Kyan: The Game-Changer in ON’s Holistic Well-Being Revolution

At the HR Festival Europe 2025, Rachele from ON’s Engagement and Growth team unveiled the company’s groundbreaking well-being strategy—Build the Better You. This program represents far more than just another corporate wellness initiative. It is a holistic, athlete-inspired approach designed to enhance employee performance, mental health, and overall satisfaction in a meaningful way.

It is a fact that burnout and disengagement continue to rise. ON’s strategy stands out by drawing lessons from elite athletes and applying those principles to the workplace. The results speak for themselves, a staggering 10x return on investment, measurable gains in productivity, and a workforce that thrives both personally and professionally.

The Athlete Mindset: Where Performance Meets Well-Being

As a global sportswear brand, ON’s mission is to „ignite the human spirit through movement.“ However, this philosophy extends far beyond their customers – it is deeply embedded in the company’s internal culture.

Dr. Rachele Airoldi Asturias from Learning and Development at ON explained how elite athletes excel in key areas that translate seamlessly into the workplace. Athletes understand the importance of setting clear goals and working collaboratively to achieve them. They embrace coaching and feedback as tools for continuous improvement rather than criticism. Perhaps most importantly, they recognize that recovery is just as vital as performance, and they treat mental health with the same seriousness as physical health.

Julie Derron, a triathlete and ON ambassador, became the perfect embodiment of this philosophy. Her Olympic silver medal win in Paris wasn’t just about the race itself—it was a testament to smart energy management, disciplined recovery, and truly enjoying the journey.

This mindset is something ON actively encourages in its employees. The company has adopted mantras like, „This is not a sprint—we’re in a marathon together,“ reminding team members that sustainable success comes from balance, not burnout.

Flexibility & Trust: The Power of Unlimited Time Off

One of ON’s most progressive policies is its flexible, unlimited paid time off. While many companies still cling to rigid leave structures, ON has taken a different approach by empowering employees to take full ownership of their schedules.

Employees are trusted to manage their own time without fixed start hours or strict break schedules. The company even popularized „RUNCH“—a combination of running and lunch breaks by Zurich’s lake—encouraging movement and mental resets during the workday.

This policy isn’t just about offering more vacation days. It’s a statement of trust, recognizing that autonomy leads to higher engagement and that a well-rested employee is ultimately a more productive one.

The Three Pillars of Well-Being: Body, Purpose, Mind

ON’s Build the Better You framework is built on three core dimensions, each designed to support employees in different yet interconnected ways.

1. Body: Movement & Recovery

ON ensures that movement is woven into the daily routine of its employees. Training sessions are offered in the morning, at lunch, and in the evening, making it easy for team members to stay active without disrupting their workflow. The company also emphasizes recovery, not just through its unlimited time-off policy but by fostering a culture where rest is respected, not stigmatized.

2. Purpose: Connection & Belonging

A sense of purpose is critical to employee satisfaction. ON helps its team members connect their personal values with the company’s broader mission. By fostering an inclusive and supportive community, the company ensures that employees feel they are part of something meaningful.

3. Mind: Growth & Mental Health

Continuous learning and mental well-being are prioritized through personalized development programs and Kyan, ON’s revolutionary mental health app. Unlike generic wellness tools, Kyan offers tailored support, from self-guided resources to professional counseling, ensuring employees have the tools they need to thrive.

Kyan: More Than Just a Mental Health App

Kyan is not just another meditation app—it’s a comprehensive well-being platform that has transformed how ON supports its employees. The app includes an AI-guided self-care library with meditations, podcasts, and micro-learning content. But what truly sets it apart is its counseling service, offering employees up to 12 free sessions with coaches or psychologists, even in their native language.

Since its pilot launch in 2022, Kyan’s adoption has grown exponentially. Much of this success comes from word-of-mouth recommendations, as employees share their positive experiences with colleagues. The app’s real-time analytics also provide HR with valuable insights into team morale and well-being trends, helping shape future initiatives while maintaining strict privacy standards.

Kyan in Action: Campaigns That Drive Engagement

ON has used Kyan in creative ways to boost participation and tailor support. One campaign encouraged employees to view Kyan not just as a therapy tool but as a resource for professional growth, leading to a noticeable increase in coaching sessions. Another initiative focused on retail teams, where well-being ambassadors promoted the app through engaging activities like a „Kyan Wall“ in store break rooms.

The ROI of Well-Being: $3 Million in Measurable Impact

One of the biggest challenges for well-being programs is proving their financial value. ON tackled this head-on by partnering with their CFO to quantify the impact of Build the Better You. The analysis focused on three key areas:

1. Productivity Gains – Happier, more energized employees showed a measurable increase in performance, contributing an estimated $1.3 million in value.
2. Reduced Presenteeism – Fewer employees were merely „showing up“ without being fully engaged in their work.
3. Lower Turnover – Attrition rates related to mental health concerns dropped significantly.

When combined, these factors delivered an ROI exceeding 10x—a compelling case for investing in employee well-being.

Key Takeaways for HR Leaders

The success of ON’s strategy offers valuable lessons for other organizations. Well-being cannot be siloed within HR—it requires collaboration across leadership, managers, and even external partners like Kyan. Data should drive decisions, ensuring initiatives are tailored to real employee needs. And perhaps most importantly, trust and flexibility are not just perks but foundational elements of a high-performing culture.

The Future of Work is Holistic

ON’s Build the Better You program proves that employee well-being is not a luxury—it’s a strategic advantage. By blending athlete-inspired discipline, progressive policies, and innovative mental health support, ON has created a blueprint for the future of work.

The question for other companies is clear: Is your well-being strategy delivering results? If not, perhaps it’s time to start thinking like an athlete.

Binci Heeb

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