One Consultant's Journey to Create Wellbeing-Led Cultures
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I saw workplaces where micromanagement and burnout were the norm. That’s when I got really interested in organisational psychology and wellbeing.
– Viola Schatzschneider, Client Solutions Consultant, Open Water
In 2025, burnout remains a significant issue in the workplace. O.C. Tanner’s 2025 Global Culture Report revealed that 74% of UK workers report significant levels of burnout. At the same time, the NHS spends an estimated £11 billion each year on stress-related health issues, according to research by Cigna. Highlighting the need for organisations to put people at the forefront.
Viola Schatzschneider – our in-house expert in wellbeing, organisational psychology and culture, and behavioural science – has seen this first hand. Raised in Munich and shaped by a career that’s spanned Germany, France, and England, Viola has experienced a range of work cultures. But very early on in her journey, she noticed something was consistently missing. Pressure to perform was constant, but space to pause, reflect, and feel truly supported was often absent.
This realisation led her to The London School of Economics, where she studied what really drives human behaviour – and what it takes to create environments where people can thrive, not just survive.
For over a decade, Viola has taught yoga and mindfulness across London and Paris, in both studio and corporate settings. When the pandemic hit, she launched her own wellbeing brand, coaching individuals in self-awareness, presence, and compassion.
“I wanted to create a space where people could connect with themselves – to stop, breathe, and feel. A space that encouraged kindness and gratitude, which is something we need now more than ever – in a world where we are so critical on ourselves.”
It’s that unique lens – combining science with self – that drew her to Open Water.
“Open Water not only help their clients create more emotionally intelligent teams and leaders, but also do the same for their employees. When I spoke to the team about working from anywhere in the world, their response was simple: We trust you. That level of autonomy gives me a real sense of ownership and inspires me to go above and beyond. It feels like I’m building something that’s mine, not just clocking in and out of a 9-to-5. And that’s the kind of environment I genuinely want to be part of.”
Now, as a Client Solutions Consultant, Viola works fluently in German, French and English, partnering with global clients to design experiences that foster psychological safety, emotional intelligence, and lasting change.
“I deeply believe if you prioritise your people, you create more efficient, productive organisations. The data is clear: companies that prioritise wellbeing perform better long-term.”
Viola is also motivated by the ripple effect of this work – how healthy workplace cultures impact families, communities, and broader society.
“When someone is burnt out, the impact doesn’t stop at them. It affects their families. It impacts health systems.”
Today, whether working from London or (most recently) surfing in Portugal at the end of her workday, Viola nurtures her wellbeing by staying connected with her purpose – which she recently reflected on during her inspiration day (a full day the Open Water team get each quarter to step away from work and follow whatever sparks their curiosity). For Viola, that meant taking time to reflect, set new intentions and realign with what truly matters – personally and professionally.
“In the midst of everything, we often forget our ‘why’. But purpose is central to wellbeing. When we remember why we do what we do – we show up with more intention.”
1. Make wellbeing a real priority
Leading organisations treat wellbeing as the key to performance, engagement, and keeping great people.
2. Create real accountability & ownership
People thrive when they feel trusted to lead, not just follow. Giving them space to take initiative, while knowing they’re supported – builds confidence, autonomy, and psychological wellbeing.
3. Trust their judgment
Micromanagement kills motivation. When people feel genuinely trusted, they show up with more energy, creativity, and care – all of which fuel wellbeing.
4. Hire for skills and mindset
The right people, who are values-driven and motivated from within, help shape a culture everyone wants to be a part of.
5. Connect people to purpose
A clear sense of why fuels long-term motivation. When people see their work matters, they feel more energised, focused, and fulfilled. Purpose is one of the most powerful drivers of long-term wellbeing.
6. Create psychological safety
When people feel safe to speak up, ask questions, and challenge ideas without fear, it reduces anxiety and builds trust. Safety is the foundation of both learning and wellbeing.
“I'm inspired to see our clients shifting to prioritising wellbeing culture, not seeing it as a ‘nice to have’ anymore, but recognising it as a strategic priority.”
Specialists in the human side of change, we partner with leading life science organisations to deliver deep change and cultural transformation.