Good mental health is vital to overall health and well-being. Yet, World Health Organization (WHO) data suggests that one in eight people globally are living with mental health conditions. Discrimination, stereotypes, and stigma in the community and at the workplace are preventing healthy relationships, social interactions, and inclusive environments necessary for the well-being of all members of society. India Inc has made a start by actively creating awareness and driving actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental wellness as a universal human right. This includes ensuring access to mental health services as well as working together with likeminded individuals and communities.
On the occasion of World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2023, leaders from NatWest Group, Nutanix India, Pitney Bowes and STL share their perspectives on importance of mental health and employee well-being in the organisations.
Maneesh Menda, Head of Human Resources, International Hubs, NatWest Group
“Mental health is a basic human right that is crucial to personal, community and socio-economic development. As India Inc. embraces the art of enabling colleagues to bring their true self to the workplace, organisations will need to create programmes where mental health and well-being are an integral part of their offerings.
The wellbeing of our colleagues at NatWest Group plays a crucial part in achieving our purpose. Our “Live Well Being You” programme focuses on supporting colleagues to bring the best of themselves to work each and every day, to thrive and to be healthy and productive.
When colleagues need support, it’s important to understand how to have these conversations and know what support tools are available. Globally, we have over 1,500 colleagues acting as Wellbeing Champions. They listen to and support their colleagues across businesses and global locations. Our new comprehensive mental health learning programme works to raise awareness, spot the signs of poor mental health, and provides education on having conversations and sharing extensively available support tools. Approximately 11,000 line managers have taken this learning programme globally. This is just one of the ways that we are using to break the stigma around mental health, and create an open culture where colleagues can stay well and know that support is available, if needed.”
Renu Shekhawat, Director & Head of Human Resources, India & ANZ, Pitney Bowes
“When it comes to physical health, people tend to focus on it more proactively, but with mental health, many often don’t notice or act until symptoms start to really get in their way. Since the pandemic and as hybrid work became more integrated with the workplace, organizations have become more cognizant of their responsibility in supporting employees in making mental wellbeing a priority. There is an active effort to destigmatize mental health related issues and encourage leaders to display empathy and understand the unique needs of each team member. Providing a safe space at the workplace for employees to have an open dialog about their emotional health and giving them the support, they need is essential to a healthy workforce and to making employees feel they belong and are cared for.
The HR department sets the right precedent for the entire organization. At Pitney Bowes, we embrace the whole human and not just the person we see at work – understand and empathize with employees’ backgrounds and circumstances beyond the workplace. We offer free, confidential counseling services to all our employees as part of our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), regardless of where they are or what they do at the company. The service is staffed with independent, non-judgmental professionals to help them deal with any mental health challenges. To ensure employees’ overall wellbeing, we provide regular trainings and webinars hosted by experts, and other easily accessible fitness, nutrition, and emotional wellbeing programs and resources on our digital benefits platform.
Being aware of changing employee needs, adapting policies, and adopting new tools and technologies is the key to creating a holistic and healthy employee experience. It is critical to being resilient to change, maintaining employee morale, and driving innovation.”
Anjali Byce, CHRO, STL
“In my honest opinion, the health and well-being of employees lie at the very heart of an organisation’s success. In this fiercely competitive business world, we need individuals who are not only professionally adept but also physically and mentally resilient.
We’re undoubtedly witnessing a positive shift in workplaces. Mental health has moved from stigma to recognition, support, and understanding with more openness from employees, proactive employer actions, and a focus on work-life balance. Additionally, technology is playing a significant role, with employers offering mental health apps and digital resources for accessible support and valuable information.
In our organisation, mental health is never considered in isolation; rather, it is seamlessly integrated into our broader corporate agenda. This includes crucial discussions at the highest levels, such as those concerning diversity and inclusion, performance and growth, and the dynamics of employer-employee relationships. We prioritize the holistic well-being of our teams, focusing on emotional, social, psychological, and physical health while engaging and empowering them through skills, career growth, automation, and leadership development. I truly believe that developing an ecosystem of appropriate rules and putting them into practice, along with a sensitive atmosphere, enables employees to advance at STL.
We prioritize work-life balance and maintain a positive work environment for employee well-being where they feel comfortable talking about their mental health and seeking help. Through Optum, our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), we offer confidential, no-cost counseling 24/7 on various topics. We also provide flexibility with our Flexi-Holiday Plan, allowing employees to choose from a defined holiday list. We also believe that creating psychological safety in the workplace is indeed a critical element of promoting mental health and well-being among employees. While organizational policies and programs play a significant role, the role of the manager is equally crucial in fostering an environment where employees feel safe, supported, and able to manage their mental health effectively. Our managerial effectiveness program does just that and focuses on destigmatizing mental health within our organization. When managers prioritize and actively work towards creating a psychologically safe environment, it directly affects how employees experience their workplace. Our managers have open and honest dialogues, actively listen to their team members, and provide a non-judgmental space for discussions about many issues, including mental health. And we, of course, emphasize that our managers prioritise their own mental health and well-being too, and in the process, set a positive example for their team members.”
Sankalp Saxena, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Operations, Nutanix India
“In today’s fast-paced world, the everyday pressures and demands of modern life can take a toll on mental well-being, which makes the accessibility of mental health services, support, and resources accessible an imperative. Providing such support sends a powerful message of inclusivity, fairness, and empathy. Doing so also helps place mental health care front and center in our healthcare systems, recognising its integral role in all aspects of an individual’s life – personal and professional.
In fact, a report by Deloitte’s Mental Health Survey [deloitte.com] highlights that poor mental health amongst employees costs Indian employers around USD 14 billion annually in absenteeism, lower productivity, and attrition. Thus, companies must ensure their team members work in a healthy work environment that suits their needs. At Nutanix, this understanding isn’t just a belief—it’s an ethos we embed in our operations. We recognize that holistic wellness programs, which prioritize mental health, are instrumental for both individual and organizational success. Our Employee Assistance Program, Child Development Support Online Health Engagement Program, and online Mental Health counselling services are examples how we help our team members. By providing flexible work hours and a hybrid work model, we also encourage our team members to find the right work-life balance. In addition, we offer wellness days on a quarterly basis so our team members can take time off to rejuvenate and recharge. In championing community-based ecosystems, we strive to drive mental healthcare at a scale that ensures no one is left behind.”
Naveen GV, Corporate Officer and Managing Director, AAPAC, Benchmark Gensuite
“In today’s global landscape, acknowledging the crucial role of mental health within the ‘Social’ component of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is paramount. A recent survey conducted by MPower, an initiative by The Aditya Birla Education Trust, has illuminated this issue. It reveals that an alarming 48% of employees in corporate environments are grappling with mental health challenges. Notably, the study emphasizes that women, in particular, face a higher risk, with 56% experiencing mental health issues compared to 41% of men. This underscores the pressing need to prioritize mental well-being within our workplaces.
For over twenty-five years, we at Benchmark Gensuite, have been dedicated to fostering the comprehensive well-being of our team members and the organizations we collaborate with, aiding them in digitally transforming their health and safety programs. As an organization that places high value on diversity, quality, growth, and innovation, our dedication to the well-being of our teams is evident in our recognition as a 2023 Top Workplaces Industry Award Winner in the Technology Category. Today, we seize this opportunity to advocate for the prioritization of mental health in organizations, reaffirming our commitment to assisting organizations in advancing the holistic health of their workforce. Because mental health is not just a priority; it is a collective responsibility we all share.”
