In a world where work pressure and evolving organizational cultures demand increasing attention, JDE APAC has taken an innovative step to support employee mental health. Recently, they started using the Intellect app, a platform that not only provides mental wellness tools but also helps employees engage with their mental health on a daily basis. What drives this choice, and how does it align with JDE’s broader strategy? DutchCham spoke with Jennifer Lee, Human Resources Director Asia at JDE, to learn more.
Why Intellect?
The choice for Intellect was not made lightly. After a period of challenges — from fluctuating commodity prices to supply chain issues — JDE APAC noticed their employees needed to adapt to a new reality. Transitioning from a local business structure to a multinational organization brought not only new processes but also a shift in mindset, leading to heightened stress levels among many employees.
To address this, JDE focused on resilience. Initially, they collaborated with the Resilience Institute, where both individuals and teams gained tools and insights to build resilience. This process provided valuable lessons, but the organization sought a simpler, daily solution. Enter Intellect.
The app stands out for its accessibility and ease of use. Available in multiple languages and supported by a network of ICF-certified coaches, Intellect offers a solution that resonates with the diverse cultural contexts within APAC. Moreover, it goes beyond traditional Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) by focusing on prevention rather than crisis management. “Intellect makes mental health a daily priority and helps break the stigma surrounding mental health support,” says JDE.
A Journey in Phases
The implementation of Intellect happened in stages. It began with education: raising awareness among employees about the importance of mental health and its connection to physical health. Tools and training were then provided to translate this awareness into action. The result? A culture where mental health is openly discussed and employees feel supported.
JDE has now implemented Intellect in their offices and plants in China, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.
Notably, JDE has made the app available not only to employees but also to their family members. With this step, the company demonstrates that well-being extends beyond the workplace.
The Importance of Context
The decision to implement Intellect started in the APAC region, where mental health is often approached with a greater focus on privacy and stigma reduction
compared to Europe, where open discussions and institutional support for mental health are more common. This difference highlights the importance of culturally tailored solutions, making Intellect’s accessible and low-threshold approach particularly effective in the Asian context. Workshops and awareness sessions proved crucial in initiating conversations. The app now provides a low-threshold way to access support
Results and Future
JDE sees the app not as a standalone solution but as part of their broader strategy to enhance employee well-being. “By prioritizing mental health, we aim to create a supportive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to thrive personally and professionally,” JDE explains.
Early results are promising. Data shows that the app is especially popular among female employees, with many use cases revolving around work-related challenges, such as managing relationships with supervisors.
Innovation and Well-being Hand in Hand
With this step, JDE demonstrates that innovation and employee well-being can go hand in hand. Whether it’s improving sustainability on coffee farms or supporting the mental health of their teams, JDE continues to invest in what truly matters: their people.
For more information about Intellect and how it helps other companies support mental health, visit: https://intellect.co/.