Shining a light on mental health at Axis

At Axis, we believe it is important to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support each other in matters of mental health. To gain insights into how Axis is addressing mental well-being, we spoke with Shu Hui Yap, HR Business Partner in Oceania, and Matilda Ahlgren Kvist, HR Relations Specialist in Sweden, who shared real examples of how Axis is actively supporting mental health in the workplace.

Taking care of the mind as much as the body

If you hurt your back or break a leg, you usually seek medical help immediately. But, if our mental health is suffering, we’re often not so quick to act. At Axis, we want to change this by promoting well-being, creating opportunities to talk, and developing initiatives to prevent and support mental health. Matilda explains why focusing on mental health is essential, “Mental health is crucial for our overall well-being. Worldwide, we’ve seen a recent increase in people struggling with their mental health, but at the same time, less stigma around talking about it.” Shu Hui elaborates, “We understand that it can be challenging balancing life’s modern pressures with work, home, family, and taking care of yourself all at the same time. We want to continue to raise awareness that it’s ok not to feel ok and that we sometimes have ups and downs.”

Matilda explains that the benefits of addressing mental health are multifaceted. The outcome for the individual is paramount, enabling them to have a happier and more fulfilling life. But the ripple effects of better mental health are far-reaching, from co-workers to friends, family, and wider society. We can also build a more resilient and sustainable company by fostering happy and healthy employees.

Reducing stigma and increasing conversation

So, how do we work proactively with mental health at Axis? It’s about both prevention and support or, as Matilda describes it, “having a parachute to catch people if something happens.” Apart from the more standard procedures, including private healthcare insurance in Sweden and an Employee Assistance Program in Oceania where employees can access professional counseling, there are also several creative initiatives throughout the organization.

Similarly, in Sweden, we will listen to a speaker on Mental Health Day talk about living with bipolar. 

At our Lund headquarters, a recent initiative means you can now find signs inside the toilet doors that read, “Do you need someone to talk to?” A QR code then sends you to a description of all the ways you can access mental health support. “We want to make it really easy for anyone to find the right information if they’re not feeling well and to remove any shame around seeking help,” says Matilda.

A part of our culture

With an impressive Employer Net Promoter Score (eNPS) of 60 (a figure considered excellent in the industry) it’s clear that our employees are enthusiastic about recommending Axis as a great place to work. This strong score reflects a positive workplace environment and high employee satisfaction. While the eNPS is an excellent indicator of our employee well-being, we recognize that true employee well-being encompasses even more, and we remain dedicated to continuously supporting our team’s holistic needs. Another way we continuously foster this environment is through the core values embedded in Axis culture. These principles guide our approach to caring for each other. “We strive to create a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered,” describes Matilda, “and where they feel we prioritize and care about their well-being,”

What advice would Matilda and Shu Hui give someone needing help with a mental health? “Just start talking, whether it’s to your friends, family, one of us, your HR responsible, your manager, or a licensed therapist with whom we can connect you. And remember, you are not alone.”

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