ISLAMABAD: foodpanda, Pakistan’s leading food delivery platform, is taking progressive steps to prioritize the well-being of its employees by introducing a dedicated mental health holiday. This new initiative underscores the company’s strong commitment to promoting a healthy work-life balance and addressing the growing global awareness of mental health.
In a time when mental health is gaining recognition worldwide, foodpanda is setting an example in the corporate sector of Pakistan. The recently launched mental health holiday, introduced in observance of World Mental Health Day in October, reflects the company’s belief in addressing not only the professional but also the personal aspects of its employees.
This forward-thinking approach is best illustrated by the employees who are benefiting from it. Abdul Ghaffar, Lead – LEA at foodpanda, embraces the wisdom of Ralph Marston: “Rest when weary, rejuvenate body, mind, spirit, then work.” He notes that “the mental health holidays exemplify foodpanda’s care for well-being, reminding us that self-care isn’t a luxury but a necessity. It also reflects foodpanda’s commitment to nurturing individuals, not just employees.”
Another employee, Midhat Ayub, Expert – Talent Development & Culture, added, “foodpanda’s approach to employee well-being is holistic. The availability of mental health resources, the in-house gym, and the overall work environment significantly contribute to our work-life balance. This mental health holiday is a testament to their unwavering dedication to our welfare.”
Muntaqa Peracha, CEO of foodpanda, shared his perspective on this initiative, stating, “Our employees have always been at the heart of our success. This groundbreaking initiative, offering our team a dedicated mental health day, is a testament to our unyielding commitment to their overall well-being. We understand that a healthy work-life balance is paramount, and we are committed to providing an environment where our employees can thrive, both in their professional roles and personal lives.”
This mental health holiday is not the first of its kind from foodpanda. The company has consistently prioritized the mental well-being of its employees. Last year, foodpanda introduced a new category within the app’s Health & Wellness section, allowing users to access teleconsultation services 24/7 from various professionals, including doctors, dieticians, psychiatrists, and psychologists—a service not offered by any other delivery platform.
In addition to providing these resources to its users, foodpanda has always focused on the mental health of its own team. The company offers free mental health services to its employees through Saaya Health and conducts regular therapy sessions. They also promote mental and physical health with weekly yoga sessions, an in-house gym, and an internal buy-and-sell Slack channel named “pandabay.”
Empowering working mothers and promoting gender diversity, foodpanda offers four months of paid maternity leave, complemented by two additional months of flexible working arrangements. In Karachi, a fully-equipped in-house daycare facility caters to working mothers, while other cities offer a nanny allowance.
With the introduction of the dedicated mental health holiday, foodpanda continues to solidify its position as an employer that genuinely cares about the well-being of its employees. The organization leads the way in fostering a workplace culture that values the mental and physical health, happiness, and harmonious work-life balance of its team members.
