We have all been affected because of the Covid-19 pandemic. But the threat is not just physical, as many people found the situation affecting their mental health. It is this time that we need a friend, a counselor we can trust and talk to without judgment. And this is where HopeChat comes along. With a very high trust and efficacy rating, Globe Telecom has decided to roll it out to the public.
Mental Health Check Now a Necessity
In the past, it’s always about our physical health. We always hear of people getting an annual physical examination (APE) or having their blood chemistry done at the lab.
Despite the trailblazing campaign for fitness, we do not openly discuss mental health. It’s taboo.
However, the unprecedented pandemic gave us a lot of stress, anxiety, and fear. Many people either lose their focus on day-to-day chores, as they struggle to keep their worries to themselves.
The uncertainty of the pandemic and the lack of concrete solutions cause mental stress that could test a person’s stability. Counseling and genuine listening often offer a solution to troubled individuals.
Opening HopeChat to its Employees
Globe Telecom saw an opportunity to extend hope and help to people who have difficulty ‘opening up’ to counseling. The company introduced HopeChat, a platform co-developed with its partner, Australia-based Virtual Psychologist (VP).
A first in the country, Globe piloted the service to its more than 8,000 employees last July 2020. The platform aimed to help the staff cope with the psychological impact caused by COVID-19.
“Many people, our employees included, who are suffering from emotional and mental stress are too shy or afraid to talk. With HopeChat, our employees are able to get improved access to counseling and support.” This was said by Renato Jiao, Globe Chief Human Resource Officer.
How to Use HopeChat
HopeChat uses the chat function of Facebook messenger–making counseling private, convenient, and less intrusive. This also gives users a level of comfort that is void from voice, video, or face-to-face interactions.
“We’ve found that for a lot of people, it’s too confronting to speak with a psychologist face to face. Sometimes, picking up the phone and talking is hard for someone going through challenges. But even though most people won’t talk, almost everyone (is willing to) communicate over text or messenger.” This was revealed by Dervla Loughnane, Founder of Virtual Psychologist.
HopeChat allowed Globe employees to chat with licensed psychologists in Filipino, English, Ilonggo, or Ilocano. With text-based messages in the language they are most comfortable with, users feel comfortable opening up.
Moreover, the users are assured of privacy, safety, and confidentiality. They were also given an opportunity to review and reflect on the discussion that took place.
Warm Acceptance
HopeChat was given great reviews by its users and earned a satisfaction level of 97%.
About 98% of the users said they are likely to recommend it to friends and family members. Moreover, they say that they are willing to talk to a counselor at HopeChat again if the need arises.
At least 94% of the respondents felt safer chatting to a virtual psychologist than to other counseling services. In another light, 83% feel that they are now more confident in their ability to manage their problems.
Globe Suite of Wellness
These encouraging results pushed Globe to incorporate HopeChat onto its suite of Wellness benefits after the pilot run.
“It was excellent actually! The sessions I got were really helpful! Looking forward to my next session,” an employee commented.
Globe’s mental wellness efforts are in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 3 promoting Good Health and Well Being. Globe is committed to upholding the 10 United Nations Global Compact principles and 10 UN SDGs.
To learn more about Globe’s sustainability efforts, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability.html
Wow very nice naman po neto malaki naitutulong po neto lalo na sa mental health. Good news.
This is timely and a true necessity nowadays
We are going through a lot of hard times, the best way to cope up is to seek counseling. Salamat sa Hopechat, Globe!
This is really important and timely. Our mental health is suffering because of the pandemic.
Napakaimportante talaga na namomonitor natin ang ating mental health sa panahon ngayon ng pandemya. Research says that there is an increase in Mental Health related problems during the pandemic and it is becoming an alarming matter. Dapat nating alagaan ang ating sarili sa kabuuan kasama ang ating mental health.
Very nice globe. Malaki tlaga ang naitutulong neto lalo na sa merong mental health dahil sa covid pandemic. Importante talaga ang may nakakausap ka lalo na sa panahon ngayon. Very bighelp etong HopeChat nila.
Bighelp ang HopeChat platform sa mga employees, lalo na sa panahon ngayon ng pandemic. With the help of HopeChat male-lessen ang mental stress ng mga employees. Good job Globe.
Ang ganda naman nitong hopechat . For sure madami ito matutulungan
We all need this right now. We are facing different problems brought to us by this pandemic. It is important that we have someone to talk to and ease our problem. A lot of people are suffering from anxienty. God bless to all the people behind this.
True. Minsan, we just need a different perspective around our problem.
Maganda nga po ito may counseling lalo na ngayon may pandemic
We really need this service, such a big help during this pandemic.
Simula ng Magstart ang pandemic One of the biggest problem talaga natin ang Mental health lalo na sa dami ng problemang sabay sabay na dumadating..Thanks and Good to know that GLOBE telecom raise a project like this para makatulong Sa mga Kababayan natin
Malaking tulong po ito lalo na sa mga nakakaranas ng depression. Kailangan din natin alagaan ang mental health natin lalo na sa panahon ngayon. Kailangan natin ng makakausap para mailabas natin yung bigat na nararamdaman natin.