As we bid farewell to 2024, one of the most significant lessons learned has been the importance of prioritising mental health—not just as an individual responsibility but as a collective and strategic organisational imperative. Across industries, mental well-being has emerged as a cornerstone for creating engaged, productive, and resilient teams. 

At Airtel India, says Amrita Padda, Chief People Officer, employees are recognised as the greatest asset, and their well-being is an utmost priority. To nurture the complete wellness of people including physical, emotional, social, and financial health, Airtel has a holistic, 360-degree employee wellbeing program called ‘Airtel Cares’.

“We strive to cultivate an environment of empowerment and open communication. To reinforce this, our business leaders spearhead Annual Wellbeing Cascades nationwide, engaging employees on the significance of well-being and encouraging them to utilise the benefits, policies, and resources available,” explains Amrita. Adding that Airtel focuses on all aspects of well-being through progressive policies, and also encourages people to slow down and enjoy moments with their families. 

Also Read:

Terumo India's Ritu Anand on challenges of HR in 2024

The changing dynamics of Group Health Insurance in India

For Jayanth Selvappullai, Global Head of People Function at Brillio, mental health is both an individual and collective responsibility. “Prioritising mental well-being requires creating a culture where it’s safe to openly discuss struggles without fear of judgment. The conversation around mental health has shifted from being a taboo subject to a vital part of employee support. Open dialogue, robust resources, and dismantling stigma are not only ethical imperatives but also essential for a thriving workforce.”

Jayanth highlights 2024 report that shows increased acceptance of therapy, especially among underrepresented groups, marking a societal shift toward emotional resilience. Organisations with mental health programmes report a 20% boost in productivity and engagement. “At Brillio, our Bringing Smiles programme has been instrumental in eliminating stigma and addressing emotional challenges, making mental health education a key part of our culture.”

Reflecting on the year gone by, Sonali De Sarker, SVP-HR, Epsilon India, highlights a significant company-wide realisation: mental health is more than just a topic of discussion—it’s a commitment.

Epsilon, says Sonali, believes a healthy mind is the foundation for personal and professional success. “Mental health isn’t just a checkbox—it’s the key to building a brighter, more inclusive future for all We believe learning is a continuous journey and in the upcoming year, we remain invested in the physical, mental and financial wellbeing of all our employees.” 

Arvind Raj, Chief Human Resources Officer at Mindsprint, reflects on 2024 as a year that reinforced the critical link between mental health and technology in building a high-performing workforce. 'Recognising this, we’ve reimagined HR technology to empower employees and drive organizational success by prioritizing well-being and productivity,' he shares. Mindsprint’s in-house innovation, HRGPT, features advanced tools like one-click sentiment analysis and actionable insights, enabling the company to address employee needs proactively. This approach fosters a workplace where mental well-being and productivity thrive hand in hand. Furthermore, partnerships with platforms like 1to1help underline Mindsprint’s commitment to holistic mental health support, offering free and confidential counseling services for employees and their families."

Creating a thriving workforce

Companies increasingly recognise that a thriving workforce is one where well-being is embedded into the core of workplace culture. “By normalising mental health conversations, fostering psychological safety, and empowering leaders and managers with empathy-driven approaches., organisations can create environments where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to contribute their best,” says Yash Mohan, Head of Human Resources – Wells Fargo India and the Philippines region.

At Commvault, the backbone of organisational security is its people. Ramesh Kalanje, Vice President of Global Centre of Excellence, emphasises the importance of prioritising mental well-being. “A culture of openness and support has been instrumental in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. Over the years, we have developed a holistic wellness strategy centered around four interconnected pillars—physical, social, mental, and financial health—with mental health at its core.”

In 2024, Commvault partnerned with Spring Health to provide personalised, 24/7 mental health support for employees with day-to-day challenges - ranging from everyday stress to significant issues.

Outlook 2025

To continue building on this momentum in 2025, Jayanth Selvappullai suggests that organisations embed mental health into their core values, using data and empathy to guide their efforts. “By prioritising well-being, organisations can foster supportive environments that lead to healthier, more resilient teams and long-term success,” Jayanth says.

Yash Mohan adds that Wells Fargo will continue to focus on comprehensive, proactive mental health approaches. This includes leveraging flexible work models, integrating technology for tailored support, and fostering inclusive environments that prioritize trust and openness. At Wells Fargo, says Yash, they have seen how these efforts not only strengthen their workforce but also contribute to meaningful progress, enabling employees to thrive and positioning organizations to drive sustained growth and innovation.

Amrita concludes by highlighting Airtel’s vision for 2025: “By fostering a supportive environment, we aim to help our employees thrive both personally and professionally, ensuring a healthier, more productive, and resilient team.”

As we look ahead to 2025, the message is clear: prioritising mental health is not just about meeting employee expectations—it is about shaping a sustainable, productive, and resilient workforce. Organisations that take proactive, comprehensive steps now will not only meet the challenges of tomorrow but also set the standard for a thriving workplace.