The recent, tragic loss of employees due to work-related stress paints a grim picture of a workplace culture that is dangerously out of balance. With stress levels reaching a breaking point, it’s clear that half-hearted measures are no longer enough. Simply urging managers to be more observant isn’t cutting it. Organisations must undergo a seismic shift in their approach, prioritising regular wellness checks and creating genuine channels for employee feedback.
Navaneet Mishra, Senior Vice President & Head of Hexagon’s R&D Center India, advocates for skip-level meetings as a crucial strategy to break down barriers. “Employees must feel safe voicing stress-related concerns,” he asserts. “We need to eliminate the hierarchies that stifle honest communication.”
Anitha Sarathy, India Head of People and Culture at Encora Inc, sees the tragic reports linking work stress to fatalities as a wake-up call. “This is a bold reminder that organisations must prioritise mental well-being,” she declares. Encora has adopted regular wellness surveys and robust feedback mechanisms, honing in on issues like workload imbalances and unclear expectations. “Our goal is simple: create an environment where employees thrive—not just endure.”
Anitha highlights Encora’s partnerships with wellness providers, stating, “We’re committed to tackling issues before they escalate.”
The company has implemented policies such as remote-first work and dedicated mental health days to help employees excel in their roles while maintaining their well-being. “Thriving professionally shouldn’t come at the cost of personal life,” Anitha adds.
For Rachna Taranath, Interim Head of HR at MassMutual India, identifying potential risk factors is crucial, as they can show up in different ways. “We can create a culture of inclusion by regularly listening to team members, collaborating with them, and stepping away from a top-down approach,” she says.
Creating an inclusive culture
HR leaders understand that fostering a culture of psychological safety is crucial for supporting employees’ mental well-being. This involves implementing a range of policies and practices, such as 24/7 access to free counselling from trained professionals, comprehensive mental health insurance coverage, dedicated HR business partners for immediate support, and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that help build community among staff.
“We’ve enhanced our wellness policies with flexible hours, a hybrid work model, and support for child and elder care, including free on-site daycare. Our employee-led clubs organise cultural and sports events, fostering engagement and allowing employees to express themselves in a relaxed environment,” says Navaneet.
Anitha stresses the importance of creating a safe environment for employees to voice mental health and workload concerns without fear. “We offer confidential reporting channels and enforce strong anti-retaliation guidelines. Our managers are trained to recognise signs of burnout, fostering a culture where discussions about mental health are not just accepted but encouraged.”
Rachna emphasises that flexible hours, remote work, and generous leave policies are essential for a positive work environment at MassMutual. “These practices empower employees to balance their personal and professional lives effectively,” she states.
Fostering psychological safety
Navaneet emphasises that people are an organisation’s greatest asset and prioritises an open-door policy at all levels to foster a culture of openness. “Our Reverse Mentorship Program, where Gen-Z colleagues mentor leaders like me, exemplifies this commitment,” he says. He also notes that town halls are platforms for diverse questions, with leadership ensuring every concern is acknowledged and addressed.
As a People and Culture leader, Anitha champions work-life balance and mental health. “We’ve introduced recharge days, flexible hours, and adjusted meeting times for global teams,” she says. “Our aim is to embed well-being into our culture, prioritising mental health alongside physical health.”
“We recognise that employees thrive best in environments tailored to their well-being and development. Our experience shows a direct link between employee wellness and business outcomes, with 90% of our global workforce delivering value to clients from a GPTW-certified office,” Anitha states.
“Empowering employees starts with equipping them with the right resources and knowledge,” Rachna explains. “It’s crucial to create a safe environment where they feel heard. We implement programs and campaigns that encourage employees to seek help before issues escalate. By establishing checkpoints and maintaining open communication channels, we effectively address employee concerns,” she adds.
By cultivating psychologically safe work environments, companies empower employees to express mental health concerns freely and access vital resources that support their well-being. This proactive approach not only enhances individual health but also creates a thriving workforce ready to excel both personally and professionally.