In 2024, the unfortunate passing of 26-year-old Anna Sebastian Perayil, an Ernst & Young (EY) India employee, brought renewed attention to the critical issues of job stress and toxic work environments. Anna died just four months after joining the company, with her mother attributing her death to “overworking” and a demanding workplace culture.
While Anna’s story garnered significant media coverage, it represents just one of many instances of workplace stress that often go unreported. This widespread concern not only affects employee well-being but also impacts organisational health. In light of this growing crisis, many forward-thinking companies promote employee wellness through various initiatives to foster a well-being culture. A 2024 study by Prudent Insurance Brokers indicates that Indian companies are increasingly enhancing employee benefits, focusing on health and wellness initiatives. Key features include:
- Preventive screenings
- Annual checkups
- Mental health support within group insurance policies.
While this is just one aspect of the issue, many organisations are exploring innovative strategies beyond traditional benefits. These approaches target the root causes of workplace stress and foster a supportive environment. Let’s delve deeper into these impactful initiatives.
The rise of corporate wellness programs
A corporate wellness program consists of benefits that a company offers to enhance the well-being of its employees. Many organisations highlight these programs to attract talent and boost job satisfaction among their workforce. Some of the innovative Indian corporate wellness programs are:
Yoga and meditation retreats: Bengaluru-based Capillary Technologies organises biannual yoga and meditation retreats, each spanning one to two days, located on the outskirts of Bengaluru. These retreats offer employees an opportunity to detoxify and reconnect with themselves, featuring sessions on meditation, sound meditation, yoga nidra, and mindful eating. CEO Aneesh Reddy or external experts often lead these sessions.
Integrating sports and wellness: Myntra, a leading e-commerce company, has introduced an in-house pickleball court at its Bengaluru office to give employees and their families a unique recreation and social interaction space. In addition to the pickleball court, Myntra’s campus features a wide range of sporting and engagement facilities, including a lawn tennis court, an indoor gaming arena, a gym, table tennis tables, a cricket practice net and ground, and an indoor badminton court.
Nap time: In 2022, Wakefit, a Bengaluru-based D2C startup focused on home and sleep solutions, introduced a designated nap time for employees from 2:00 to 2:30 p.m. as part of its “Right to Nap” policy. The idea behind this change is that promoting wellness boosts individual job satisfaction and performance and enhances overall morale, productivity, and effectiveness within the organisation.
Mental health as a priority in corporate wellness
“Every organisation must prioritise the mental health and well-being of employees by providing support for those facing challenges like depression,” said Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao in 2024. This call to action reflects a vital shift in corporate wellness programs, especially in response to the increased burnout and stress many experienced after the COVID-19 pandemic.
As organisations recognise the importance of mental health, they are enhancing Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) to offer free counselling sessions and online self-care resources. Many are also introducing “recharge days” to encourage relaxation and rejuvenation.
- For instance, global consulting firm Deloitte has launched Collective Disconnect days, which involve a complete shutdown during the last week of December. This initiative lets employees focus on rest simultaneously, leading to better engagement and productivity.
- Similarly, e-commerce platform Meesho prioritises employee well-being with its annual “Reset and Recharge” break after the holiday season. This initiative, part of its MeeCARE program, offers employees extended time off to disconnect and recharge.
- Additionally, Mumbai-based health tech startup Alyve Health supports its employees by offering access to therapy, counseling, and stress management programs. They also provide AI-driven self-care tools that promote mindfulness practices, assist in setting personal health goals, and enable proactive tracking of emotional well-being.
Together, these initiatives illustrate the growing importance of mental health benefits for employees.
Conclusion
Indeed, the concept of employee wellness in the corporate environment has transformed significantly, shifting from merely offering health benefits like insurance policies to a diverse array of programs prioritising mental and emotional well-being. As more companies recognise the importance of supporting their employees holistically, we expect to see a growing trend toward an employee-first approach. After all, when employees feel valued and supported, their engagement and productivity soar, ultimately driving long-term business success.