Health and wellbeing have moved from being workplace perks to business essentials, reshaping how companies support their employees. As organisations increasingly recognise that healthier teams are more resilient and productive, wellness strategies have evolved into comprehensive programmes addressing physical, mental, and emotional needs. 

In this exclusive interview with People Matters, Shikha Saxena, President of HCL Healthcare shares how she has redefined corporate wellness through a data-driven, human-centric approach—bridging the gap between care and affordability, transforming mental health support, and shaping the future of healthcare with cutting-edge technology; revealing insights on how businesses can build a culture where wellbeing isn’t just a benefit—it’s a way of life.

Edited excerpts from the interview - 

Wellbeing has become a key focus, especially since the pandemic. What does a meaningful employee wellbeing programme look like to you, and how is HCL Healthcare making it work?

The pandemic redefined how we view wellbeing—it’s no longer a “nice-to-have” but an essential element of building strong, productive teams. A meaningful wellbeing programme is more than just offering gym memberships or annual health checks. It involves supporting employees in every aspect—physically, mentally, and emotionally—while making wellbeing an effortless part of everyday work life.

At HCL Healthcare, we adopt a whole-person approach through our “continuum-of-care” model. Rather than focusing on isolated health concerns, we support employees throughout their wellbeing journey. Our partnership with Johns Hopkins Hospital helped us establish a strong foundation based on clinical quality and precision, which our dedicated Medical Quality Team continues to uphold today.

The impact has been remarkable: 75% of employees using our programmes report increased productivity, while companies benefit from significant savings through reduced absenteeism. Internally, we practise what we preach. Wellbeing is embedded in our culture through initiatives like our wellness ambassador programme and the Green Apple Award, which celebrates employees who’ve achieved impressive health transformations. When wellbeing becomes part of an organisation’s DNA, employees thrive—and so does the business.

Mental health is often discussed but not always acted upon. How can companies go beyond words to make a real impact? What’s working at HCL Healthcare?

Talking about mental health is crucial, but meaningful action requires creating an environment where support is accessible, confidential, and integrated into daily work life. Mental health care shouldn’t be reserved for emergencies or treated as a one-off service.

At HCL Healthcare, mental health isn’t just a policy—it’s a core part of how we operate. We offer online and in-person counselling, resilience workshops, and tailored programmes covering everything from parenting support to managing travel-related stress. Our data-driven dashboards allow companies to track engagement and adjust their programmes for maximum impact—all while keeping employee information strictly confidential.

We focus on making support approachable, not intimidating. When employees know they can seek help without judgement or fear of being singled out, they’re more likely to reach out. Mental health support doesn’t need to be loud—it needs to be consistent, compassionate, and always available.

Healthcare can be costly. How do you balance affordability with quality care, and how does technology help bridge the gap?

Making healthcare affordable while maintaining high standards is a complex challenge, especially in a country as diverse as India. At HCL Healthcare, we believe the solution lies in balancing three key factors: Efficiency, Expansion, and Evolution.

We begin with efficiency—using data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to anticipate patient needs and deliver care faster and more precisely. Expansion involves using technology to provide healthcare access in underserved areas without the need for extensive physical infrastructure. Lastly, evolution ensures we continuously learn, adapt, and improve based on real-world outcomes.

Our wellness platform integrates electronic medical records (EMRs) and real-time dashboards, enabling companies to make data-driven care decisions. Our continuum-of-care model has helped clients reduce medical costs by 20-30% while maintaining high clinical standards through our Medical Excellence Team. By blending compassionate care with cutting-edge technology, we ensure that high-quality healthcare remains accessible and affordable.

India’s healthcare system is vast and complex. What do you see as its biggest challenges—and where are the growth opportunities?

India’s healthcare system faces significant challenges but also holds immense potential for transformation. Access to care remains uneven, particularly in rural areas where hospitals, clinics, and trained professionals are often scarce. This urban-rural divide creates significant disparities in healthcare delivery. Additionally, healthcare costs can be overwhelming, leaving many families unable to afford essential treatments.

Another pressing issue is the shortage of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and mental health experts. The focus on reactive care—treating illnesses rather than preventing them—further strains the system, particularly with the rise of lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and heart conditions.

However, there is enormous growth potential. Digital health platforms, telemedicine, and AI-powered diagnostics are already bridging access gaps. Public-private partnerships offer opportunities to scale affordable healthcare solutions by combining government reach with private-sector innovation. By emphasising preventive care, raising health awareness, and embracing emerging technologies, India’s healthcare system could become a global model for inclusive, high-quality care.

Employee wellbeing needs are constantly evolving. How can companies keep up and ensure their programmes remain effective?

Employee wellbeing isn’t static—it changes as people’s lives and circumstances evolve. Today’s employees expect wellbeing to be an integral part of their work experience, not just an occasional benefit. In fact, 87% of employees consider wellbeing programmes when choosing where to work.

At HCL Healthcare, we’ve built a flexible, data-driven platform that adapts in real-time. Employees can access telehealth services, participate in wellness challenges, and manage their health through condition-specific programmes. Companies can track key metrics such as absenteeism, satisfaction, and productivity through our EMR-integrated dashboards, enabling them to adjust their programmes as needed.

Our chronic condition management initiatives have benefitted over 100,000 individuals, demonstrating the programme’s tangible impact. Employees are more likely to engage when they can see positive, measurable results. This creates a cycle of trust, participation, and continuous improvement—empowering employees to take charge of their health while helping businesses thrive.

Looking ahead, what’s one trend you believe will reshape healthcare in the next five years?

The future of healthcare lies in integrated, data-driven ecosystems powered by AI. This shift will move healthcare from reactive to proactive, creating a seamless model where patients, providers, and caregivers stay connected.

Imagine real-time health monitoring where AI-driven alerts notify healthcare providers of potential issues before symptoms even appear. This kind of early intervention could reduce emergency visits and improve health outcomes. An interconnected system would ensure smooth transitions from diagnosis to treatment, with healthcare providers having full access to a patient’s complete medical history.

Perhaps the most exciting development is patient empowerment. When individuals have access to their health data, they can set personal goals, track progress, and make well-informed decisions about their care. It’s about creating a healthcare system that is not only efficient but also empathetic—helping people live healthier, happier lives.