51% of all work-related health cases are due to mental health, research shows
Co-founders of new visualization platform, Rethinkly, David Tinker and Andrew Jackson discuss the need for organisations to consider wellbeing
‘Wellbeing washing’ is a new term coined to describe the act of businesses luring potential employees into a false sense of security, with the perception that they have the tools and environment to support their staff’s wellbeing without actually doing the work. With research from the British Safety Council stating that stress, anxiety and depression account for 51% of all work-related health cases.
With discussions around mental health in the workplace becoming increasingly common, companies must ensure that they are well-equipped to support employee mental health. Enter Rethinkly, which launches using a virtual world to help people express themselves authentically. The platform is set to transform how managers, therapists, life coaches and others can resolve workplace and mental health challenges, leveraging real-world experiences, in the context of virtual freedom. Co-founders of Rethinkly, David Tinker and Andrew Jackson discuss the need for organisations to consider wellbeing.
How does Rethinkly work?
By design, the software removes all real-world references creating a neutral, virtual space that is solely designed to inspire autonomy of expression. In this context, users are able to create avatars that can express emotion and gestures, enabling detachment for reflection and transparent communication. By utilising a virtual world – the platform reframes problem-solving and communication in the workplace and beyond, in scenarios where people may feel uncomfortable to express their feelings or opinions out loud. As such, the power of imagery and visualisation prevails where words fail, with Rethinkly combining the most effective principles of storytelling, psychodrama and coaching to address the issue at hand.
Understanding the power of images, the NHS has been relying on the software for years as a tool to help patients express themselves when they otherwise couldn’t, alongside corporate firms such as IBM which have integrated the software into employee development and coaching initiatives. Crucially, the software can either be used under expert direction – which may be appropriate for particularly complex issues including the mental health sector. Users can be taught how to use the software within minutes, making it a scalable solution, especially for teams within businesses. Research on the use of virtual realities in these settings is constantly evolving, and Rethinkly uses a combination of insight from practitioners, academia and case studies leading to one of the most sophisticated tools for addressing communication issues worldwide.
Andrew Jackson, co-founder of Rethinkly, comments on the importance of prioritising wellbeing in the workplace:
“Whether work is a grind or a dream job, we spend an average of 13-14 years of our lives doing it! Work has a huge impact on our wellbeing which underpins the culture, the relationships, and the way work gets done. Ambitious organisations understand their role in actively addressing employee wellbeing and the opportunity for their businesses. There is a direct payback both financially as data shows spending £1 will get them £5 back, and in growth by unlocking innovation and creativity. “
“Consider as well how much organisations spend on health insurance and sick leave payments, versus how much they spend helping employees to communicate better and build better relationships. Turning the equation around will help to improve the bottom line. With better communication and more reflection business can expect to see a direct positive impact.”
David Tinker and Andrew Jackson, founders of Rethinkly are also able to provide commentary on the following topics:
- Workplace communication and effective synergy strategies
- The mental health effects of power dynamics in the workplace
- Visualisation as a tool for creative problem solving
- How workplaces can become safe spaces
- The importance of psychological safety in the workplace
