A Manchester-based firm specialising in workplace wellbeing and mental health support services is launching a new app to make logging information easier for colleagues and managers.
Ripple & Co specialises in developing evidence-informed, wellbeing strategies and policies for businesses across the UK.
As well as offering various wellbeing, leadership team development and mental health products, the business has now developed a training solution offering line managers the confidence and skills to support employees, in the hope of creating an “open culture where they feel psychologically safe, satisfied and able to deliver”.
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Ripple said studies show that employees’ wellbeing is directly linked to their productivity.
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Founder Eileen Donnelly said: “As the country opens up and we return to our offices and workplaces, I think a lot of employers will realise the significant value of focusing on wellbeing.
“As leading neurologists and scientists predict, a global wave of mental ill health is set to follow the pandemic. Companies who recognise the proven return on investment in wellbeing will be the ones who ensure they have a workforce that is healthy and future fit.
“Forward-thinking companies will go beyond mental health awareness training. They will support their mental health first aiders and champions to be effective. My new app aims to do just this. It will be a critical tool for those who are essentially the eyes on the ground when someone is struggling.”
During lockdown Ripple & Co also developed a product supporting those designated as the go-to for colleagues experiencing poor mental health.
Ripple & Co said it was important to recognise not only the importance of supporting volunteers but giving them the opportunity to amplify their work through a peer-to-peer support network.
The app, currently in development, will enable volunteers to securely track interactions with colleagues, provide insight and real time visibility of the company’s wellbeing footprint – “transforming workplace culture and mental health”.
Prior to founding the business, Ms Donnelly worked for large corporates building culture strategies for over two decades.
She moved to Cheshire from London a few years ago “wanting a life that better supported her family”.
After searching for an in-house role, she decided to start a business of her own which she launched in February 2020.
She then decided to join the NatWest Accelerator to support her business.
She is now part of the Accelerator’s ‘Purpose-Led’ programme, aimed at businesses that put people and planet over profit.
She said: “I’m very action oriented so with business being quiet over the first few months of lockdown, I had a golden opportunity to spend time thinking about my customer needs, where the gaps where in the market and how I wanted the business to grow.
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“I wanted to develop that bigger picture, strategic approach which the Accelerator has helped me with.”
Libbie Mowbray, scale acceleration manager at NatWest, said: “Eileen has developed a fantastic business with Ripple & Co which has a clear purpose in supporting workplace wellbeing.
“Her passion for wellbeing and mental health is without question central to her business and she is a brilliant of example of someone who exemplifies her business’ ethos.”