Between body and mind: promoting health at work

Through your experience, why is it important to address physical and mental health even within a corporate context? And what is the role of senior figures in this process?
We started from the awareness that companies are often perceived as places where you are expected to just perform. Sometimes people forget that employees are not just workers, but human beings with a private life, emotions, and vulnerabilities. It’s a cultural legacy that sharply separates work and personal life, but the reality is that we always bring our full individuality with us, even to the office. And if we are not well, we cannot work effectively. That’s why it’s important to talk about health and well-being within companies, offering concrete tools to take care of oneself, both physically and mentally. It’s helpful for the company to support its employees even during difficult times. Abroad, for example, there are organizations that provide a day off specifically for mental health: not taking a break can worsen the situation and lead to burnout. The well-being of people is the well-being of the company. However, it is crucial that senior figures are involved in this process. If an initiative comes only from the bottom up, it risks stalling at some point. If those in positions of responsibility focus exclusively on performance, a culture of well-being cannot develop. On the other hand, when those “at the top” actively participate in awareness initiatives, other employees—especially junior ones—feel more legitimate in doing the same.

How does Sky actively involve its people in creating projects related to well-being? Can you tell us about some Body&Mind initiatives that make you particularly proud?
The very fact that Sky created the Body&Mind network is already a concrete signal of active involvement. All initiatives are designed by us, the members, with freedom in the use of spaces and in the realization of creative ideas. The success of Body&Mind comes precisely from this active participation. The format that has been most successful—always sold out—is a film club in a lighter, more interactive version, suitable for lunchtime: “Action…Lunch!” We watch clips of films related to a specific theme while eating, and even the food is chosen in relation to the topic being discussed. When the theme was stereotypes, for example, we served dishes that looked like one thing but were actually another, playing directly on the theme of perception. The informal format helps stimulate discussion, and sometimes we even host guests to animate the conversation. A special edition was dedicated to the theme of failure, specifically to challenge the idea of continuous performance. On that occasion, we invited some talents who we usually see at the height of success on camera, and they shared moments when they made mistakes or faced difficulties. It was a truly authentic moment. The initiative we are most proud of, however, is the Psychological Support Desk. The idea is that just as you would see a doctor for a physical problem, it should be equally simple to access psychological support. The pilot project offered 72 slots, all booked within 48 hours—it was a real success. We have also organized many other initiatives: a book club, Book&Mind; a festival entirely dedicated to psycho-physical well-being, with yoga lessons; a welcome area at the office with free hugs; and a workshop on intuitive eating.

So you have chosen a holistic approach to health. How does this perspective translate into corporate culture?
The purpose of our initiatives is never to stop at a single action, but to remember that well-being is 360 degrees. In everyday work life, it is essential to empathize with the situation of our colleagues: to recognize that the people around us are, first and foremost, human beings, with invisible struggles, perhaps health issues or challenges related to mental well-being. These initiatives help us remember that beyond what we see, there is always a person with a story, and that suspending judgment is crucial. Our goal is to contribute to creating a healthier work environment, one that is also more enjoyable to come to every day. For us, this is the greatest achievement. Moreover, cultivating this integrated perspective helps us adopt a different, more open mindset, which positively reflects on the way we work.