Prince Harry's lucrative role at mental health company BetterUp is called into question as current and former employees brand the work culture a “toxic disaster”. The Duke of Sussex, who reportedly earns around £800,000 a year as the company's impact director, now finds himself at the heart of allegations against the company, which bills itself as a leader in mental wellbeing and business coaching.
BetterUp: Mental Health Advocacy or Corporate Chaos?
BetterUp, a Silicon Valley-based company providing mental health coaching and support to businesses, has seen rapid growth thanks to high-profile backers like Prince Harry. The company touts its mission to “unleash human potential,” but insiders paint a much bleaker picture.
According to reports, employees have accused the company of fostering an unforgiving and toxic work environment, seemingly at odds with its mental health advocacy. Former employees describe a workplace filled with excessive pressure, questionable management practices, and a culture that left employees feeling undervalued and overworked.
One disgruntled former employee didn't mince his words: “BetterUp claims to care about mental health, but they don't practice what they preach internally. It’s a toxic disaster.”
Prince Harry's role under scrutiny
As Chief Impact Officer at BetterUp, Prince Harry has played a key role in how the company is publicly perceived, bringing his royal cachet to its global campaigns. While his exact responsibilities remain ambiguous, critics have questioned whether Harry's £800,000 salary is in line with BetterUp's ethical values, especially as employees allege welfare issues at work.
The controversy raises questions about Harry's oversight in his role. One former employee remarked, “It's ironic that someone who advocates for mental health is associated with a company where employees feel mentally exhausted.” »
Growth or greed? Employee reaction
BetterUp's surge has been propelled by its ambitious expansion and high-profile partnerships. However, insiders say the company's rapid growth has come at a significant cost. Employees allege the firm prioritizes profits over people, leaving many disillusioned with its practices.
Reports suggest that some employees were pushed to achieve impossible goals, while others faced unclear expectations from management. Despite its mental health mission, BetterUp's internal practices reportedly failed to support the well-being of its workforce.
Public Perception and Accountability
The allegations against BetterUp come at a time when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are vocal advocates for mental health awareness. Critics argue that Harry's association with the company risks undermining his credibility as a champion of mental health.
A royal commentator noted: “Harry's reputation as a mental health advocate is at stake. If these allegations are true, it raises serious concerns about his due diligence in aligning himself with such a company.”
What’s next for BetterUp?
BetterUp has not yet addressed specific allegations of toxicity but has maintained its commitment to mental health support. The company is under increasing scrutiny, and its association with Prince Harry adds a layer of complexity to its public image.
For Prince Harry, the situation highlights the challenges of balancing his advocacy work and business activities. As BetterUp faces growing criticism, the Duke of Sussex will likely need to address his role at the company and allegations regarding its work culture.
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