The Calm app is used by more than 1,000 businesses across the world and is designed to encourage employee wellbeing by promoting better sleep, reducing stress and anxiety, and developing greater mindfulness.

Startline CEO Paul Burgess said that the company was well aware of the specific difficulties associated with home working and the app was one of a number of initiatives in place to help staff maintain resilience.

“We recently completed an in-depth programme among employees and the overwhelming message was that the vast majority of staff like to work from home but the fact remains that it is a situation that can lead to feelings of remoteness and even loneliness.

“The app can help to alleviate these issues and has an excellent track record with some very large organisations. I’ve been using it myself and can vouch for its usefulness in helping you regain a sense of wellbeing when you had a stressful day.”

Paul said that Startline had plans in place ready for when staff could return to work but that it was not yet possible to set a date.

“In terms of when we can fully reopen the office, things are still very much up in the air and we are determined not to make any moves until not just when the government says it is allowed, but when we as a business are sure that it is as safe as possible.

“However, we have come to some decisions. We’ve decided to adopt a hybrid approach that will mean employees have to spend at least two days in the office every week. This is essential, we believe, to maintain the kind of company culture that we aim to create.

“It is noteworthy that we have around 40 staff who have been employed since the start of the pandemic so have only visited the office once, to collect their IT kit. We’re very mindful that these people need to be helped to feel part of the business.”