The era of the nine-to-five workday and rigid work-life boundaries is fading. Today's employees demand more than just time off; they seek holistic well-being. As organisations grapple with the challenges of a rapidly changing work landscape, the importance of employee well-being has never been more critical.

A session at the recently concluded TechHR India 2024 brought together industry leaders to explore strategies for creating thriving workplaces. From mental health support to physical wellness programs, these experts shared insights into how well-being is becoming a cornerstone of business success.

The new focus on well-being

Lipika Verma opened the session by discussing the increasing pressure on organisations to maintain a competitive edge while safeguarding their employees' well-being. She noted, "In a world where long hours and overwork are often celebrated, it's crucial to shift our mindset towards embedding well-being into the organisational culture."

Pankaj Mittal, SVP, CHRO Asia Pacific at American Tower, outlined his organisation’s comprehensive approach to employee well-being. With a significant portion of its workforce operating in the field, American Tower has implemented a range of well-being initiatives that address emotional, mental, and physical health.

Global strategies for well-being 

Dr Nirupama Srivastava, Group CHRO at Kreate Global, shared insights into how her organisation tailors its well-being strategies to meet the diverse needs of its global workforce. Emphasising four key dimensions—physical thriving, emotional balance, social connection, and intellectual growth—Kreate Global has developed a series of initiatives designed to enhance the well-being of employees at every level.

“We’ve worked hard to create an environment where it’s okay not to be okay," Dr Srivastava stated. She detailed how the company’s well-being programmes include personalised diet plans, regular health screenings, and mental health support, all aimed at boosting employee satisfaction and productivity.

Both leaders highlighted the critical role that technology plays in implementing and scaling well-being initiatives. 

Dr. Srivastava added that Kreate Global’s use of technology has produced measurable benefits, including improved employee health and increased satisfaction. “By adopting a data-driven approach, we can continuously refine our well-being strategies, ensuring they remain effective and impactful,” she said.

Other takeaways from the session

Integrate well-being into corporate culture: Well-being should be a fundamental part of the organisational ethos. This means creating a culture where care and support are ingrained in daily operations, rather than merely offering isolated programmes.

Adopt a holistic approach: Effective well-being strategies address multiple dimensions—emotional, mental, physical, and social—ensuring that employees are supported in all areas of their lives.

Leverage technology for impact: Utilising tools like Headspace, wearable devices, and data analytics can help track and improve employee well-being. Technology allows organisations to scale their initiatives and measure their impact more accurately.

Foster a supportive environment: Creating psychological safety and encouraging open communication are critical components of a successful well-being programme. Employees must feel comfortable discussing their concerns without fear of judgment.

Tailor strategies to your workforce: Recognise that one size does not fit all. Tailor well-being initiatives to meet the unique needs of your diverse workforce, whether through personalised health plans or targeted support groups.