Thomas More offers employees free online sessions with a psychologist: 'An accessible conversation can already help a lot'

The number of Belgians dropping out because of stress and burnout keeps rising. On an average working day in the first half of 2024, 2.53% of employees had been ill for 1 month to 1 year (10% more than in 2022) and 3.36% for longer than a year (7% more than in 2022). (source: Securex).

Evelyne Eykelberg, Director People & Community at Thomas More:

"Young children who do not sleep through the night, relationship difficulties, going through a period of grief... we all know difficult times. That is exactly when a little extra support can be welcome."

From lab to practice

That is why, since this academic year, Thomas More has been working with the Antwerp tech company BloomUp. Their digital platform is based on evidence-based principles of cognitive behavioural therapy. Thomas More's Mens en Welzijn research group also gave input on their approach. "Research shows that following e-learning modules on your own often has a limited effect. That is why BloomUp and our university offer professional guidance alongside the digital offering. That support is enormously valuable," explains Tom Van Daele, research lead in Psychology and Technology. Eykelberg also underlines this extra, well-founded approach:

"Our wellbeing coaches and confidential advisers do brilliant work. With BloomUp, we are now making that warm approach even more accessible."

As soon as tomorrow

BloomUp takes a smart approach. First, they give you plenty of practical information. Think of podcasts and blogs that break the taboo around burnout and stress. But they go further: if you want, you can dive into evidence-based e-learning modules to get started yourself. Not convinced yet? Then there are the self-tests. And if you are really in a knot? Within 48 hours you are talking to a clinical psychologist. Online, without any hassle. Because sometimes you just need to get things off your chest. "The most revolutionary aspect is the speed," says Clovis Six, CEO of BloomUp.

"Where you often have to wait months in regular care, we can offer a first introduction within 48 hours. The therapy track can start within 5 days."

This fast access is possible thanks to an extensive network of professionals and a smart matching system. "With a few simple questions, we determine which psychologist best suits your situation," Six explains.

"This platform is an important piece of the puzzle in our broader wellbeing policy," Eykelberg concludes. The university will evaluate the use of the platform closely. The Thomas More initiative could also set a precedent in the education sector.

Leading the way

"We hope many colleagues will find their way to this accessible help. At a time when work-related stress is rising in education, we as an employer have to take our responsibility."

Positive first reactions

Since the launch, several employees have already used the platform. "It is really nice that you do not have to wait for months," says one of them. "And because it is completely anonymous, I felt free to take that step."

Challenges

Mental wellbeing initiatives by employers often raise privacy questions. Thomas More opts for complete discretion: all interactions on the platform are strictly confidential. "We only see anonymous figures, for example the total number of sessions within the university or popular e-learning topics," says Eykelberg. "That way we can fine-tune our policy without violating our people's privacy."

And the cost? BloomUp's data shows that people need an average of 4 sessions through the platform. This is usually enough to help them with their specific challenges. Anyone who needs more sessions then pays a variable price per consultation. Part of these costs can be covered by hospitalization insurance, and automatic reimbursements apply. The platform is available to all Thomas More employees.

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Original article from VRT Nieuws: https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2024/12/12/thomas-more-mentaal-welzijn/