Why is mental health a strategic necessity?
In today’s ever-evolving business environment, which constantly tests the resilience of leaders and teams alike, prioritising mental health is no longer optional — it’s a strategic necessity.
BDO in Ukraine has been running a mental health support programme for five years. This strategic initiative comprises webinars, training sessions, collaborative projects and practical exercises. During the 2024–2025 financial year, topics covered included burnout, stress management, resourcefulness, emotional intelligence, healthy nutrition, and psychological safety.
We believe that productivity stems from inner balance.
A programme that evolves with the team
One of the key features of our approach is involving employees in shaping the programme’s content. Each year, we analyse colleagues’ requests and interests carefully, identify priority areas and relevant topics, and co-create the programme with experienced psychologists, coaches and trainers.The 2024–2025 financial year reaffirmed the importance of this initiative: we held a series of deep and meaningful events that addressed both personal aspects of emotional well-being and team interaction, the impact of stress on the body, and even everyday self-care practices.
Key areas this year
Our colleagues have shown a particular interest in topics related to burnout, resource recovery, emotional awareness, bodily responses to stress and mindful communication.
While each session had a specific focus, together they formed a comprehensive support system covering everything from stress management to body-based therapy and communication skills.
In collaboration with our long-standing partners at Mental Health for Business, we delivered the following sessions:
- Emotional burnout: We explored how burnout develops on both a personal and organisational level. The webinar helped participants recognise their own boundaries, understand how team dynamics can contribute to or prevent exhaustion, and discover practical prevention strategies.
- Resourcefulness under time pressure: We examined how to find sources of energy even during the most intense periods. This topic served as a powerful reminder that self-care is not selfish — it’s a responsibility to oneself and the team.
- Stress management: Participants deepened their understanding of the nervous system and gained effective self-regulation tools. Simple breathing and somatic techniques helped enhance the sense of control in challenging situations.
- Loss of energy and motivation: This discussion helped employees to identify the hidden causes of chronic fatigue, which are often rooted in familiar interactions or environments. Practical exercises offered insights into how to regain energy for meaningful tasks.
- Hidden aggression: This was a topic that sparked lively interest, as passive-aggressive behaviour often goes unnoticed yet remains destructive. We learned to recognise these patterns and develop more constructive ways of interacting.
- Processing emotions: Participants discovered healthy ways to express emotions such as anger, anxiety and sadness. Having well-developed emotional intelligence — the ability to recognise and express emotions in a healthy way — improves well-being and enhances team communication.
- Support during depressive states: We discussed the importance of distinguishing between burnout, stress, and depression in order to choose the right path to recovery. We had a meaningful conversation about self-empathy, daily anchors, and a “dopamine menu” for restoration.
We would also like to thank Ensuria for their partnership and support in delivering important topics at the intersection of mental and physical health:
- Body and stress connection: This was one of the most profound webinars of the year, in which we explored how chronic tension can lead to physical pain. Participants received tools for body relaxation and body state scanning.
- Healthy nutrition: A practical webinar on how simple dietary changes can positively impact mental clarity, energy levels and productivity.
Together with social psychologist and experienced communication trainer, Ilya Bachurin, who has over ten years of experience in the field, we concluded the season with practical offline sessions in Kyiv and Dnipro, focusing on confident communication and psychological safety at events.
- Self-presentation and networking: confidence as a component of mental well-being.
Participants practised mindful communication, self-presentation techniques, and trust-building strategies with Ilya.
The sessions were not just about networking — they were also about mental flexibility, inner stability, and the ability to remain authentic in new social situations, which directly affects the level of psychological safety in the workplace.
Continuing the journey towards corporate wellbeing
At BDO in Ukraine, we believe in taking responsibility not only for results, but also for the people who achieve them.Our mental health programme is not a temporary initiative or a response to a crisis. It is a deliberate, strategic decision to prioritise the long-term wellbeing of our team.
We’re creating an environment where it’s normal to talk about fatigue, emotions or the need for support. Most importantly, we don’t just listen — we respond. We believe that productivity stems not from pressure or exhaustion, but from balance and inner resilience.
The culture of openness, psychological safety and support empowers our colleagues to stay motivated, adapt to change and perform well, even in challenging times.
We’re not just investing in wellbeing — we’re embedding it into everyday working life. After all, mental health is fundamental to both professional and personal growth.
FAQ
- What is the mental health programme at BDO in Ukraine?
It’s a comprehensive initiative comprising webinars, training sessions and practical events designed to support employee wellbeing.
- Why does the company focus on wellbeing?
Because mental health is the foundation of business resilience and team productivity.
- Who conducts the sessions?
Psychologists, coaches, and trainers.
- What topics does the programme cover?
Burnout, resourcefulness, stress management, emotional intelligence, healthy nutrition, and communication.
- Is the programme available to all employees?
Yes, it covers all of our offices and regions in Ukraine, including Kyiv, Dnipro and Lviv. Colleagues currently working abroad can also participate.
- Will the programme continue next year?
Yes, the wellbeing programme has become an integral part of BDO in Ukraine’s corporate culture.
Want to work at a company where caring for people is not just words, but daily practice? Check out our open vacancies, learn more about career development at BDO in Ukraine, and if you are interested, send your CV to cvteam@bdo.ua.
