Mental health firm paying Prince Harry '£1m salary' is condemned by staff as a 'catastrophe' and 'psychologically perilous place to work' where 'everyone is living in fear'

Prince Harry’s role as Chief Impact Officer at BetterUp involves advocating for mental fitness and shaping the company’s social mission. As a high-profile figure, he has actively championed the app, sharing his personal experience of finding a "truly awesome" mental health coach through the platform post-Megxit. His involvement has drawn attention to the importance of mental well-being and professional coaching.

The Duke of Sussex has held the role of chief impact officer at the US coaching and mental health firm, BetterUp since 2021. Some claim it earn him $1million-a-year

However, criticisms from past and present employees and external users suggest significant challenges within the company:

1. Employee Allegations:

   • Workplace Culture: Employees have labeled the environment as a "toxic train wreck" and "psychologically unsafe," citing favoritism, lack of accountability, and a disconnect between leadership and staff.
   • Leadership Criticism: Some have accused the company’s leaders of being an "elitist club" that "lacks moral compass and self-awareness."
   • Fear and Insecurity: Reports describe a culture where employees feel uncomfortable and live "in fear," with little faith in HR's ability to address issues impartially.

2. User Concerns:

   • Confidentiality Doubts: A corporate client expressed skepticism about the privacy of coaching sessions, raising questions about the app’s security and ethical standards.

3. Harry’s Advocacy vs. Internal Reality:

   • While Harry has praised BetterUp’s potential to unlock personal and professional growth, the reported issues within the company paint a contrasting picture.
   • These concerns could impact the company’s reputation and, by extension, Harry’s association with it, especially as he remains a public face for the brand.

The gap between Harry’s role as an advocate for mental fitness and the internal criticisms of BetterUp highlights the challenges of aligning public representation with organizational realities. Addressing these concerns transparently would be crucial for both BetterUp’s credibility and Harry’s continued role in promoting its mission.

Prince Harry's role at BetterUp as Chief Impact Officer has been highly visible since 2021. He has been a vocal advocate for the app's mission to enhance mental fitness and professional growth, regularly appearing at events and livestreams to discuss its benefits. For example, he recently collaborated with an ex-NBA player and Kobe Bryant’s friend to explore concepts like "flow," which he described as a state of complete focus that promotes peak performance and well-being.

Harry's job at BetterUp was one of the first he secured after emigrating with Meghan in 2020 after they quit as frontline royals and seek financial independence

Harry’s endorsement of the platform includes sharing his personal experiences with the app, noting how a "truly awesome" coach helped him gain fresh perspectives and sound advice post-Megxit. He has also visited BetterUp's offices in locations like San Francisco and Austin, which feature amenities such as yoga studios, office dogs, and comfortable spaces for staff to relax.

However, there have been significant criticisms that contrast sharply with Harry's glowing representation:

1. Sales Practices and Leadership Issues:

   • The sales team has been described as "predatory," with employees under pressure to hit aggressive targets.
   • Reviews highlight concerns over poor pay, high-pressure sales tactics, layoffs, and favoritism within leadership.

2. Prince Harry’s Salary:

   • Reports claim that Harry earns over a million dollars annually from BetterUp, a figure that has sparked debate in light of the company's alleged workplace issues and layoffs.

3. Workplace Perks vs. Culture:

   • Despite office perks like yoga studios and pet-friendly policies, employee reviews suggest a toxic work environment with high burnout, low morale, and a lack of transparency.

Less than glowing Glassdoor recent reviews by past and present employees of BetterUp 

While Harry’s involvement has amplified BetterUp's public profile, the contrast between his advocacy and the internal criticisms raises questions about the alignment between the company’s practices and its public mission. Addressing these concerns transparently could be essential for BetterUp’s reputation and Harry’s continued association with the brand.

The employee reviews on Glassdoor reveal a polarized view of BetterUp, highlighting a stark contrast between the company’s polished public image and internal criticisms:

Glassdoor Insights:

1. Overall Rating:

   • BetterUp holds a 2.8 out of 5 stars rating based on over 600 reviews.
   • Only 35% of employees would recommend working there to a friend, indicating widespread dissatisfaction.

2. Positive Feedback:

   • A recent 5-star review from a current account manager described BetterUp as a "great place to work," showcasing that some employees do find value in their roles and the company's culture.

3. Negative Feedback:

   • Leadership Concerns: Employees frequently cite issues with "too much ego at the top," describing leadership as detached, out of touch, and prone to "weird trips and spending."
   • Strategic Instability: Reviews suggest a lack of consistent direction, with frequent strategy shifts and reorganization of team functions, creating a sense of chaos.
   • High Pressure: Staff are reportedly under intense pressure to meet targets, leading to stress and burnout.

4. Anecdotal Criticisms:

   • A former employee in October called the company a "literal circus," further detailing a disorganized work environment with favoritism and inconsistent leadership decisions.
   • Complaints about the focus on maintaining appearances rather than addressing systemic workplace issues have been repeated across multiple reviews.

The Perception Gap:

The disparity between positive reviews and consistent criticisms points to a fragmented culture where individual experiences vary widely. While some employees thrive and appreciate the work environment, others struggle with a lack of support, unclear leadership, and a high-pressure atmosphere.

For BetterUp, addressing these internal challenges transparently and committing to meaningful reforms will be critical in maintaining trust among employees and aligning its internal culture with the values it promotes publicly.

The critical reviews of BetterUp from past and current employees on platforms like Glassdoor paint a troubling picture of the company's internal culture:

Rampant Favoritism:

Certain employees reportedly exploit their positions, bypassing established processes and securing multiple high-level roles despite lacking qualifications.

Direct access to the founders allows some individuals to override decisions or derail projects, creating inefficiencies and resentment among staff.

Toxic Work Environment:

Described as a "toxic train wreck," the company is said to prioritize an "inner circle" of favored employees while others feel unsupported and undervalued.

Many employees reportedly feel overworked and unappreciated, leading to burnout and dissatisfaction.

Lack of Ethical Leadership:

Leadership has been accused of lacking a moral compass and self-awareness, with one employee calling it an "elitist club."

Decisions are described as inconsistent and disconnected from the realities faced by most employees.

Fear and Isolation:

A culture of fear reportedly permeates the workplace, with employees hesitant to voice concerns or escalate issues due to perceived closeness between HR and leadership.

Employees have been advised to "keep your head down" to avoid retaliation or jeopardizing their positions.

Employee Sentiment:

Some have gone as far as to claim, "Literally every person at BetterUp hates their job," emphasizing the dissatisfaction felt across various roles. The perception of a lack of transparency and fairness further exacerbates these sentiments.

The allegations suggest significant gaps between BetterUp's public-facing mission of promoting mental fitness and its internal practices. The company’s reliance on high-profile advocates like Prince Harry contrasts sharply with these negative employee experiences, raising questions about its organizational integrity and adherence to its stated values.

Addressing these concerns transparently and fostering an inclusive, supportive, and equitable workplace will be essential for BetterUp to rebuild trust with its workforce and preserve its reputation. Without action, the gap between its external image and internal reality could undermine its credibility and long-term success.

BetterUp presents itself as a cutting-edge solution for workplace mental health and personal growth, leveraging technology and behavioral psychology. However, employee reviews and external criticisms expose stark discrepancies between its mission and internal culture. Here's a closer look:

Public Image:

1. Mission and Goals:

   • Founded in 2013, BetterUp aims to "improve human existence" by offering professional coaching, counseling, and mentorship.
   • Its app, branded as "life coaching Tinder for millennials," is marketed as a tool for corporate well-being and employee performance.
   • The company claims significant results through personalized coaching, such as reducing stress by 24% and boosting performance by up to 26%.

2. CEO’s Vision:

   • Co-founder and CEO Alexi Robichaux has emphasized the scientific approach to self-improvement, positioning BetterUp as a leader in the mental health and coaching industry.
   • Robichaux frequently praises Prince Harry’s contributions, describing him as an inspirational figure whose actions embody the company’s values.

3. High-Profile Representation:

   • Prince Harry serves as Chief Impact Officer, using his platform to advocate for BetterUp’s mental fitness initiatives and "guiding the company’s social mission."

Internal Criticism:

1. Toxic Work Environment:

   • Employees have described the workplace as "cult-like," with management seen as out of touch and fostering a toxic, high-burnout culture.
   • Reviews highlight favoritism, inconsistent leadership, and a lack of ethical accountability.

2. Operational Disconnect:

   • Despite lofty claims about improving well-being, internal feedback reveals systemic issues that contradict the company's stated goals.
   • Employees frequently express dissatisfaction with leadership’s prioritization of image over meaningful organizational change.

3. HR and Culture Issues:

   • HR is perceived as complicit with leadership, discouraging employees from voicing concerns or seeking resolutions.
   • The "everyone out for themselves" atmosphere undermines collaboration and trust within teams.

Implications:

The divergence between BetterUp’s outward-facing narrative and internal challenges underscores a broader issue of brand authenticity. As the company seeks to position itself as a leader in mental health and workplace productivity, resolving these internal conflicts is critical. Failure to address these discrepancies risks damaging its reputation, particularly in light of increasing public scrutiny.

Moving forward, BetterUp may need to:

• Enhance Leadership Accountability: Address employee concerns about favoritism and detachment.
• Rebuild Trust in HR: Foster a more transparent and supportive environment for resolving grievances.
• Align Practices with Principles: Ensure internal policies reflect the company’s mental fitness mission.

By prioritizing internal culture improvements, BetterUp could bridge the gap between its mission and reality, benefiting both employees and its broader objectives.

BetterUp’s approach to mental health and performance enhancement is ambitious, pairing personal coaching with corporate solutions. The company highlights measurable benefits from its services but faces challenges justifying its high costs and aligning internal practices with its stated goals. Here's a breakdown:

Service Offerings and Benefits

1. Comprehensive Coaching:

   • BetterUp’s coaching network includes thousands of professionals serving over 100,000 members.
   • Sessions cater to both personal and professional growth, with topics like "beating burnout," "building mental fitness," and "inclusive leadership."

2. Reported Outcomes:

   • According to the company’s surveys:
     • Stress levels reportedly decrease by 24%.
     • Burnout rates are reduced by 15%.
     • Performance improves by up to 26%.
   • These metrics suggest a significant return on investment for participating companies.

3. Corporate Access:

   • The app offers on-demand coaching and virtual classes for teams.
   • Membership costs are substantial, reportedly around £2,600 per person annually.

4. Prince Harry’s Role and Endorsement:

   • As Chief Impact Officer, Prince Harry actively promotes BetterUp's mission and services.
   • He credits the app for providing him with "sound advice" and "a fresh perspective," emphasizing the importance of prioritizing mental fitness.
   • Harry’s participation includes partnerships with high-profile figures like Pau Gasol to highlight mental fitness and its connection to "flow"—a state of optimal engagement and performance.

High Costs and Justification

• The app’s premium pricing positions it as a luxury service, targeting corporations with significant resources to invest in employee well-being.
• While outcome statistics may justify the cost for some, affordability limits its accessibility to a broader audience, raising questions about inclusivity in mental health solutions.

Critical Reception and Future Directions

• Public and Employee Reviews:
  • Despite positive endorsements, internal reviews on platforms like Glassdoor reveal dissatisfaction among employees and leadership challenges, potentially undermining the company’s credibility.
• Brand Authenticity:
  • To maintain its reputation, BetterUp must ensure its internal culture and practices align with its public-facing mission of improving mental fitness.

Conclusion

BetterUp markets itself as a transformative tool for both individuals and organizations, bolstered by testimonials and metrics. However, its steep pricing and internal criticisms highlight areas for improvement. As mental health continues to gain prominence in corporate strategies, balancing affordability, authenticity, and effectiveness will be key to BetterUp’s long-term success.

In their interview, Pau Gasol and Prince Harry delved into the concept of "flow," emphasizing its transformative impact on performance and well-being. Gasol's perspective sheds light on how flow transcends physical achievement, connecting deeply with mental and emotional alignment.

Prince Harry  sat down for a chat with ex-Lakers star Pau Gasol to discuss purpose, performance, and productivity, as part of his role with BetterUp in October

Gasol’s Perspective on Flow:

1. Purpose and Direction:

   • For Gasol, flow provides a "sense of direction, a sense of purpose," allowing him to stay anchored in meaningful actions rather than being consumed by external pressures or outcomes.

2. Present-Moment Focus:

   • He highlighted the importance of being "fully present" and "embracing the moment," which is central to achieving flow. This aligns with psychological principles suggesting that mindfulness enhances performance and satisfaction.

3. Larger Responsibility:

   • Gasol described flow as playing "for something bigger," a state where personal effort is tied to collective goals or values. This connection adds depth and motivation to his pursuits, blending responsibility with privilege.

4. Privilege in Presence:

   • Acknowledging the "responsibility and privilege" of his role, Gasol reflected on how embracing these dual aspects allows for a holistic engagement in the task at hand.

Gasol’s insights resonate beyond sports, applying to various fields where peak performance and personal fulfillment intersect. His focus on mindfulness, purpose, and connection underscores the universal applicability of flow in cultivating success and well-being.