The demands on both managers and companies are continuously growing – including when it comes to their responsibility for employees’ mental wellbeing.
Social Engagement
A listening ear for every situation
For Linde Material Handling (Linde MH), social responsibility also means looking inward. While mental strain may not affect forklifts, it can certainly affect those who design and build them. That’s why external employee assistance programs (EAPs) are an established part of Linde MH’s caring workplace culture across the globe. At Fenwick-Linde France and other KION subsidiaries in France, the professional support program Stimulus Care Services (SCS) helps employees navigate challenging life situations.
Offered in partnership with a specialized external provider for psychosocial risks, the program is a clear demonstration of how seriously the company takes social responsibility in the workplace – and that has long been the case, not just in times of crisis. What began in 2020 as an acute response to the COVID-19 pandemic at Fenwick-Linde has since become an established part of workplace health management across all French sales and service entities. “After the pandemic, we held feedback sessions with our management teams and realized that psychological stress is not a temporary phenomenon,” recalls Fabienne Guillou, Senior Director Human Resources KION ITS EMEA France. “The demands on both managers and companies are continuously growing – including when it comes to their responsibility for employees’ mental wellbeing.”
Offer gradually expanded
This realization led to the decision to make the Stimulus program a permanent offering – open to all employees, regardless of role or hierarchy, and – crucially – managed by external psychological professionals to ensure full confidentiality. Since COVID-19, the program additionally has been expanded step by step: first in 2022 to include all sales and service units following the merger of support functions within KION ITS EMEA France, and then again in early 2025 as part of a group-wide efficiency initiative, extending coverage to dealers and urban sales & service teams.
Psychological support with structure
Today, more than 4,200 employees across KION France have access to this specialized support offering. Its focus lies on enabling self-help, early detection and prevention of stress or conflict, and promoting overall quality of life – both professionally and personally. Consultations are conducted by clinical psychologists with proven qualifications and corporate experience. Data protection, confidentiality and anonymity are 100 percent guaranteed.
Whether by phone, chat, video consultation, written request or via the web platform and mobile app – Stimulus offers a wide range of low-threshold ways to connect. Additional resources for personal wellbeing and self-reflection are also available, such as articles, podcasts, videos and webinars.
Trust is the key
Although the topic still comes with barriers for many – particularly in largely male-dominated industries such as intralogistics – experience has shown: the offer is well received, as long as openness, discretion and trust are ensured. Guillou emphasizes: “For the program to be accepted, it’s vital that HR, managers, health & safety teams and social partners all stand behind it together.”
In France, that cooperation already works very well. For now, the Stimulus program will continue indefinitely – as long as it delivers tangible benefits for employees and the companies involved.
