The escalating issues of stress, burnout, and disengagement affecting employee performance in the face of America’s ongoing mental health crisis have prompted increased attention from workplaces. While many companies have responded by introducing teletherapy platforms, virtual care services, and meditation apps as benefits, a recent analysis suggests that workplace wellness initiatives have yet to significantly impact employee well-being.
Entrepreneur Ariela Safira, recognizing that fostering a safe and supportive culture is the cornerstone of workplace well-being, launched Real in 2020. Real, a mental health platform offering group therapy and an online content library, is now relaunching under the new name Zeera, symbolizing new beginnings. The platform aims to become a daily tool for employees to combat discomfort and stress while aiding leaders in better supporting their teams.
Safira emphasizes that the forefront of mental health care resides not with therapists but with heads of HR. In an exclusive interview with Fortune, Safira notes, “It’s so unique for a single environment to be the driver for mental illness, the support system for mental wellness, and the financial provider for mental health care. It was very clear that this is the best channel to scale Zeera.”
Companies partnering with Zeera gain access to individual memberships and Zeera for People’s Teams, described by Safira as a “mental health toolkit for the workplace.” This toolkit includes training and services serving as a company’s chief well-being officer, offering monthly leadership training to address vital questions about employee well-being in the office.
Inaugural partnerships with companies like The Cheesecake Factory, Jimmy Choo, Michael Kors, Versace, and Maven Clinic highlight Zeera’s appeal. The platform, positioned as the “Netflix of mental health care,” aims to offer accessible well-being solutions that align with users’ habits, similar to popular apps and programs.
Zeera provides members with a library of short educational audio sessions led by mental health experts, member stories, and live audio sessions for anonymous participation. Dr. Rachel Hoffman, Zeera’s chief clinical officer, notes that this model responds to users’ desire for actionable tools, asynchronous, short, accessible sessions, and a mental health care experience with curated recommendations akin to Netflix or Spotify.
In a study verified by the International Review Board (IRB), Zeera demonstrated promising results. Members using Zeera for 60 days experienced a 35% decrease in depressive symptoms, a 27% reduction in stress, and a 17% increase in resilience. Safira envisions an ideal world where people turn to “Zeera a session” during various moments of anxiety, stress, or need for mental well-being, transforming the platform into an integral part of users’ daily lives.
