At the People Matters TechHR India 2024, a session dedicated to employee well-being brought together top industry leaders to discuss its growing importance in today’s workplace. Moderated by Lipika Verma, VP of Rewards & Performance Innovation & Thought Leadership at Schneider Electric, the discussion offered valuable insights into how well-being initiatives are increasingly vital for boosting performance and fostering organisational resilience.
Redefining success: the new focus on well-being
Lipika Verma opened the session by discussing the increasing pressure on organisations to maintain a competitive edge while safeguarding their employees’ well-being. She noted, “In a world where long hours and overwork are often celebrated, it’s crucial to shift our mindset towards embedding well-being into the organisational culture.”
Holistic well-being: A game changer for American Towers
Pankaj Mittal, SVP, CHRO Asia Pacific at American Towers, outlined his organisation’s comprehensive approach to employee well-being. With a significant portion of its workforce operating in the field, American Towers has implemented a range of well-being initiatives that address emotional, mental, and physical health.
“We are committed to providing psychological safety through our Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), which allow employees to openly discuss their concerns in a confidential setting,” Pankaj explained. He also highlighted the importance of fostering a supportive community through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and the role of technology in monitoring and improving well-being across the organisation.
Global strategies for well-being: Kreate Global’s approach
Dr Nirupama Srivastava, Group CHRO at Kreate Global, shared insights into how her organisation tailors its well-being strategies to meet the diverse needs of its global workforce. Emphasising four key dimensions—physical thriving, emotional balance, social connection, and intellectual growth—Kreate Global has developed a series of initiatives designed to enhance the well-being of employees at every level.
“We’ve worked hard to create an environment where it’s okay not to be okay,” Dr. Srivastava stated. She detailed how the company’s well-being programmes include personalised diet plans, regular health screenings, and mental health support, all aimed at boosting employee satisfaction and productivity.
The role of technology in scaling well-being initiatives
Both leaders highlighted the critical role that technology plays in implementing and scaling well-being initiatives. Pankaj discussed how tools like Headspace and wearable devices are used to track employee well-being, noting that these tools have led to significant improvements in engagement and productivity at American Towers.
Dr. Srivastava added that Kreate Global’s use of technology has produced measurable benefits, including improved employee health and increased satisfaction. “By adopting a data-driven approach, we can continuously refine our well-being strategies, ensuring they remain effective and impactful,” she said.
Key takeaways from the session
The TechHR 2024 session offered valuable insights for HR professionals seeking to enhance their organisation’s well-being strategies. Here are the key takeaways:
Integrate well-being into corporate culture: Well-being should be a fundamental part of the organisational ethos. This means creating a culture where care and support are ingrained in daily operations, rather than merely offering isolated programmes.
Adopt a holistic approach: Effective well-being strategies address multiple dimensions—emotional, mental, physical, and social—ensuring that employees are supported in all areas of their lives.
Leverage technology for impact: Utilising tools like Headspace, wearable devices, and data analytics can help track and improve employee well-being. Technology allows organisations to scale their initiatives and measure their impact more accurately.
Foster a supportive environment: Creating psychological safety and encouraging open communication are critical components of a successful well-being programme. Employees must feel comfortable discussing their concerns without fear of judgment.
Tailor strategies to your workforce: Recognise that one size does not fit all. Tailor well-being initiatives to meet the unique needs of your diverse workforce, whether through personalised health plans or targeted support groups.