Customer: Alcoa
The Challenge
Alcoa is a global leader in the aluminium industry, with operations across Australia employing thousands of people. It’s an environment shaped by heavy industry: high-risk jobs, long shifts, and the constant presence of union dynamics. For many employees, stress was simply part of the culture. Conversations about mental health were rare, and leaders often felt ill-equipped to deal with the personal struggles of their people.
The challenges were compounded by generational divides. Younger employees brought different expectations about support and wellbeing, while older employees were accustomed to a more traditional, “tough it out” culture. Without intervention, stress and cultural tension risked undermining both safety and productivity.
The Solution
Alcoa engaged In Bloom to design a company-wide mental health awareness program. Execs, managers, employees, and corporate leaders participated. The sessions weren’t lectures about compliance; they were interactive and grounded in the realities of industrial work. We used stories, scenarios, and practical tools to create conversations where none had existed before.
By training the entire workforce, the program didn’t just touch leaders; it reset the dialogue across all levels of the company.
The Results
Mental health conversations became normalised, reducing stigma.
Leaders gained confidence to support employees facing stress and personal challenges.
Employees felt heard and supported in ways they hadn’t before.
The cultural shift contributed to safer, more collaborative workplaces.
Customer Voice
“For the first time in my career here, I feel like we can actually talk about stress and mental health without judgement. That changes everything.” – Alcoa Employee