In a world where work and life blur, what does it take to truly thrive? Aarti Srivastava, CHRO of Capgemini India, believes the answer lies beyond traditional metrics like paychecks and productivity. At a recent People Matters keynote, she shared Capgemini's innovative approach to creating a workplace that prioritises employee well-being, meaningful careers, and a holistic rewards system.

Times have changed. "When I started my career, we didn’t even talk about benefits like we do now. It was all about compensation,” she shared. “Today, however, we need to look at wellbeing holistically," said Aarti.  This evolution is especially important in India, where a staggering number of employees are grappling with burnout.

The new generation of workers is also reshaping how organisations think about career development. As Srivastava highlighted, many young employees prioritise personal growth and meaningful projects over climbing the traditional career ladder. She shared a conversation with a young team member who said, "I don’t want a career; I want projects that keep me stimulated." This sentiment, she noted, is becoming more common, prompting Capgemini to rethink how it approaches employee engagement and career paths to match individual aspirations.

Mental health is another priority for Capgemini. Srivastava stressed that employee wellbeing isn’t just about offering mental health resources but creating a supportive work environment where managers actively foster growth and positivity. “The biggest factor in mental wellbeing is often not policies but the manager,” she noted, emphasising the role of empathetic and well-trained managers in shaping a healthy workplace.

Capgemini also goes beyond financial rewards by focusing on genuine recognition and support for employees’ lives outside work. From partnering with caregiving services for employees with elderly parents to flexible working arrangements for new parents, Capgemini’s initiatives aim to make employees feel valued both as professionals and individuals.

In her closing thoughts, Srivastava highlighted that success in today’s workplace means creating a culture where employees feel empowered, respected, and motivated. "Mental well-being is a function of many things," she said, encouraging organisations to build policies that address both organisational goals and the daily lives of their employees.