As awareness grows around the interconnectedness between mental, emotional, and physical well-being, Kekst CNC, a global communications advisory, believes their employees are increasingly demanding a holistic approach to workplace health.

In this case study, the firm with 14 offices worldwide, including in Dubai, Riyadh, London, Paris, and Munich, explains how they are addressing their employees’ well-being. With a growing team of 30 professionals from 17 countries and five continents, the company became driven to rethink traditional health and well-being practices in the workplace.

The firm stated that the first step in designing a holistic approach is to embrace an employee-centric well-being strategy that aims to foster a healthier and more engaging work environment, which, according to them, supports rapid growth and development.

Ben Curson, Partner and Head of Kekst CNC’s Middle East operation, told The HR Observer that working on complex, cross-border mandates requires both high-flexibility and high-efficiency work models, which “presents unique opportunities, as well as unique challenges, particularly concerning employee health and well-being.”

In response, he explains, the People and Culture team at Kekst CNC has launched several initiatives aimed at meeting the diverse well-being needs of its employees.

“We are not afraid to innovate and take a non-traditional approach to our Employee Experience,” said Abbie Kadom, Head of People and Culture in the Middle East.

“Our holistic well-being strategy is three-pronged, focusing on physical, mental, and emotional health. This programme is designed to support each aspect as we continually seek new ways to enhance our employees’ well-being, enabling them to better serve our clients,” Kadom explains further.

The concept of the workplace has significantly shifted since the pandemic, with hybrid working becoming increasingly popular. At Kekst CNC, employees work two days a week remotely and three days in the office. 

They also have the opportunity to work from any of the firm’s 14 offices around the world for one week each year. 

“This kind of flexibility supports our international talent, allowing them to spend extra time with their families or explore new destinations, which supports their emotional and social health beyond the workplace,” Kadom explains.

Physical health initiatives

Given the demands of working on complex client mandates across various geographies, Kekst CNC ensures that its employees receive comprehensive physical health support, the company said.

For instance, the firm’s international health insurance plan provides peace of mind by guaranteeing access to healthcare wherever and whenever it is needed.

The People and Culture team has also organised sports activities such as golf, padel, and football to support employees’ physical well-being while nurturing a spirit of collaboration, togetherness, and healthy competition.

In addition, the Dubai office has introduced innovative tools like walking pads in the office, which are not yet common in most workplaces. These allow employees to take active breaks or walk during indoor meetings.

The office also launched a Monthly Step-Up Challenge, which encourages employees to be more active both inside and outside of work.

Team offsites with physical activities further support physical health while enhancing teamwork and trust among colleagues, they explained further.

Mental health support

“We know that work and life can get so busy that it becomes difficult to dedicate time to our mental health. Our teams often work late nights and travel frequently while managing demanding global clients and high-pressure projects. We expect excellence, but we are equally committed to supporting the mental and emotional well-being of our people,” Kadom explains.

In support of this policy, Kekst CNC provided all employees with a global, company-wide, half-day off in May to mark Mental Health Awareness Month by giving themselves extra time for self-care.

During the same month, a series of initiatives were launched to equip employees with tools to manage stress and anxiety, and empower them to create balance in their professional and personal lives.

“By offering sound healing sessions, for example, we provide a refreshing and restorative practice that many in the workplace may not have experienced before,” Kadom explains.

Soha Afify, Senior Consultant, shares, “The sound healing sessions were really special. I was in a state of Zen for days.” Rachel Freeman adds, “The sessions allowed me to feel truly rejuvenated and refreshed.”

In addition, the “Bring Your Pet to the Office Day” initiative has proven beneficial for reducing stress and enhancing morale.

“Studies show that the presence of dogs can lower cortisol levels and foster a more relaxed and positive atmosphere,” Kadom adds.

Kekst CNC believes that a holistic approach to employee well-being represents a strategic investment in its people, assets, and policies to foster a healthy corporate culture.

While such an approach may require significant commitment, it yields substantial benefits, including enhanced individual and organisational productivity, elevated corporate morale, and a more vibrant work environment. The organisation states that a carefully thought-out strategy is both beneficial and essential for sustaining high performance.

“We’ve observed a noticeable increase in productivity since implementing the recent changes, especially the Step-Up Challenge! These initiatives, which focus on employee wellbeing, streamlined communication, and enhanced support systems, have contributed to a more engaged and motivated workforce. This, in turn, has positively impacted the overall productivity across Kekst CNC,” said Kadom.