With many in the hospitality industry feeling the brunt of the COVID pandemic, a border business is now equipping its staff with a new support tool.
Albury’s SS&A Club has partnered with Sonder, a safety and wellbeing app, which staff can turn to in an effort to break down the barriers associated with seeking help.
Employees can access nurses, mental health first aiders, safety and wellbeing support, and employee assistance resources 24/7 through the app.
Lockdowns on both sides of the border are taking a toll on hospitality workers, with many experiencing changes to their work hours.

SS&A chief executive Gerard Darmody said the partnership came about as the club was looking for innovative ways to assist their employees during this challenging time.
“We recognised that we needed to provide our staff with an innovative and holistic system, not just another employee assistance program or phone number on a pamphlet that they may never call,” he said.
“While the local Albury-Wodonga community is the soul of the SS&A, it’s our team that is the heart.
“They have worked tirelessly throughout lockdowns and border closures to support our patrons and keep them safe, but like everyone else, it hasn’t always been easy.”

Sonder is already partnered with the likes of the Woolworths Group, Commonwealth Bank and Youth off the Streets, however, the SS&A is said to be one of the first clubs to jump on board with the initiative.
“This is the first club partnership for Sonder, and we’re already seeing great value for the club and holistic centred support for their staff,” Sonders’ head of government and education Rodney Davis said.