October is World Mental Health Month. We take on this topic in depth, with the goal of achieving a work environment that helps our colleagues feel comfortable and take care of their mental and emotional resources.
People are the centre of everything we do at Kaufland e-commerce – and this is especially true when it comes to mental health and well-being. Because we know that only those who feel safe and supported can give their best and have the energy to reach their full potential, both professionally and privately. Therefore, we dedicated the entire month of October 2024 to the topic of mental health and launched a series of initiatives to raise awareness for this important topic.
Here is a glimpse into the activities we implemented to support the well-being of our colleagues:
Mental Health Awareness Sessions
Our Mental Health Awareness Sessions were one of the highlights of the month. In these sessions, we took our time to reflect and share our experiences. In a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere, employees were given space to address the challenges they face – whether it be everyday work stress, work-life balance issues or personal burdens – and then talk about them in an open discussion. The sessions provided a space to discuss coping strategies and to learn from one another. The key message here was to share your thoughts and find support – because sometimes it helps simply to know that you are not the only person facing challenges.
Moving Motivators Workshops
In the Moving Motivators Workshops, we asked ourselves what motivates us in our daily work and how satisfied we feel in terms of our personal motivation factors. We worked on these questions individually before sharing our thoughts and impressions as a group. This initiated valuable discussions about what really drives us at Kaufland e-commerce and how we can strengthen our motivation for the long term.
Resources for self-reflection
Sometimes, small steps can lead to big changes. This is why we put together a collection of resources for self-reflection and for improving teamwork that anyone can access when needed. From small exercises to tips for overcoming difficult situations – these materials are meant to help you consciously focus your attention on your own well-being and improve your ability to collaborate with others.
Awareness stickers and wallpapers for Slack and Teams
For an extra helping of awareness and to make Mental Health Month highly visible, we shared special stickers and wallpapers. These small visual reminders show that mental health is not just a shallow topic for us, but a central component of our corporate culture.
Book, podcast and film recommendations as well as support hotlines
Mental Health Month should have a lasting impact beyond our sessions and workshops. Therefore, we have listed some recommendations for books, podcasts, films and quotes to inspire mindfulness and self-care. For those who need support, we have also shared a list of relevant support hotlines. These resources help to further strengthen your own well-being and give you new inspiration.
Our commitment: Well-being as the cornerstone of our corporate culture
Kaufland e-commerce wants every employee to feel supported – not just during Mental Health Month, but throughout the year. Therefore, we are offering long-term benefits that promote well-being. They include support from our two internal trusted advisors, free external psychological counseling, attractive physical health and exercise benefits, as well as our remote-first approach and flexible working models that allow for a realistic work-life balance. True to our “Role Model At All Times” principle, we at Kaufland e-commerce also want to be a role model in the field of mental health. We believe that empathy and team spirit are the foundation of positive collaboration, and that work-life balance is more than just a buzzword: It is a promise that we intend to keep.
I am proud to work for a company that truly values work-life balance and cares for our well-being. At KEC, I have colleagues and a manager that genuinely care about me. The company provides opportunities and benefits to support our mental health and fosters a community in which we can speak openly about it in a confidential setting. With our initiatives for Mental Health Month, we want to continue having these conversations and deepen our reflection and awareness for a better understanding of each other. – Joyce, HR Manager