Weir Insurance, a North East-based firm, has partnered with London consultancy AstralMandala to trial a new model that aims to demonstrate how investing in employee wellbeing can deliver measurable business performance improvements.
The pilot, the first of its kind in the UK, will embed AstralMandala’s “Mandala42” framework across the workforce at Weir Insurance. The project will track the return on investment in wellbeing using real-time data including emotional capacity measures, absenteeism rates and other business performance indicators.
Karen Weir, managing director of Weir Insurance, said: “I saw immediately that AstralMandala’s mission wasn’t fluff – it’s solid, measurable and necessary. We’re proud to be first in.”
AstralMandala was co-founded by North East native Anni Hood and Julian Ranger. The company’s model aims to demonstrate that proactive health and illness prevention not only benefits individuals but can also have a tangible impact on the bottom line.
“This isn’t just about ‘doing wellbeing’ anymore,” said Hood. “It’s about business leaders stepping up to model what modern responsibility looks like – and realising that nurture and performance are not opposites, they’re allies.”
The partnership originated from a recent Northern Leaders event, where shared values and goals between the organisations led to the collaboration.
As part of its commitment to social impact, AstralMandala will offer a space on its Mandala42 programme to a charity, NHS or third-sector organisation for every commercial space booked from September.
Alison Dunn, CEO of Gateshead Citizens Advice and the Society Matters Group, has also expressed support for the initiative, having been recognised for her own innovative approach to workforce support and human potential.
AstralMandala believes the North East, with its strong community ethos, is well-placed to lead on embedding workforce wellbeing into core business strategy.
The company will next month host a private leaders’ dinner in Newcastle aimed at offering regional changemakers a reflective space to experience the Mandala42 model in action.
