We are excited to announce that Algebra University has joined an innovative European partnership to launch the H.A.R.M.O.N.Y. Project, financed under the EU scheme “Alliances for Innovation”, which aims to tackle workplace mental health challenges faced by SMEs across Europe. The project kickoff meeting was successfully held last week, bringing together all consortium partners to align on objectives and lay the foundation for this vital initiative.
The H.A.R.M.O.N.Y. Project (Health and Resilience for Mental Opportunities and Needs in SMEs) unites diverse partners, including higher education institutions, vocational education providers, research institutions, SMEs and EU-wide organisations. Our distinguished consortium includes:
- Riga Stradins University (Latvia), formerly known as Riga Medical Institute,
- Olemisen, a Finnish NGO specializing in education through cognitive and experiential learning paths,
- European Network of Safety and Health Professional Organizations (ENSHPO EV),
- Foundation Modern Biomedical Professions (Greece),
- National Institute of Mental Health (Czech Republic), and
- ANT, a Norwegian health service organization.
The project seeks to address critical mental health challenges such as stress, depression, and anxiety, which significantly impact people working in European SMEs. These challenges affect more than 13 million employees in the EU, with stress alone contributing to half of all lost working days. The H.A.R.M.O.N.Y. Project aims to support SMEs and their employees by equipping employers with the competencies needed to prevent and address mental health issues effectively. Additionally, the project focuses on building the capacity of higher education and vocational education teachers to incorporate workplace mental health topics into their curricula, ensuring that the next generation of professionals is better equipped to handle these issues.
Collaboration is a key pillar of the project, fostering the exchange of best practices among researchers, occupational safety and health (OSH) experts, service providers and labour market stakeholders. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the project aims to create a more comprehensive understanding of workplace mental health challenges and solutions. Another innovative aspect of the project is its focus on exploring AI technologies to develop a personalised self-monitoring tool. This tool will enable employees with a history of mental health issues, or those seeking to monitor their well-being, to manage their mental health proactively.
During the kickoff meeting, consortium members discussed the project's strategic goals and planned activities. A strong emphasis was placed on collaboration, leveraging the expertise of each partner to ensure the project delivers sustainable and scalable solutions.
The H.A.R.M.O.N.Y. Project aspires to improve workplace mental health management and create a sustainable framework that can be implemented across the EU. By building partnerships between HEIs, VET providers, research institutions, OSH experts and labour market actors, the project will contribute to healthier, more resilient workplaces.
Stay tuned for updates as we progress with this important initiative!