1 in every 8 people in the world live with a mental health issue. Our mental health affects every aspect of our lives, from our relationships to our work performance to our overall happiness. It's truly the foundation of our well-being. 

Mental health is an intrinsic part of our overall well-being, much like physical health. Just as we prioritise and protect our physical health through exercise, healthy eating, and regular check-ups, it’s equally important to prioritise and safeguard our mental well-being. Our mental health can be influenced by various factors, including relationships, work performance, stress levels, and personal experiences. By proactively addressing our mental health needs, seeking support when necessary, and cultivating healthy coping mechanisms, we can build resilience and enhance our overall happiness.

Our most valuable asset is our people, so their mental health and well-being are, and always will be our top priority. We’re committed to creating a work environment that supports this. 

So if you’re considering joining Austin International and want a sneak peek into how we will support your mental health journey, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll share the various initiatives we have put in place to ensure that our people feel supported and valued. 

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

At times, having someone to turn to for support can make all the difference to your overall well-being. That's where our dedicated Employee Assistance Program (EAP) comes in.

The on-demand service provides free day-to-day well-being support and grants access to expert counselling services for you and your immediate family members, no matter the time of day or night. Everyone has their preferred method of communication so there are multiple ways to use the EAP, such as phone calls, WhatsApp, live chat, SMS, or by requesting a callback.

No matter what type of support you need, whether it's related to your health, finances, personal life, or work life, our team of qualified counsellors will be available to assist you whenever you need it.

Our EAP can support a range of issues, including but not limited to stress, anxiety, low mood, financial worries, substance abuse, physical health concerns, career planning, and confidence issues.

There is a variety of support options, including well-being events, meditations, podcasts, fitness programs, and nutritional guidance. Whether you need assistance with work-related or personal issues, the EAP is here to support you.

Well-being Hub

We offer our people a comprehensive well-being hub on our intranet. This hub provides free resources and support to help you navigate through difficult situations and prioritise your mental health.

Whether you are struggling with grief and loss, managing stress, or looking for support as a parent, our wellbeing hub is here to help. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, our we care champions can support you.

Gender Equity Network

We recently launched our Gender Equity Network. The aim of the network is to create and maintain a supportive, aspirational and motivational network for people of all genders. This is a voluntary network for people in the business to join if they want to and feel comfortable.

The network aims to:

• Provide a space to talk about experiences in the business relating to gender

• Help to raise the profile of gender issues across the business

• Challenge all forms of gender discrimination

• To promote good practice across the business and facilitate action for change

• Arrange events to raise awareness and celebrate diversity 

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FlexAway and FlexAppeal

We believe in offering our people the flexibility they need to thrive both professionally and personally, and by doing so we prioritise the mental health and well-being of our people.

That's why we offer unlimited holiday / PTO, and allow you to choose where and when you work most productively.

We understand that everyone has unique needs and circumstances, and we want to support our people in achieving a good work-life balance. By giving you the freedom to work in a way that suits you best, we hope to promote mental well-being. Flexible working can help you manage your time effectively, reduce the pressure of commuting, and allow you to better integrate your personal and professional responsibilities. 

​Diversity, equity & inclusivity commitment 

We’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. To uphold this commitment, we have a dedicated DE&I advocate and charter to guide our actions and initiatives. By fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace, we not only promote equality and fairness but also recognise the connection between DE&I and mental health. When individuals feel included and supported, they experience a greater sense of belonging, acceptance, and psychological well-being. By prioritising DE&I, we’re actively creating a space that nurtures and supports the mental health of our people, ultimately contributing to their overall happiness. 

Through initiatives like our EAP, well-being hub, gender equity network, FlexAway and FlexAppeal policies and DE&I commitment, we aim to create a workplace where our people feel valued, supported, and empowered to prioritise their mental health and overall well-being.