Zurich Life & Investments and OnePath Life have launched a Holistic Adviser Wellbeing Toolkit, which the companies describe as an industry-first that provides mental health and wellbeing support for financial advisers.
A statement from the insurers says that the launch is timed in recognition of R U OK? Day and that the Holistic Adviser Wellbeing Toolkit is comprised of two parts:
- My Wellbeing Hub
- CPD-accredited training modules hosted on _Zone, the new on-demand financial adviser learning platform. These are the first modules focused on mental health within _Zone.
The statement says that My Wellbeing Hub is a new, purpose-built website with tools and resources that can be accessed by anyone at any time, although it has particularly been designed for Zurich and OnePath Life customers, distribution partners and communities. Its curated and regularly updated resources consider:
- Mental well-being: Ways to manage mental health, stress, and sleep
- Nutrition and fitness: Tips for healthy living
- Community: Health and wellness organisations
- Tools and support: Links to financial adviser support resources from AFA Care and FPA Wellbeing, as well as national support services such as R U OK?, Lifeline and Beyond Blue
The statement adds that the toolkit was developed in collaboration with a cross-industry working group borne out of the Zurich Leaders Forums in late 2019.
The insurers say the working group was established to help fight the rising levels of mental ill-health amongst financial advisers, setting out to provide greater guidance and better coordination of resources to help advisers take care of their wellbeing.
Feedback from the industry also showed that advisers wanted tools and support to provide industry-leading care, understanding and coaching for their clients and teams.
The working group included: Philip Kewin, CEO Association of Financial Advisers (AFA); Dante De Gori, CEO Financial Planners Association; Nettie Handley, Consultant at Bombora Advice; and Aaron Williams, CEO and co-founder of Mindstar; alongside Zurich Life & Investments’ Kristine Brooks, Chief Distribution Officer; Tim Atley, Head of Strategic Account Management; and Maria Falas, Zurich and OnePath Life’s Head of Mental Health and Wellness.
Falas says they are proud to be working in collaboration with the industry and community partners to provide tools, resources and training to help advisers understand and manage their mental wellbeing, and to support customers in the same pursuit.
The AFA CEO Philip Kewin says that at a time when financial advisers are providing “…such valuable service and support to their clients to ease their emotional and financial burden” it is important that advisers themselves, have access to tools and support to look after their own wellbeing.
