Mental Health in the workplace: a&o champion employee mental wellbeing with Likeminded collaboration

Leading European hostel chain a&o has announced a partnership with mental health experts Likeminded to offer all employees across the continent free access to online psychological counselling and practical exercise systems such as desk yoga from May.

Speaking on the partnership, Magdalena Knezevic from the a&o HR team said: “The aim of the new collaboration is to create resources for better mental wellbeing across work and private life. Mental health and the need for advice and support is enormous, especially among the younger members of Generation Z.”

Likeminded was founded in 2020 and today advises companies from a wide range of industries. a&o Founder and CEO Oliver Winter said the credentials and proven success of Likeminded was a major factor behind the decision to invest in their services: ‘The service is comprehensive and access is quick and easy, giving a clear added value for employees and companies”, he said.

“Absenteeism, staff turnover and dissatisfaction can be reduced and avoided if mental stress or illness is prevented through greater mental support”, said Kimberly Breuer, psychologist and co-CEO of Likeminded. “Companies increasingly value mental health as an investment and in addition to prevention, it is also about recognising potential and performance”, added Breuer.      

   
In a study titled ‘Germany's best training companies 2024’, which was realised by IMWF GmbH on behalf of Focus Money and Deutschland Test, a&o Hostels is named as one of the top 10 companies.   

How does it work? 

Media centre, webinar or individual online consultation 
After registering online on the Likeminded portal, employees can choose from a variety of content and formats, including 24/7 expertise in the media centre, group workshops or one-to-one sessions with psychologists, desk yoga or resilience offerings such as live exercises, meditations or webinars. 

Users decide whether to participate anonymously or by name, with the psychologists, coaches and therapists focusing on different topics. 

a&o allows for up to ten one-to-one meetings per year, as well as unlimited access to group formats and the media library with no need to coordinate with superiors. Likeminded programmes are flexible in terms of time and can also be used during off-peak periods and at weekends. Anonymous reporting and impact measurements provide information about the response and topics in demand.   

Something for everyone  
Magdalena Knezevic understands the importance of having a broad range of topics covered for a&o employees: “The issues range from sleep problems, self-esteem, coping with grief and social anxiety to fear of the future. Everyone has their own issues and our message to our team is that you don't have to deal with everything in life on your own”, she said.

“Everyday issues are just as much a focus as challenges in the workplace and breaking taboos and dealing with key issues such as burnout is very important. Webinars and digital exercises, workshops and individual video sessions provide help, support, tips and solutions”, concluded Knezevic. 
The offer is available to employees across all age groups, positions, part-time, full-time or student assistants.