Groupe BPCE highlights the importance of mental health and psychological disorders

The European Disability Employment Week took place from November 18 to 22, 2024. The Groupe BPCE participated in this major event for job seekers with disabilities, recruiters, and business leaders by reaffirming its commitment to raising awareness, informing, and taking action.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly one in five French people is affected by psychological disorders. Staying true to its cooperative DNA and values, the BPCE Group and its companies have chosen to highlight invisible disabilities, particularly mental health and psychological disorders, as part of SEEPH 2024.

To contribute to advancing employment for people with disabilities, numerous key events and initiatives were proposed to raise awareness among employees of the various companies within the group. The program included humorous posters, virtual reality workshops, a “slightly crazy” stand-up performance by comedian François Mallet, participation in the Duo Day initiative, newsletters, and funny yet educational videos (on topics such as recognition of Disabled Worker Status, working with a disabled employee, disabilities, migraines, and endometriosis) that encourage individuals to embrace their differences openly and with humor!

For the Groupe BPCE, the objectives are clear:

• Act for better inclusion of invisible disabilities and psychological disorders in the workplace;
• Carry out awareness-raising actions accessible to the largest number of people;
• Break taboos and encourage employees facing these challenges to speak up so that they can receive the best possible support.

Actions and commitments

Committing to equal rights and opportunities and the professional integration of employees with disabilities is a social responsibility for the BPCE Group, as well as a performance challenge.

Since 2006, the companies of the BPCE Group have implemented a proactive policy based on major commitments in recruitment and support. For example, one of our recruitment objectives is to hire at least 500 people with disabilities (permanent contracts, fixed-term contracts of over six months, and apprenticeships) from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025. Regarding support, we have more than 4,700 employees with visible and invisible disabilities as of the end of 2023, who are monitored in a personalized and confidential manner. Our ambition is the same for everyone: to guarantee the best possible working conditions regardless of the disability, provide personal support, and develop an increasingly inclusive environment.

In this dynamic, the role of occupational health teams, disability referents (one per entity within the group), and social workers is crucial in implementing these measures. The support of Human Resources teams is also essential as they are on the front lines of evolving our health and safety policies and practices.