“Our purpose is to pioneer access for patients while caring for those who make this possible”

At Lek, we recognize that our success is built upon the collective strength and well-being of our associates. We understand that mental health is more than just an individual responsibility, it’s a shared commitment.

“Our work environment—at the level of associates, teams and departments—is focused not on pointing the finger of blame, but on finding solutions that make work easier for everyone,” said Polona Smrdel , Scientifical Advisor. “And I really appreciate that.”

This October, as part of our annual recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we once again focused on promoting mental well-being throughout the company. Through various activities under the banner of our Energized for Life and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, we encouraged open discussion of mental health, empowering our associates to share their experiences, to seek help when they need it and to support one another.

“Of all the activities, I find the Friday mindfulness exercise most beneficial for strengthening mental health,” said Matic Kunsek , Senior Expert Data Science. “After a demanding week—both at home and at work—this practice helps me calm my thoughts.”

One of the highlights of this month was Happiness at Work Week , during which we launched the "How does your team take care of its well-being?" competition. Each team shared creative submissions, ranging from videos to photos, highlighting its own unique ways of fostering mental well-being. The winning team received a special prize – a massage session at work!

“Activities such as the recent contest really add joy to our routine,” reflected Petra Ekar , Senior Scientist in Clinical Development. “Our team is always up for fun challenges that bring us together. The prizes are motivating, sure, but it’s the shared experience and teamwork that gives us a real boost.”

Another activity was Mental Health First Aid for Leaders, which focused on educating our leaders on mental health in the workplace and providing them with the skills to recognize possible signs of mental health challenges among their team members.

Additionally, our Psychological Safety at Work workshop opened up meaningful conversations around ensuring that every associate feels safe to express themselves and to contribute their own ideas.

“A psychologically safe environment is the foundation for motivation and dedication, and it’s impossible to create such an environment without trust and understanding among our teams,” asserted Polona Smrdel , Scientifical Advisor. “I’m grateful that our company is aware of the importance of this topic and is organizing these kinds of workshops in order to spread knowledge of it among associates.”

Breaking the stigma and seeking help

To further promote mental well-being, we’ve emphasized the importance of seeking professional help when needed, breaking down barriers to access and normalizing the notion that asking for support is a strength, not a weakness. At Lek, we believe that caring for mental health should be as natural as caring for physical health.

In collaboration with the Energized for Life initiative, our associates have access to free psychological support and counseling. This October, to further highlight this support, we invited one of our psychotherapists to a virtual conversation, creating a valuable opportunity for associates to engage openly, ask questions and learn more about the resources available.

“I believe that each and every one of us can benefit from psychotherapy at some point in our lives,” said Ana ?uk , Energized for Life Lead, “And having this option widely available to all our associates is a key pillar in supporting our mental well-being overall. But the real difference is made through the act of speaking about it out loud, raising awareness and showcasing how psychotherapy can help every one of us.”

Based on materials from the National Institute of Public Health ( Nacionalni in?titut za javno zdravje NIJZ ), we continuously provide our associates with valuable resources through educational materials, campaigns and open dialogues, ensuring mental health remains a priority within our organizational culture.

Additionally, we recognize that physical well-being greatly impacts mental health. And so we offer various physical activities, including online active breaks, online morning yoga-inspired workouts and free access to our fitness facilities, all designed to support the holistic health of our associates.

Looking beyond October

While October has given us an opportunity to focus on mental health, our commitment goes far beyond just one month. The practices, conversations and support systems we’ve cultivated during Mental Health Awareness Month are here to stay. Our goal is to continue building a workplace where well-being is prioritized throughout the year, and where everyone feels empowered to take care of themselves and of those around them.