Prince Harry’s £1million-a-year role at mental health firm BetterUp has been plunged into controversy as employees brand it a “toxic train wreck” and a “psychologically unsafe place to work”.
The Duke of Sussex, who joined as Chief Impact Officer in 2021, has been a prominent face for the US-based coaching company, making regular appearances at events and livestreams.
But past and present staff have painted a troubling picture of life inside the firm, with one employee claiming “everyone is uncomfortable and living in fear”.
Workers have also criticised the company’s “elitist club of leaders”, who they say “have no moral compass’ and ‘lack self-awareness”.
Prince Harry’s £1 million-a-year role at mental health firm BetterUp has been plunged into controversy as employees brand it a “toxic train wreck” and “psychologically unsafe place to work”
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The firm currently holds a concerning 2.8 out of five stars rating on employee review site Glassdoor.
Staff reviews on Glassdoor reveal deep-rooted issues within the company, with one former employee in October describing BetterUp as a “literal circus”.
“The company is a mess. Executive leadership is so detached from everyone else”, the former staff member told the review, before speaking on concerns about “weird trips and spending” and constant strategy shifts.
A current employee in September called it a “toxic train wreck”, adding: “You work your a** off but if you’re not in the inner circle, good luck to you.”
One account manager was particularly scathing, stating: “Their existence is based on lies, no moral compass and an elitist club of leaders that lack self-awareness”.
Staff reviews on Glassdoor reveal deep-rooted issues within the company
Glassdoor
Another reviewer warned: “No one will go to HR as HR is close to the leaders”.
A company chief executive who used BetterUp’s services expressed concerns about “confidentiality” and “privacy during coaching calls”.
BetterUp’s app, dubbed “life coach Tinder for millennials”, focuses on workplace performance and wellbeing through professional coaching and counselling.
The service comes with a substantial price tag, with corporate access reportedly costing around £2,600 per person for a 12-month membership.
Founded in 2013, the company claims to serve over 100,000 members through its network of thousands of coaches.
According to its own surveys, confidential coaching sessions can reduce stress by 24 per cent.
The Duke has made regular appearances at the firm’s offices in San Francisco and Austin
Some companies reported performance increases of up to 26 per cent and a 15 per cent reduction in burnout.
Despite some criticism on Glassdoor, the organisation has received some five-star reviews as well as one star.
Since joining BetterUp in 2021, Prince Harry has been actively involved in promoting the company’s mental health mission.
The Duke has made regular appearances at the firm’s offices in San Francisco and Austin, where staff enjoy facilities including office dogs, yoga studios and relaxation areas.
His role involves “advocating for mental fitness” and “guiding the company’s social mission”.
GB News has reached out to BetterUp and the Duke of Sussex for comment.
