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Flight Centre's Holistic Employee Mental Health Strategy: A Winning Model

Update Revolutionizing Workplace Wellness: Flight Centre's Award-Winning ApproachFlight Centre Travel Group is making waves in employee wellness by winning the coveted award for its holistic mental health strategy at the 2025 Workplace Benefits Awards. This recognition is no small feat for the company, which emphasizes a deep, integrated approach to mental wellness called the 'deep health model.' This innovative model connects various aspects of well-being, including emotional, physical, and relational health, ensuring mental health isn't just a checkbox on a list but is woven into the very fabric of the company's culture.Inspiring Change from Day OneAnna Fisher, Flight Centre's health and wellness director, notes that mental health education begins right from the onboarding process. Employees are introduced to wellness strategies on their first day to normalize and encourage open conversations about mental health throughout their careers. This proactive approach helps foster an environment where employees feel supported, promoting psychological safety and belonging.The 'Hour of Power': A Unique Employee BenefitOne of the innovative programs under Flight Centre’s umbrella is the 'Hour of Power,' which grants employees one paid hour each week dedicated solely to mental health activities. During this time, employees can choose to meditate, walk, journal, or engage in other self-care practices, and the uptake has been impressive, with nearly 500 employees participating regularly. This initiative highlights the company's commitment to ensuring that employees have the time and space to focus on their mental health amidst busy work schedules.Building Empathy Through StorytellingIn an age where mental health stigma still exists, Flight Centre leads by example with its internal podcast series that features compelling stories from employees regarding various mental health challenges such as grief and therapy. These narratives not only spark empathetic dialogues but also reinforce the message that everyone grapples with personal challenges. Highlighting such vulnerabilities strengthens the community while emphasizing the importance of open communication in tackling mental health issues.Cultivating Inclusivity: A Key to Psychological SafetyFlight Centre champions inclusivity by actively engaging with its five employee resource groups aimed at accessibility, racial equity, LGBTQ2S+ representation, gender equality, and environmental activism. By conducting monthly educational events and fostering community conversations, the company creates a supportive atmosphere where diverse voices and experiences are celebrated. Fisher emphasizes that these sessions help employees tackle unique challenges within their groups while building a stronger sense of connection and support.Creating a Culture of Well-BeingBeyond acknowledging Mental Health Month, Flight Centre embeds mental wellness into everyday practice. The organization not only supports employees in disconnecting from work when needed but also implements boundaries to ensure that they can fully recharge. Such a culture promotes a healthier work-life balance, empowering employees to prioritize their mental well-being without fear of judgment or repercussion.Empowering Leaders to Support EmployeesLeadership training plays a pivotal role at Flight Centre; managers are equipped with the skills necessary to identify and respond to mental health struggles effectively. This initiative ensures that employees know they have a safety net in leadership who understands and advocates for their needs, creating a workplace environment that is responsive and nurturing.Conclusion: Why Companies Should Follow Flight Centre's LeadFlight Centre’s holistic approach to employee mental health is not just an HR initiative—it’s a cultural commitment that all companies can learn from. As organizations face growing demands to support employee wellness, adopting similar practices can not only drive employee satisfaction but also enhance overall productivity and morale. Emulating Flight Centre’s model of integrating mental health into the workplace can be the key to cultivating a thriving workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.