People are the most valuable asset of any organisation, and their well-being must be a priority. A holistic approach to mental health is crucial, especially for women, who often face unique pressures balancing career aspirations with societal expectations.

In India, structural barriers such as career breaks, workplace ageism, and gender bias further contribute to mental strain. Creating a truly resilient workforce requires organisations to move beyond support and actively dismantle these barriers.

For Maninder Singh Nayyar, CEO and Founder of CEF Group, respect and inclusion go beyond support programs. He believes workplaces must actively remove biases, not just accommodate them.

According to him, re-entry programs, flexible policies, and mental health resources help, but true progress comes when we normalise women’s ambitions and leadership without questioning their commitment.

Maninder says that prioritising mental well-being means dismantling the barriers. It’s time to build workplaces where women don’t have to fight for space—they own it.”

For Akshit Bansal, CEO & Founder, Statiq, mental health should be embedded in company culture, not treated as an afterthought.

“Empowering women goes beyond policies—it’s about fostering a culture of empathy, flexibility, and psychological safety,” mentions Akshit. He adds that true inclusivity means actively listening to employees, understanding their challenges, and ensuring they have the resources to thrive professionally and personally. 

Mental well-being is a crucial aspect of this, and creating a workplace where everyone feels supported at every stage of their careers should be the priority. 

“As a gender-neutral organisation, we believe in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, feels valued, heard, and empowered to grow. As leaders, it is our responsibility to not just advocate for gender equality but to implement meaningful actions that drive real change,” explains Akshit.

Creating an environment of openness and promoting a culture of sharing any difficulties at the workplace, be it co-employees work behaviours, office facilities, especially space during their mental stress time etc., can significantly impact women's mental health by creating a supportive workplace. 

According to Amarnath Halember, CEO, NextG Apex India Pvt Ltd, a resilient workforce is built through leadership training that prioritises empathy.

He emphasises that implementing mentorship programs connects women with senior leaders, fostering a sense of belonging. “Regular employee well-being surveys and acting on feedback are crucial. CEOs must actively destigmatise mental health issues, ensuring a culture where women feel safe and supported, ultimately benefiting the entire organisation."

When leadership actively champions mental health, employees feel safe, supported, and empowered to succeed."

For Praveen Singh, CEO of Aasoka (MBD Group), promoting mental well-being is not optional—it’s essential to building a resilient workforce.

“Women frequently face special challenges, from stress in the workplace to juggling personal and professional life. As leaders, we need to create an environment where mental health is discussed freely, help is readily available, and flexibility is promoted. By breaking the silence and establishing a safe, empathetic space, we can enable women to bring their best selves to the workplace, facilitating both personal health and organisational success,” says Praveen.

When women feel supported, they don’t just grow in their careers—they drive the success of the organisation.

Join us at People Matters TechHR India 2025 at Yashobhoomi Convention Center, New Delhi, where industry leaders will discuss why personal excellence is key to driving organizational change. Gain insights on cultivating emotional intelligence, adaptability, and strategic thinking—not just for yourself, but for your teams as well. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to lead with confidence in an ever-evolving workplace.