Wellbeing First

Wellbeing First: At Spring ACT We Empower and Support, Thriving Together

Wellbeing isn’t a perk, it’s the foundation of empowerment and impact for us. With burnout affecting up to 93% in the tech-NGO sector, we’re taking meaningful actions by strengthening support systems for all our staff. From providing 12 annual mental health days annually, to extending support through on the spot office consultation and a newly introduced wellbeing package – we’re building a culture where mental health is valued just as much as physical health. 

Wellbeing is the cornerstone of growth – for individuals, organisations, and the communities we serve. Today’s demanding ecosystem has left too many of us feeling drained: roughly half of NGO and corporate teams report significant burnout symptoms, and even government employees and elite athletes aren’t immune to this.

Within the NGO world, where our mission often demands the most from our hearts and minds, the toll is even higher. 

Gender-based violence teams see 45 per percent burnout, tech-focused NGOs  up to 93 per percent moderate burnout, medical NGOs 50 per percent, and service-delivery groups are battling both stress and staffing shortages. Globally, depression and anxiety cost us USD 1 trillion in lost productivity every year, and in the UK alone, poor mental health costs employers over £5,300 per person annually.

These numbers aren’t just statistics. They represent real people, families, and communities. 

Women face even greater risk, with 46 percent reporting burnout compared to 37 percent of men, and the gap is widening in certain sectors. Yet mental health spending remains woefully inadequate, at just USD 9.52 per capita globally.

At Spring ACT, we’re committed to changing this scenario.

We believe mental health is not a luxury but a fundamental necessity that underpins individual wellness, societal strength, and organisational success.

We know that responsibilities at work and home can feel overwhelming. To support our team through these moments, we offer 12 annual mental health days, available to all staff at any time, without prior approval. This policy ensures that those experiencing acute stress don’t face the additional burden of seeking permission when they most need relief.

Support doesn’t end there. Our Head of People & Deputy COO, along with our Office Co-lab Manager & Wellbeing Facilitator, host wellbeing check-ins with staff, offering guidance and support across our multi-continental ACT Team. These conversations help us co-create safer, more empathetic workplaces while preventing burnout, remote-work fatigue, and workplace abuse

Recently, we’ve taken another step forward. To further enhance our support systems, we brought in an external professional volunteer Wellbeing Advisor, who listened to our team’s experiences and developed tailored recommendations. Following her consultation with all staff and extensive research into sector best practices, she recommended introducing a subsidised Employee Assistance programme with Health Assured. 

This wellbeing package has been made available from April 1st 2025 for all the staff, allowing them to seek professional support in their country of residence and at a time that works for them.

At Spring ACT, mental health will always remain a priority.

Instead of pouring from an empty cup, we’re committed to refilling so we can continue giving back to our community with empathy, love, and strength.

Written by Simon Sundaraj Kühn for Spring ACT