Creating a culture of mental health: Mental Fitness Champions

Why does dsm-firmenich take mental health in the workplace so seriously?

We recognize that mental fitness, much like physical fitness, is crucial for maintaining a balanced and energized life, both personally and professionally.It enables us to perform at our best, approaching our tasks with a positive mindset and navigating our daily challenges with resilience and strength.

How are we working to support people’s mental fitness at dsm-firmenich?

Our Global Vitality Office is currently working in partnership with HSE Global to recruit and train over 600 employees to become Mental Fitness Champions (MFCs) across locations worldwide. The aim is to ensure that no colleague ever has to navigate mental health challenges alone.

Tell us more about the Mental Fitness Champion role…

In addition to doing their regular work, MFCs are trained to be trusted go-to persons who can offer a listening ear to employees and refer them for professional help if needed. MFCs are carefully selected based on their genuine passion for helping others and their commitment to confidentiality.

Why does the program focus on employees helping other employees?

By training employees to become MFCs, we aim to foster a supportive work environment in which mental health can be openly discussed without any stigma. We are encouraging everyone at dsm-firmenich to take advantage of this valuable resource and have already received very positive feedback about the initiative.

What impact is the program having on employees?

More than 400 employees are now certified to have meaningful conversations about mental health, which is already helping to normalize these important discussions across the organization. In 2025, we're looking to expand the program further to include additional employees and SHE managers. By building a global community of Mental Fitness ambassadors, we’re creating a culture where everyone can thrive.