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How to support women’s health and wellbeing in the workplace

From menstruation pain to menopause and even fertility issues, female employees face a number of health challenges that can impact their ability to bring their best selves to work. Here we unpack how leaders can provide the right support and company culture to help women thrive at work.

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How Sonder supports workplace critical incident management

Every workplace needs critical incident measures in place to keep employees safe, even in the face of sudden, unexpected and traumatic events. Discover how Sonder delivers both rapid and ongoing support measures in emergencies.

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The top three health concerns for Australians revealed – and how Sonder can support

From menstruation pain to menopause and even fertility issues, female employees face a number of health challenges that can impact their ability to bring their best selves to work. Here we unpack how leaders can provide the right support and company culture to help women thrive at work.

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Introducing Sonder’s early intervention injury management program: Easily accessible treatment, all from one app

Traditional reactive workforce health solutions are struggling to meet the rising demands and complexities of workplace health and safety. Today, Sonder is taking a step towards tackling these challenges with the launch of our early intervention injury management.

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How to measure the effectiveness of psychosocial risk control measures

Monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of your controls is a crucial part of the psychosocial risk mitigation process. To help you with this all important step, we recap the highlights from the final webinar in our series on navigating psychosocial risk management.

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An employer’s best practice guide to implementing effective controls in psychosocial risk management

By understanding the best ways to implement effective controls, leaders can take a proactive approach to navigating psychosocial risks and create safer workplaces. Here we recap the most helpful tips from our expert webinar panel on navigating the control process.

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How to navigate psychosocial risks to build a safer workplace

New regulatory changes mean Australian employers have extended obligations to safeguard employee mental health and wellbeing. To help you navigate the changes, we recap the highlights from the first webinar in our series on navigating psychosocial risk management.

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Caring for the carers: How Sonder supports frontline medical workers

Exposure to traumatic events, high-stress environments, and physical dangers take an inevitable toll on healthcare workers. In this blog our Director of Clinical Services explains why at Sonder, we are committed to providing comprehensive support to these vital individuals.

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NSW introduces industrial manslaughter penalties: What does this mean for your organisation?

Employers in NSW now face potential imprisonment and fines of up to $20 million for industrial manslaughter. In this blog, Sonder’s legal counsel unpacks the implications of this new law for organisations when it comes to employee health and safety.

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How to manage psychosocial hazards at work

As companies look to retain top talent and make employee health a priority, the need to identify and manage psychosocial hazards has never been more important. This blog has expert advice to help you manage them.

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How employee presenteeism can impact your workplace culture — and how to prevent it

Presenteeism can have a huge impact on a company’s culture, productivity levels and overall workforce wellbeing. But the sooner you learn the signs of presenteeism and its root causes, the easier it will be to design a company culture and wellbeing programs that proactively prevent it.

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An employer’s guide to tackling and preventing employee absenteeism

When it comes to fostering high-performing teams, preventing employee absenteeism is essential. In this blog, we share tips for cultivating a positive workplace culture and providing the right support to proactively address and prevent absenteeism at work.

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Why 24/7 medical advice is essential for employee safety – and productivity

By ensuring medical advice is available to employees 24/7, companies can boost workplace safety, increase productivity and ensure teams receive the care they need when they need it most. Discover the true benefits of round-the-clock healthcare advice here.

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New guide: Navigating psychosocial risk management

To help leaders stay competitive, compliant and strengthen their organisation’s reputation, Sonder has partnered with Australian Psychological Services, to create a guide that explores the regulatory landscape in Australia and New Zealand.

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What to look for in the best corporate health services

By taking a proactive approach to employee wellbeing, organisations can introduce corporate health services that foster happy, healthy, and engaged teams. Here are four things to look for in the best corporate health programs.

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How Best&Less boosted employee retention and engagement

Australian retail chain Best&Less needed a solution to address workplace safety concerns and enhance overall employee engagement.


Following the implementation of Sonder, they were able to reduce turnover, boost employee engagement and save over $1M.

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Webinar: How to reduce turnover and risk with a strategic Employee Value Proposition (EVP)

With a strategic EVP, companies can gain a competitive advantage. Discover how People, Culture and Recruitment experts are developing EVPs to attract and retain staff with practical tips you can start acting on today.

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Integrating wellbeing into your EVP: Three talent acquisition experts share their tips

Doubling down on your wellbeing strategy could help your company differentiate its Employee Value Proposition (EVP) and position itself as an employer of choice.
In this blog, three talent acquisition experts share their advice.

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Five expert tips for fostering safe, healthy workplaces that mitigate psychosocial risks

Five tips from an line-up of P&C leaders, health and safety executives and industry experts on how to foster a safe, healthy workforce that proactively reduces psychosocial risks.

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Australia’s Right to Disconnect is here: What does it mean for you?

Australia’s Right to Disconnect is here: What does it mean for you?
If you’re wondering what Australia’s Right to Disconnect means for you, this blog unpacks what the law means for employers and employees, as well as how you can benefit from improved employee wellbeing and enhanced productivity

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Sonder safety: The tools and services that ensure workforce safety 24/7

Wellbeing and safety challenges appear in virtually every aspect of work, in every industry. Often, they can be difficult to identify, but if left unaddressed, these challenges can evolve into crises, and can have major personal and business consequences.

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Effective strategies used by Chief People Officers to manage workplace stress and burnout

To help leaders tackle rising burnout in their teams, VP of People at Dovetail, Lucy Babbage, and Chief People Officer, Alex Hattingh, joined us for a webinar to share their top tips for preventing stress and burnout in the workplace.

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Top strategies for employee burnout prevention

If you’re looking to reduce employee burnout within your team or organisation, this blog covers everything from the warning signs for leaders to recognise to strategies for burnout prevention – plus expert advice on dealing with stress.

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How wellbeing support helps business attract and retain talent

Businesses are using Sonder’s early intervention app and preventative care resources to attract candidates and retain talent. Here’s what leaders can learn from them when it comes to creating a winning EVP.

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New research: 47% of employees aren’t satisfied with their current employers’ wellbeing support

Despite wellbeing support being a top priority for job seekers, many businesses are falling short. In this blog, we share a preview of our new ‘Winning the war for talent’ guide, with data from Sonder and Culture Amp.

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Early intervention: How Sonder’s Resource Hub supports employee wellbeing

With a focus on prevention, we’ve continued to expand our Resource Hub with over 500 new videos, articles and audio experiences to empower employees to take control of their health – and address potential issues before they escalate.

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Manager stress: New data reveals how managers are coping with employee burnout

Despite mounting pressure on employees, only 50% of managers agree they have been provided with sufficient support and training to effectively support their team’s wellbeing. In this blog, we delve into new survey data from Sonder and take a look at how managers can be better supported.

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How can psychosocial hazards impact employee wellbeing?

A psychosocial hazard is anything that could cause psychological harm. Left unchecked, they have the potential to significantly impact employee mental health and wellbeing. In this blog, we’ll unpack the true definition of psychosocial hazards, share examples, analyse their potential impact, and share expert advice on addressing them.

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Amplifying employee wellbeing: Culture Amp launches Sonder

Culture Amp supports 6,500+ organisations in engaging and developing their people – and are equally dedicated to supporting their own team. As they expanded from APAC into the UK, they knew they needed a partner to support the wellbeing of…

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New report: 49% of employees are experiencing burnout

As levels of burnout continue to rise, our new report deep dives into the issue. With new survey and Sonder data, we address the multifaceted nature of burnout, its associated risks, and share expert advice on how to manage it in your workplace.

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HOYTS: Supporting a young workforce

A low uptake in their traditional EAP left HOYTS Group looking for a modern solution to support their young workforce. Proving that a young and digitally-savvy workforce will embrace services tailored for them, the adoption of Sonder exceeded expectations, with 50% of employees regularly using the app.

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Hays UK&I see six-fold increase in engagement with Sonder

Hays is a specialist in workforce solutions and recruitment with a workforce of 13,000 people across 33 countries. Now they are making it easier than ever for their people to access 24/7 integrated medical, mental health and personal safety support…

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How Sonder provides support to frontline workers facing customer hostility

Discover how businesses like Universal Store and TFE Hotels are using Sonder’s digital services and responsive human support to keep their employees safe and prevent harm.

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Plan Ahead: Project delivery experts launch Sonder to build employee wellbeing foundations

From the Commonwealth Games to Brentford Stadium, Plan Ahead has supported some of the highest profile and most challenging construction projects in the UK. Having grown steadily over the years, with a team of 40+ staff across three offices, Plan…

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New report: 75% of frontline workers experience customer aggression

Customer aggression is on the rise in Australia and New Zealand – with more frontline workers being affected, more frequently. Our new report deep dives into the survey data and shares strategies to reduce the risk and keep staff safe.

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Alchemy School launches 24/7 support for their teachers and staff

Teachers, while extremely resilient, can face high emotional demands. Those at Alchemy School teach students with significant barriers to learning, many of whom distrust the adult world and education system. While some of their students can’t access mainstream education, the…

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Kontor provides employees with complete wellbeing support through Sonder

With an expanding team to care for, Kontor needed a simple solution to support their staff. In December 2023, they partnered with Sonder to provide mental health, safety and medical support, all in one place. Whether it’s a billion dollar…

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How TFE Hotels revolutionised lone worker safety

TFE Hotels’ preventative approach to their employee risk challenge has not only improved lone worker safety but also built familiarity and trust with Sonder. This has led to an uptake of other health and wellbeing services available via the app, such as 24/7 medical advice for TFE employees and their families.

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How Charter Hall reimagined workplace safety, wellbeing and mental health with Sonder

When Charter Hall needed a wellbeing platform to support their people, they turned to Sonder. In a short time, they were able to implement the platform and support employees with complete, proactive care for their safety, physical and mental health….

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How to balance performance and wellbeing at work with HiBob

Mental health and wellbeing at work remains top of the agenda for many people leaders. But is it possible to maintain a strong culture of wellbeing all while chasing demanding targets and business success? It’s a tough question, but in…

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Greater support for employees in remote areas

Since partnering with Sonder, Discovery Parks has experienced overwhelmingly positive feedback from their employees, especially those based in remote areas. The safety features, Check on me and Track my journey, have instilled a sense of security, while access …

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Return on investment (ROI) vs return on value (ROV) for employee wellbeing programs.

How can we measure ROI on EAPs and employee wellbeing programs?

Historically, when evaluating employee wellbeing programs, business leaders have focussed on return on investment (ROI) and people leaders have focussed on the impact on their people. Today, as business leaders have become more attuned to the flow-on business benefits of…

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EAP pricing needs to look under the hood because EAP services are not all the same.

EAP pricing: Can a fixed-price contract avoid nasty surprises?

It’s hard to put a price on employee health and wellbeing. Nevertheless, price is usually a key factor in procurement processes for employee wellbeing support. But, how do you evaluate the different pricing options and avoid nasty surprises that blow…

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An EAP (or EAP alternative) has the potential to realise positive dividends, but only if employees use it.

How can I get my team to use our EAP?

Like any investment, an EAP (or EAP alternative) has the potential to realise positive dividends, but only if employees use it. This is where many employers need help, and post-sales activation support from their EAP provider can often make or…

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A proactive approach to employee wellbeing for Medline

Customer case study A proactive approach to employee wellbeing for Medline 65% of support cases occur outside of regular 9-5 business hours 52% of support cases come via chat 34% of support cases are medical related About Medline Medline is…

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HR buyers want to compare us to their EAP uptake statistics, even though we’re an EAP alternative.

What is a ‘good’ EAP uptake rate?

Every day at Sonder, we’re asked what a ‘good’ utilisation rate looks like for an employee support program (EAP). Even though we’re not an EAP – we’re an EAP alternative with a much broader safety, medical, and mental health offering…

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Self-help wellbeing apps should supplement not replace EAPs and EAP alternatives, say experts.

Should we replace our EAP with a self-help wellbeing app?

Workplace employee assistance programs (EAPs) have long been a popular option for employee wellbeing support. However, their results can be disappointing, and in a catch-22, sometimes as few as one to five per cent of employees utilise their services. This…

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Is it true some EAP counsellors are not registered? We explain accreditations and qualifications.

Is it true some EAP counsellors are not registered?

Selecting an employee assistance program (EAP) – or a modern employee support alternative – can be tricky. Vendor and industry terminology can vary greatly and it can be difficult to compare apples with apples. One great example of this is…

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Psychological first aid is considered EAP best practice after workplace critical incidents.

Is your EAP providing best-practice support after critical incidents?

By their very nature, critical incidents in the workplace can be overwhelming and traumatic. They can also trigger snap decisions out of fear, panic, and a sense of helplessness. That’s why employers need to put a post-incident support plan in…

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Why are more EAPs not open 24/7 to provide medical, safety, and mental health support to employees?

Is your EAP open when employees need help the most?

Much has been said in the media about people waiting longer for medical care and mental health support. But, what’s not being said is that many people are waiting unnecessarily because their employee assistance program (EAP) is not open when…

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Should EAPs offer more than mental health counselling? Do employees want medical and safety support?

Should EAPs offer more than mental health counselling?

Employee assistance programs (EAPs) have long been synonymous with employer-funded mental health counselling services. But today’s employees expect more than only mental health support. To perform at their best, many employees are looking to their employers and EAPs to provide…

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Psychological debriefing is not best practice yet employers are paying EAPs for it.

Psychological debriefing: Why are employers still paying for it?

Last month, following the tragic bus accident in the New South Wales Hunter Valley that killed 10 innocent wedding guests, a spotlight was once again shone on the practice of psychological debriefing. Richard Bryant, Professor and Director of the Traumatic…

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University of Oxford research links workplace wellbeing to business performance

If you’re a business leader who loves data, you might enjoy the recent Workplace Wellbeing and Firm Performance working paper, published by the University of Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre. The May 2023 paper aggregates data from employees at more than…

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More support, less cost for ProbeCX

Probe CX is a globally recognised and award-winning customer experience organisation that designs and deploys solutions to bolster and optimise client operations. Founded in 1979, they have 18,000-plus staff across five countries, delivering exceptional customer experiences…

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Care at the touch of a button for Design & Build/ Public Sector People

Customer case study Care at the touch of a button for Design and Build 160 safety alertsshared 65% of support cases occur outside of business hours (5pm-9am) 70% of team members used chat About Design & Build and Public Sector…

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Encourage a proactive health, safety and wellbeing mindset among employees

Cultivating proactive health behaviours in your team just got easier

In today’s workplace, leaders understand that an increase in sick days is just the tip of the iceberg. These “sickies” can signal a larger issue known as the ripple effect, where employee wellbeing concerns worsen over time if left unaddressed….

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What did we learn from three million safety notices?

According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, safety is fundamental. Maslow’s “A Theory of Motivation” argues that unless people satisfy basic physiological and safety needs, they aren’t motivated to acquire emotions such as belonging and love,  esteem needs, or self-actualisation. Logic…

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Employees want safety support after business hours, say 10,000+ cases

When leaders talk about wellbeing, their first conversation is often about stress and burnout. Whilst this is important, an equally critical conversation needs to be had around personal safety – because it’s hard for people to perform when their fundamental…

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Workplace Critical Incident Management

Every week, news headlines showcase how unsafe it can be to go to work. We read about customer violence, armed robbery, vehicle accidents, building site accidents, and more. Even for employers who implement rigorous preventative measures, safety-related critical incidents can…

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Mental health apps are unregulated in Australia and experts warn they could be harmful if they don’t

Mental health apps alone could be harmful

ABC News published today an excellent warning about how mental health apps could be harmful – if they do not have a human layer of personalised, clinical expertise. With nearly 9 million Australians aged between 16 and 85 experiencing a…

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We talk to Brian Long about psychosocial risk, psychological health and safety, employee wellbeing.

Mirvac’s Brian Long talks psychosocial risk and employee wellbeing [Video] [2 of 2]

Mirvac’s Brian Long recently sat down with Sonder’s CEO Craig Cowdrey to talk about psychosocial risk, shared responsibility, and employee wellbeing. Their conversation shares some fabulous quotes and insights about creating a wellbeing culture that moves beyond traditional HR and…

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We talk to Brian Long about leadership, self-care, workplace wellbeing, and younger generations.

Mirvac’s Brian Long talks leadership, self-care, and workplace wellbeing [Video] [1 of 2]

Recently, our CEO Craig Cowdrey had the pleasure of talking with Mirvac’s Brian Long about leadership, self-care, psychosocial risk, shared responsibility, workplace wellbeing, and the different expectations of younger generations. Their conversation delivers some great insights into how a prominent…

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Employee wellbeing data like you’ve never seen it before

Increasingly, P&C leaders are under pressure to identify and act on new initiatives that drive lasting, positive outcomes for the wellbeing, health and safety of their people. And despite the proliferation of data sources, the age old question remains; Where…

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Spotlight on Psychosocial Risks in the Workplace

With $904.9 million per year of compensation paid for work-related mental health conditions, it’s no surprise that one of the hottest leadership topics right now is psychological health and safety. Or more specifically, the management and reporting of psychosocial risks,…

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Employees self-reporting stress may not always need a psychologist. Learn about stepped care.

Do employees self-reporting stress need a psychologist?

With the current barrage of media headlines about mortgage stress, rental accommodation shortages, job layoffs, long waits for urgent healthcare appointments, and people with mental health concerns being turned away from care, it’s heartbreaking but not surprising that many of…

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Wellbeing agents of change: Sean Silvey and Jane Bourke (Melbourne event)

We’re pleased to share part two of our Agents of change for organisational wellbeing event in Melbourne, which recaps some of the highlights from our conversation with Sean Silvey (IAG) and Jane Bourke (Woolworths Group), as they talk about evidence-based…

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Wellbeing agent of change: Jane Bourke (Melbourne event)

Recently, we were delighted to host a gathering of wellbeing leaders at our Agents of change for organisational wellbeing event in Melbourne. Transformational change only happens when leaders ‘walk the talk’, so we were keen to hear how two accomplished…

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Active care is a proactive way to improve employee wellbeing together with business performance.

Why is Active Care the next big trend in employee wellbeing?

In 2023, employee wellbeing and retention strategies need to evolve. Employees want more control and they’re looking to their employers to help them gain that control. From shopping and entertainment to transport and beyond, people now expect to be able…

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How does empowering your employees lead to better outcomes?

The concept of empowerment is “rooted in the 1960s ideology of social action, which embraces community change, capacity building, and collectivity”. But, the term “empowerment” comes from American psychologist, Julian Rappaport, who in 1981 articulated it to describe the process…

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Why should employers share responsibility for wellbeing?

According to the International Labour Organization, “Workers’ wellbeing is a key factor in determining an organisation’s long-term effectiveness”. This means that employers need employees to be safe and well if they are to perform at their best.  But as our…

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Why do workers expect employers to help with their wellbeing?

Pre-2020, few employers meaningfully acknowledged that work and personal lives were inextricably linked. Instead, they sustained “the myth of separate worlds”, as labelled by Harvard Business School’s Professor Rosabeth Moss Kanter, and did not see an employee’s wellbeing as their…

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Dr Jamie Phillips, Medical Director, says psychological debriefing is an employee wellbeing myth.

Debunking 5 myths of employee wellbeing, with Dr Jamie Phillips [Video]

Recently, Sonder’s Dr Jamie Phillips was invited to debunk five myths of employee wellbeing for members of the Corporate Mental Health Alliance Australia. Having personally made mistakes in the past, this is a topic Jamie is passionate about, as he…

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Tips to help organisations minimise the ripple effect and the cost of poor employee wellbeing.

How can organisations minimise the ripple effect of poor employee wellbeing?

In this final instalment of our four-part series discussing the ripple effect of poor employee wellbeing, we provide organisations with suggested next steps for how they can minimise the impact of the ripple effect on both workforce health and lost…

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The ripple effect cost of lost productivity across multiple workplaces is hidden but substantial.

What is the ripple effect costing organisations?

Organisations are leaking millions of dollars each year in absenteeism, presenteeism, workers’ compensation, employee turnover, and the ripple effect of lost productivity from colleagues and family members – all because many employees are not well. What is this costing organisations…

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The ripple effect of lost productivity across multiple workplaces reveals the hidden costs.

Why does poor employee wellbeing affect multiple workplaces?

As discussed in the first article in our four-part series, poor employee wellbeing can cause a ripple effect in the workplace because it can reduce not only the productivity of one employee but many employees. This second article illustrates how…

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The ripple effect of lost productivity reveals the hidden cost of poor employee wellbeing.

How can poor employee wellbeing cause a ripple effect in the workplace?

When ISO 45003 was released in June 2021 – as the first global standard that provided specific guidance on the management of psychosocial risks and the promotion of wellbeing at work in a manner consistent with other health and safety…

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Australian psychosocial safety rules and regulations 2023. Legislation. Codes of practice. WHS.

Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace: Current Day

When ISO 45003 was released in June 2021 – as the first global standard that provided specific guidance on the management of psychosocial risks and the promotion of wellbeing at work in a manner consistent with other health and safety…

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Defence industry firm leads the charge on wellbeing

AeroPM is a professional services consultancy providing above-the-line support to Defence and CASG to acquire complex assets. Their workforce is primarily comprised of ex-serving military and APS personnel who have extensive experience within the air, maritime, land and…

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Last quarter, we helped 10,000+ employees and students with safety, medical, mental health support.

Do employees need medical support more than mental health support?

Over the years, employee wellbeing initiatives “to keep employees happy” have been many and varied. They’ve included everything from yoga studios, food trucks, NASA sleep pods, climbing walls, puppytoriums, karaoke parties, music-jam sessions, wine bars, massage, in-office scooters, volleyball courts,…

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How is organisational change affecting employee wellbeing? We review data from 10,000+ support cases and give tips for managers and HR.

Organisational change and employee wellbeing: 5 tips from 10,000+ cases

Rapid transformation has become a staple of the modern workplace. Technological advances and skills shortages combined with rising costs and productivity pressures, mean that organisations are continually exploring ways to gain a competitive edge. But, whilst leaders tend to love…

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How can organisations better support their 24/7 workforces? There is good evidence that shift work is related to serious health issues.

How can organisations better support 24/7 workforces?

With round-the-clock access to many goods and services, it’s sometimes easy to forget about the people that power our always-on world. For example, the: Factory workers producing goods day and night; Truck drivers travelling across the country while everyone else…

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Are Australian universities keeping up with the changing needs of international students?

Are universities keeping up with the changing needs of international students?

Today is International Students’ Day – a day of international observance of the student community and a celebration of the multiculturalism of international students. It’s a day to appreciate what the international student community brings to their host nations, as…

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2021 results regarding the learning experience for international and domestic students in Australia.

QILT SES results: the challenge of low learner engagement, and the importance of personal safety

The latest QILT Student Experience Survey (SES) results brought both positive and negative news for the Australian tertiary education sector. On the positive side, the university student experience in Australia has started to improve. On the not-so-positive side, more work…

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Wellbeing agents of change Melanie Silva, Steven Worrall, Elle Dias and Heidi Beck.

Q&A with Melanie Silva, Steven Worrall, Elle Dias, and Heidi Beck (Sydney event) [Video]

We are pleased to share this final instalment from our recent Agents of change for organisational wellbeing event. Held in our Sydney office, this event for wellbeing leaders generated much formal and informal discussion as attendees and panellists shared questions…

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Wellbeing agents of change Steven Worrall from Microsoft and Melanie Silva from Google.

Wellbeing agents of change: Steven Worrall and Melanie Silva (Sydney event) [Video]

We are excited to share the next instalment from our recent Agents of change for organisational wellbeing event held in our Sydney HQ. This session’s panel brings together two high-profile Australian managing directors who have become personal agents of social…

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Wellbeing agents of change Heidi Beck from Team Global Express, and Elle Dias from Red Bull.

Wellbeing agents of change: Heidi Beck and Elle Dias (Sydney event) [Video]

Recently, we were delighted to host a gathering of wellbeing leaders at our Agents of change for organisational wellbeing event in Sydney. Transformational change only happens when leaders ‘walk the talk’, so we were keen to hear how some of…

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Mental Health Australia’s Report to the Nation

On 10 October 2022, Mental Health Australia (a peak, national, non-government organisation representing and promoting the interests of the Australian mental health sector and issues in Australia), in collaboration with global research firm Ipsos, released their first Report to the…

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WHO guidelines on mental health at work. Employee wellbeing. They follow the release of ISO 45003.

WHO guidelines on mental health at work

On 28 September 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) released its first-ever global guidelines on mental health at work. The WHO guidelines were released in time for World Mental Health Month in October and have received praise on social media…

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Psychological debriefing is not current best practice for university students and staff.

Myth: university students and staff need psychological debriefing after traumatic events

For years, support programs have prescribed the urgent deployment of a psychologist or trauma counsellor to the scene of a critical incident or traumatic event. As a result, well-intentioned universities keen to exercise their duty of care have traditionally agreed…

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It is a myth that university student and staff wellbeing cannot be measured.

Myth: university student and staff wellbeing cannot be measured

Wellbeing advocates often struggle to secure appropriate funding for their university wellbeing initiatives. Many times this is because their business cases focus on qualitative rather than quantitative data. This presents a mismatch with budget holders who prefer quantifiable metrics –…

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University wellbeing solutions can be digital but students and staff need expert clinicians too.

Myth: digital-only solutions are the answer to university wellbeing

As the lines blur between our personal, academic, and professional lives, staff are increasingly turning to their employers to better support their mental health and wellbeing. Looking for easy wins and low-effort solutions, many organisations (including universities) are banking on…

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University staff EAP programs: are they providing the best support for your university staff?

Myth: employee assistance programs (EAPs) meet the needs of all university staff

EAPs have long been a mainstay offering at Australian universities, as well as at 80 per cent of Australia’s top 500 companies. But, given that workplaces have changed significantly over the past two and a half years, are traditional EAP…

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Myth: university students and staff know how to access wellbeing support

Each year, universities invest significant time and dollars into the wellbeing of their students and staff. Motivated by legal and moral responsibilities (plus a desire to protect their institution’s brand and future), health-savvy universities prioritise, fund, and promote wellbeing support…

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Natalie Jones from Quantium and Dr Jamie Phillips from Sonder, at Sonder’s employee wellbeig event.

Sonder serves up employee wellbeing evidence (Sydney event)

Too many leaders are investing money in wellbeing initiatives that are not evidence-based and/or are increasing their organisational risk. These are just two of the truths shared at Sonder’s recent event (held in partnership with Marley Spoon) for wellbeing leaders…

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Cost-of-living pressures add to worker distress. This is affecting employee wellbeing.

Supporting workers who are experiencing cost-of-living pressures

With interest rates continuing to rise, Australia’s cost-of-living pressures show no signs of abating. Workers are making impossible financial compromises to the detriment of their overall health and wellbeing, which is further lifting the lid on a workforce in physical…

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Business unit leaders at Sonder - a company providing safety, medical, and mental health support.

Sonder raises AU$35m to accelerate growth

Since launching Sonder in 2017 with two close friends, Christopher Marr and Peter Burnheim, our wellbeing and safety company has come a long way – thanks to the support of our dedicated team members and supporters, together with valued customers…

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Psychological safety updates in 2022. What’s changed in Australia since the release of ISO 45003?

Psychological safety: What rules have changed in Australia in 2022?

A year after the release of ISO 45003 shone a spotlight on psychological safety, it’s time to review what’s changed in the legislation and guidance material in Australia since we published our original ISO 45003 guide. But first, let’s recap…

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Workplace Wellness Festival 2002 Sydney. Workplace wellbeing. Employee wellbeing.

Workplace Wellness Festival (Day 2 of 2)

Workplace wellbeing, health, safety, diversity, inclusion, gender equality, compliance, culture, and belonging. These were the themes of day two at the recent Workplace Wellness Festival (WWF) in Sydney, as guest speakers shared stories, data, and insights about how to evolve…

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Workplace Wellness Festival 2002 Sydney. Workplace wellbeing. Employee wellbeing.

Workplace Wellness Festival (Day 1 of 2)

Every organisation wants its people to be well. But how do organisations evolve existing strategies to achieve this, given the pressures of COVID-19, the spike in talent mobility, and the changing needs of today’s hybrid workforce? This was the overarching…

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Five roles of university executives who are reshaping institutional wellbeing. Includes a best-practice example of an agent of change.

5 roles of university leaders who are reshaping institutional wellbeing

In today’s world of higher education, international ranking is not the only north star. Senior university leaders must also focus on engaging and creating meaningful value with all stakeholders on that journey – students, staff, employers, partners, donors, community organisations,…

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University leaders who are agents of change for student and staff wellbeing have become personal agents of social change.

What does it mean to be an agent of change for university wellbeing?

To instigate meaningful change in institutional wellbeing, today’s VCs, DVCs, PVCs, and senior university leaders must step up and become personal agents of social change and true impact players across their ever-expanding ecosystems of influence. Senior university executives, spurred on…

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A centralised gateway to support for Woolworths Group

A single gateway to support for Woolworths Group Who is Woolworths Group? Woolworths Group is the largest retailer in Australia and a major retail operator in New Zealand, housing leading supermarkets and consumer retail brands such as…

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Marley Spoon and Sonder – A recipe for success

Marley Spoon is a global direct-to-consumer brand solving everyday recurring problems in delightful and sustainable ways. Their vision is to ‘build a better everyday, just for you, just right’, which is not only applied…

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The impact of customer hostility - an event for business leaders in Melbourne, hosted by Sonder.

The impact of customer hostility on a workforce in distress (Melbourne event)

Incidents of aggression from customers can be extremely stressful for frontline workers, and potentially have long-term impacts on employees and their organisations. Last week in Melbourne we gathered a selection of business leaders to discuss this important topic, highlight some…

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CEOs and leaders who are reshaping organisational wellbeing, employee wellbeing, workplace wellbeing

5 roles of CEOs and leaders who are reshaping organisational wellbeing

In today’s complex business environment, shareholder value is no longer the only north star. As Lurie and Tegelberg from McKinsey & Company have said, modern leaders “must focus on co-creating meaningful value with and for all stakeholders, expanding beyond shareholders…

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Agents of change for employee wellbeing are reshaping how organisations see workplace wellbeing.

What does it mean to be an agent of change for employee wellbeing?

Today’s CEOs and senior leaders have become personal agents of social change and true impact players across their ever-expanding ecosystems of influence. This is different from the late 1990s and early 2000s trend of “corporations as social change agents” and…

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Customer hostility and workplace aggression. How can managers and workplaces support employees?

How Sonder’s medical team supports a workforce in distress [Video]

The pandemic has exacerbated customer aggression and workplace distress, as well as highlighted gaps in employee support. What more can be done? How does Sonder’s medical team help our customers and their team members? At our recent event for retail…

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Bec Goulter from the National Retail Association talks at Sonder’s event about customer hostility.

The impact of customer hostility on a workforce in distress (Sydney event)

Since the start of the pandemic, some retailers have seen instances of aggression from customers increase by up to 400 per cent. With this in mind, Sonder recently brought together business leaders from consumer-facing sectors to discuss the impact that…

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This year’s Wellbeing at Work Summit explored wellbeing trends and what organisations can do to improve workplace wellbeing.

Wellbeing at Work Summit

For organisations across the world, 85% of costs are absorbed by their people. Talent is the “make or break” of an organisation, so an inclusive, supported, and healthy workplace just makes good business sense. To hear how some leading organisations…

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Sonder is accredited by The Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS).

Why is ACHS accreditation important to us and our customers?

Last year, Sonder proudly became the first technology company to become accredited by The Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) to their EQuIP6 Standards. This post explains what this means and why it is important both to us and our…

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National Student Safety Survey (NSSS) results. What are Australian university leaders doing?

University leaders and the NSSS results: why is student safety not improving?

Following the release of the 2021 National Student Safety Survey results at the end of March, the media has been abuzz with damning headlines about the extent of the “distressing” and “abhorrent” sexual harassment and sexual assault of university students…

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A human-centric solution for BINGO Industries

Before BINGO’s Chief People Officer, Jo Cairns, needed a new approach for the wellbeing and safety of her highly diverse workforce. Fondly referred to as GOgetters, the BINGO team has a high proportion of on-road team members, mostly male and…

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Perks do not keep people engaged in the workplace. Read the evidence.

Myth: employee perks keep people engaged

Yoga studios, rainbow slides, NASA sleep pods, organic lunches, daily ice cream allowances, volleyball courts, climbing walls, gyms, saunas, massage, ping-pong tables, games arcades, puppytoriums, hair salons, in-office scooters, childcare, acupuncture, Olympic-sized pools for SCUBA-certification at lunch, Botox-injection rooms, tanning…

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Employees do not need psychological debriefing after traumatic events. Read the evidence.

Myth: employees need psychological debriefing after traumatic events

For years, employee support programs have prescribed the urgent deployment of a psychologist or trauma counsellor to the scene of a critical incident or traumatic event. Subsequently, well-intentioned employers who are keen to exercise their duty of care, have traditionally…

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It is a myth that employee wellbeing cannot be measured in the workplace. Read the evidence.

Myth: wellbeing cannot be measured

Wellbeing advocates often struggle to secure appropriate funding for their workplace wellbeing initiatives. Many times this is because their business case focuses on qualitative data, but budget holders prefer quantifiable metrics – to satisfy their due diligence, allay their sense…

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The second employee wellbeing myth is that digital-only is the answer. Standalone self-help apps.

Myth: digital-only is the answer

As the lines blur between our personal and professional lives, employees are increasingly turning to their employers for better mental health and wellbeing support. Looking for easy wins and low-effort solutions, many organisations are banking on self-help digital tools as…

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Paid time off (PTO) is a band-aid for employee burnout in the workplace, not a cure.

Myth: paid time off cures burnout

In the past twelve months, the global media has done an exceptional job of glorifying companies that have gifted their employees with paid time off (PTO) to curb burnout and improve mental health and wellbeing. Business leaders who have not…

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Employee wellbeing: what does the evidence say

Employee wellbeing: what does the evidence say?

The world of employee wellbeing can be a maze of shiny objects and misinformation. Business leaders, trying earnestly to look after their people, are confronted with conflicting messages at every turn. It’s confusing and disorienting. How can you be sure…

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Sonder Exec Lunch Event

Reimagining workplace wellbeing [Video]

We were pleased to recently welcome around 30 executives into Sonder HQ to discuss the topic of rethinking workplace wellbeing – an important topic on the minds of all people leaders, given the high percentages of mental health concerns but…

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workplace mental health experience

Workplace mental health: employee experiences

Everywhere we turn, we’re reading statistics about employees wanting their employers to provide better workplace mental health support. Millennials in particular want their employers to implement additional mental health initiatives – 87 per cent compared to 67 per cent of…

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workplace mental health solutions

Workplace mental health: right-fit solutions

Low employee uptake of workplace mental health support has largely been accepted with minimal inquiry. But with this year’s release of ISO 45003 and the subsequent spotlight on workplace psychological health and safety, it’s time for organisations to ask why…

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Mental health support uptake

Workplace mental health support: Why only a 5% uptake?

Workplaces have changed beyond recognition over the past two years. Expedited by COVID-19, we have become more digitally enabled, embraced newfound flexibility through hybrid working, introduced new on-site safety measures to enable lockdown restrictions to be lifted, and there has…

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Blog header - How can you support your students differently

How can you support students differently? [Video]

Now that the world has been disrupted, what does the new horizon of student support look like? Do we know what constitutes meaningful, relevant, holistic and compassionate care during a period of deep uncertainty? Sonder’s Dr Jamie Phillips and Robert…

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Australian International Education Conference - Header

Australian International Education Conference

The Australian International Education Conference (AIEC) is a key highlight in the annual calendar for the international education sector. Practitioners, teaching staff, researchers, policy makers, vendors and other stakeholders come together to learn about major industry trends and to network…

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Line managers are not mental health experts

Line managers are not mental health experts [Video]

Dr Jamie Phillips, our medical director and head of member support, recently delivered a presentation for line managers at the Workplace Mental Health Symposium (WMHS). His key insights for managers were: 1. You are not a mental health expert –…

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New user-friendly guide to ISO 45003

Since ISO 45003 was published on 8 June 2021, online WHS and forums have been abuzz with questions around what the world’s first international standard for mental health in the workplace means for CEOs, board members, People and Culture Directors,…

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Why is ISO 45003 important?

In a perfect world, every workplace is safe, every employee is well, every person is engaged and productive, every organisation fulfills its moral and financial objectives, and everyone involved ‘does the right thing’. There are no risks to brand reputation,…

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How does ISO 45003 fit with existing WHS rules?

One of the key questions asked by CEOs, board members, People and Culture Directors and WHS managers about ISO 45003 since its launch on 8 June 2021 is: “How does the new standard fit in with existing WHS rules and…

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Workplace Mental Health Symposium

Recently, we participated in the annual Workplace Mental Health Symposium, hosted by the Australia and New Zealand Mental Health Association. It was a great virtual event which attracted speakers and participants from across the Tasman and across the globe. Here’s…

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Sonder’s wellbeing model

We’re often asked to explain the meaning of Sonder and the model of care that we practice, as we work 24/7 to serve around 400,000 eligible members across organisations such as Woolworths, Commonwealth Bank, Allianz, NSW Government, Australian Army, and…

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Sonder: A new look, a new level of support

At Sonder, we’ve been trusted with providing safety and wellbeing tools for our members since 2017. This has taken us on a journey of continuous improvement – as we reimagine health, safety and wellbeing for our members and customers –…

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