The definition of well-being in our workplaces has quickly evolved—from basic policies to meaningful monthly initiatives that not only focus on employee wellness but also on engagement, culture, and overall experience. It’s no longer a transactional approach, but one that nurtures employees, helping them maintain a healthy balance between work and life.

In a candid conversation at the Total Rewards and Wellbeing Conference 2024, Shikhar Malhotra, Vice Chairman & CEO of HCL Healthcare, discussed the new normal of balancing work, wellness, and life, alongside Pushkaraj Bidwai, CEO of People Matters. Shikhar emphasised that "Health is just as important as Training & Development. So, don't just recognise employees for achieving their learning goals—acknowledge them for reaching their health goals as well." 

Read here the full CEO Chat: 

Work-life balance - the real metric of a healthy workplace

Highlighting the evolution of work-life balance in today’s workplaces, Shikhar said, “The work-life balance conversation has been around for quite a while. I think the dynamics have shifted. Initially, work-life balance was mainly about how women juggle careers and families, but now it’s more about how organisations can manage large workforces, keep them engaged, and take care of them. COVID really changed that dynamic for many of us. There’s been a global shift in how we approach this, and no country seems immune to the flux of these challenges, whether it’s people retiring or new employees joining,” 

Future of health and wellbeing amidst challenges..

Shikhar added, “What’s really encouraging is that organisations are beginning to take this seriously. So many leaders in benefits and health programs are emerging across organisations, which is a great sign, but the challenge remains. For example: Absenteeism in Europe is at an all-time high, mainly due to burnout and chronic diseases. So, the challenge for organisations is how to manage this flux. I believe in the next ten years, almost every large employer will essentially become a healthcare company in some form, having to manage benefits, insurance, and health programs. The question then becomes: How do we offer solutions that truly address the specific needs of individuals, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach that doesn’t yield great results?”

Dealing with wellbeing challenges..

“Work-life balance is different across different regions, absenteeism isn’t as much of an option—if someone is absent, it’s a huge issue because there’s not enough manpower to cover. So, in developing economies, companies need to balance empathy with pragmatism,” underlined Shikhar. 

He explained, “Empathy is key, as employees need to feel their well-being is a priority, but pragmatism is equally important. Organisations must ensure that when new health services or benefits are introduced, they’re transparent and communicated in a way that employees feel they’re genuinely being supported. Without that trust, there can be resistance to new policies, even if they’re intended to help.”

Leadership’s role in fostering a culture of well-being..

The key to driving a culture of well-being is mindset. ‘It’s not about creating complicated policies—it’s about leaders showing that they care. If training and development is a priority, why not health? If we neglect employee well-being, we risk carrying unhealthy individuals for years,” emphasised Shikhar.

He underlined, “Leading by example is crucial. We started initiatives, where we introduced health insurance for Shiv Nadar School’s teachers, and it ended up changing family dynamics for the better. When we recognised employees for their health achievements—like weight loss or marathon completion—these small gestures became part of the culture. Over time, more employees engaged in wellness initiatives, and it became a force of its own within the company.”

“We run India’s largest employee healthcare program, covering not just employees but also their parents and dependents. What started small grew quickly because leadership recognised the importance of prioritising health at every stage of life, especially as employees care for ageing parents. The results have been remarkable—productivity and retention have improved, with employees feeling more supported and staying longer, knowing their families are covered. It’s become a win-win for both the organisation and its people.”

“As the workforce evolves, the responsibility of companies to ensure their employees’ health and well-being are prioritised as well. It’s not just about offering perks, but about genuinely caring for people’s lives—because work and life are becoming more intertwined than ever,” Shikhar concluded.