How a global consumer goods firm boosted wellbeing and performance with Unmind: A research study
Content
- The challenge
- The solution
- The impact
- Demographic insights
- Conclusion
What happens when a global consumer goods giant gets strategic about workplace mental health investment?
In a six-month research study led by Katie White, PhD (Senior Research Scientist), and Marcos Economides, PhD (Head of Impact & Evidence), Unmind’s mental health platform showed real-world impact across four countries. Employees saw meaningful improvements in wellbeing, while high-stress individuals experienced a significant drop in stress and a boost in productivity. For the business, that translated to a $1M uplift in performance and a projected ROI of 3.49x. This study shows how Unmind delivered measurable results for people and performance.
Industry: Fast moving consumer goods (FMCG)
Size: Operates in 190 countries, employing around 150,000 people
Geo reach: Global presence across multiple continents, including Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania
The challenge
This consumer goods firm recognized that mental health is not only vital for employee wellbeing – it also affects business performance. They wanted to know:
- Could a digital solution improve mental health for its people across multiple regions?
- Would better mental health lead to measurable business benefits like improved productivity or reduced absence?
The solution
The company launched a six-month study with Unmind, giving employees across three continents and four countries – North America (Canada and Mexico), Europe (The Netherlands), and Asia (India) – access to our mental health platform.
The study aimed to evaluate both personal wellbeing outcomes and organizational impact.
The impact
The study revealed significant improvements in both employee mental health and business outcomes in focus areas:
Mental health improvements:
- Significant 16% reduction in stress for high-stress employees
- 90% of high-stress employees improved or maintained good mental wellbeing
Improved business outcomes
- Significant 10% reduction in overall work impairment, across absenteeism and presenteeism, in high-stress employees
- $1M estimated financial impact from improved productivity
High engagement and satisfaction
The study also highlighted exceptional user engagement, with employees not only actively participating but also enthusiastically recommending the platform to their colleagues, underscoring Unmind's value in fostering a supportive and effective mental health culture.
- 96% found the platform engaging
- 85% would recommend it to 'at least several colleagues'
"Thank you for caring about the mental health of workers"
Demographic insights
Usage data revealed important insights into employee engagement, highlighting key demographic differences that will inform future strategies to make sure the platform reaches and supports all employees effectively.
- Higher uptake among women and older employees
- Lower engagement among younger male employees
Understanding these trends is crucial for tailoring communication and outreach efforts, ensuring that no employee group is left behind in their mental health journey.
"The success of this initiative underscores the profound connection between employee wellbeing and business performance. When organizations invest in supporting their people’s mental health, they don’t just foster a culture of care – they also unlock significant returns, both in terms of productivity and engagement.”
Conclusion
This case study is a testament to the huge impact that digital mental health platforms like Unmind can have, both on individual wellbeing and organizational performance. The results not only show that employees benefit from access to mental health resources but also that businesses can see a tangible return on investment through enhanced productivity and reduced stress.
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