultural shift by giving employees one paid hour each week specifically dedicated to mental health activities, such as meditation or walking. Nearly 500 employees currently engage in this meaningful program, which illustrates the organization’s ongoing dedication to mental well-being.
Voices of Experience: Building Community and Empathy
To foster an empathetic workplace, Flight Centre has introduced an internal podcast series that encourages employees to share their personal stories. Covering topics from grief and therapy to resilience, these podcasts aim to reduce stigma associated with mental health challenges and encourage honest conversations among staff. “This has been vital in fostering a community where we can openly discuss our experiences and support each other,” said Fisher.
Leadership Training: A Vital Component
Another cornerstone of Flight Centre’s approach involves equipping leaders with the skills to recognize and respond to mental health concerns among their team members. Mental health leadership training empowers managers to acknowledge mental health challenges within their teams and connects employees with necessary support resources, reinforcing a culture of understanding and care.
Employee Resource Groups: A Focus on Diversity and Inclusion
Flight Centre's five employee resource groups represent various communities—covering accessibility, racial equity, LGBTQ2S+, gender equity, and environmental justice. These groups not only promote inclusivity but also lead educational sessions that tackle specific challenges faced by their members. By centering these discussions around mental wellness, Flight Centre is able to cater its approaches to the unique needs of its diverse workforce.
Onsite Amenities: Facilitating a Balanced Work Environment
To support employees in finding balance, Flight Centre offers amenities such as a meditation room at its Toronto headquarters. The organization encourages staff to set clear boundaries, ensuring that they take time to unplug and regroup, especially during vacations. This focus on mental fitness aligns with the organization’s broader strategic goal to nurture a well-rounded workforce.
Culmination of Efforts: A Comprehensive Mental Health Month
Every year, Flight Centre dedicates a month to mental health, hosting specialized training and engaging activities around themes such as learning to unplug. This targeted initiative reflects the organization’s unwavering commitment to strengthening mental health awareness and providing ongoing support across its workforce.
As businesses across the globe are beginning to recognize the importance of mental health, Flight Centre stands out as a beacon of hope and a model for others looking to invest in their employees’ well-being. Embracing a holistic approach not only enhances the quality of life for employees but can also lead to heightened productivity and job satisfaction.
Ultimately, nurturing a workplace where mental health is prioritized is not just beneficial for employees; it fosters a healthier organizational culture that benefits everyone—from individual team members to the organization as a whole.
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