Scaling up without burning out. What if your start-up never slows down.
How Huel protected its culture while scaling at speed.
The Challenge
Growing Pains
Huel grew to 600 people across four continents in record time — proof of a brand in high demand. But rapid growth comes with real human costs. Across retail, 35–40% of workers report mental ill health — far higher than the UK average — and burnout is on the rise. Without the right support, culture can strain, and leaders are left firefighting instead of leading. Huel set out to protect its inclusive values while giving managers the confidence and tools to care for their teams.
Self Space were rated as one of Huel’s most valued perks — boosting loyalty, reducing absence, and strengthening culture.
Unlimited Therapy Access
Huel partnered with Self Space to embed mental health support at the heart of its culture — scaling alongside the business, not lagging behind it. The programme delivered
Unlimited Therapy Access:
Over 2,800 stigma-free, flexible 1:1 sessions worldwide in just three years.
Workshops That Work:
Tailored sessions on burnout, boundaries, self-care, and imposter syndrome.
Leadership Training:
New modules introduced after early feedback, giving managers the confidence to support their teams.
Co-designed Content:
Monthly resources and toolkits, timed to cultural moments like Mental Health Awareness Week.
The approach flexed from HQ in Tring to remote teams across Europe, the US, and Asia — evolving from all-staff workshops to tailored sessions for leaders, factory teams, HR, and other groups with specific needs.
The result: mental health support that grew as fast as Huel did — consistent, inclusive, and worldwide.
The Self Space Difference
Self Space were rated as one of Huel’s most valued perks — boosting loyalty, reducing absence, and strengthening culture.
THERAPIST-LED AND CULTURALLY ATTUNED
Shaped for Huel’s teams everywhere — from Tring HQ to Asia and the US.
ENGAGEMENT 5× HIGHER THAN EAPS
Shaped for Huel’s teams everywhere — from Tring HQ to Asia and the US.
HELPING MANAGERS LEAD WITH CARE
Shaped for Huel’s teams everywhere — from Tring HQ to Asia and the US.
Outcomes
The outcome: a global team that grew in strength, not just numbers.
2,800+ therapy sessions delivered worldwide
The case for investing in employee health
Engagement 5x Higher then EAPs
Moving beyond low-uptake EAPs
Leaders reporting greater confidence in supporting their teams
Leaders are key to mental health outcomes.
Consistently rated a top benefit in employee surveys
Wellbeing benefit driving retention and loyalty.
High take-up linked to fewer absences and stronger performance
Wellbeing drives productivity and retention
The outcome: a global team that grew in strength, not just numbers.
Wellbeing drives productivity and retention
“We love how Self Space talks about mental health — we spoke the same language. They helped us be proactive, not reactive, in supporting our people.”
People Manager
Huel
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Case studies
Our team of qualified people are on hand to deliver therapy that works, talks that engage, and training that builds confidence and inspires. Read about how we help our partners championing the mental health of all their people.
