Aston University partners with Lumien to improve workplace mental health

A leading Birmingham-based software company that specialises in data analytics for workplace wellbeing has entered into a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Aston University with the aim of improving mental health in the workplace.

A KTP is a three-way partnership between a business, academic partner and a graduate. The UK-wide programme helps businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills. Aston University is the leading KTP provider within the Midlands.

The Lumien analytics platform allows clients to manage and support employee wellbeing and build a positive mental health strategy. The software has helped multiple companies and supported thousands of employees.

However, Lumien’s clients are now seeking further proactive support. This has driven the development of a predictive analysis program which will facilitate high level decision making, and ultimately prevent mental health issues via early intervention.

Computer scientists from Aston University’s College of Engineering and Physical Sciences will deliver the expertise needed to apply sophisticated machine learning (ML) techniques required to enhance functionality and deliver an advanced version of the Lumien platform at scale.

This KTP will also provide rich data on the effects of age, gender and industry sector on occurrences of mental health issues to inform future research.

Dr Christopher Golby, director and co-founder of Lumien, said: “We at Lumien are extremely excited about this opportunity, and the support we will receive.

“We’re on a mission to empower people to take control of their own wellbeing and, having supported thousands of employees already in this, the expertise provided by Aston University will allow us to take this a significant step forwards, providing more personalized support for individuals, and allowing more strategic support for companies.

“We see this collaboration and partnership as a way to accelerate our growth and change how companies handle mental health and wellbeing, moving from a cautionary, reactive approach to a proactive, strategic manner, which supports all those involved.”

Dr Christopher Buckingham, one of the lead academics said: “It is a wonderful opportunity to help Lumien improve mental health in the workplace and fits very well with our own research. The KTP will link Lumien to our own GRiST decision support system that is in use by the NHS to assess and manage risks associated with mental health problems. The KTP will provide employees and organisations with a complete solution, where people are supported both within the workplace and, if people have more serious problems, with expert clinical advice outside it.”

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