The news of EY employee Anna Sebastian Perayil’s untimely death allegedly due to overwork and stress, has sparked debates on toxic work cultures that are so prevalent in the country. Her suffering was not only shocking but also relatable for many corporate employees, who sympathised with Anna and her family. It also brought many such similar stories into the spotlight, making people question the fast-paced and high-stress level jobs we work in.More recently, the news of a Delhi man resigning from his job on the very first day due to the toxic work conditions and his manager’s unreasonable demands went viral on the internet. Such incidents only make one think and ponder– how much work is too much work? And while much is spoken about the need to disconnect and recharge and have a healthy work-life balance, what are employers and companies doing to ensure their workers’ overall well-being? So, we asked a few employers about their viewpoints on promoting the mental health and well-being of their employees, and here’s what some of them told us:
Chhaya Sarma, Head of Human Resources at Axio, said, “In today’s fast-paced world, prioritizing mental health is vital. Supporting well-being in the workplace not only helps employees thrive but also cultivates a healthier organizational culture. At Axio, we have always emphasized the importance of mental health. Beyond promoting work-life balance, we’ve launched several initiatives focused on employee well-being. Regular one-on-one sessions with HR help address individual needs. We dedicate a day each week to health and wellness, sharing resources to support balanced lifestyles. Additionally, we’ve partnered with specialists to offer free therapy sessions for employees and their families. For us, prioritizing mental health isn’t just essential—it’s the foundation of holistic well-being.”
Meanwhile, Satish Kannan, Co-founder & CEO at MediBuddy, shared that a majority of workplaces mostly focus on productivity, but there is an imperative need to focus on holistic growth and wellbeing of the employees. Elaborating this, he said, “Recent findings from our report with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Mapping Healthcare: A Look at India’s Corporate Wellness Programs, reveal that 62% of Indian workers report experiencing burnout, compared to a global average of 20%. This statistic highlights the imperative for organisations to prioritise mental health as a core component of employee well-being and productivity. We believe that prioritising mental health is not just about addressing crises but about creating a foundation of care that prevents them. Employees need to feel supported not only when they’re facing challenges but long before they reach that point.”
He further added, “By investing in preventive healthcare, organisations can not only safeguard their employees but also create a vibrant, innovative workforce that can adapt to challenges and drive the organisation forward. By embedding care at the heart of corporate health and wellness, we aim to build healthier, more resilient workforces where mental health is prioritised, not as a reaction to a crisis but as a proactive commitment.”
While such healthcare initiatives by companies are great, it is also noted that all work and no play can have a significant ill effect on one’s mental health. And so, regularly disconnecting from work and recharging is also as important as taking good care of one’s physical and emotional well-being. And the e-commerce website Meesho seems to have noticed this well. Just a few days back, Meesho made the headlines for giving nine days of complete leave to their employees to “rest and recharge” after a successful Mega Blockbuster Sale!
Now, this seems like music to the ears of some people who end up slogging even on their off days– be it to their work pressures or the stress of losing their jobs due to AI or freshers who are easily recruited at a small package, among other reasons.
Talking about how they are tackling this situation, especially in the cyber-security sector, Sharda Tickoo, Country Manager for India & SAARC at Trend Micro, told us, “The cybersecurity sector faces relentless pressure which is undeniable. The nonstop stream of threat alerts demands rapid, high-stakes decision-making in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. This constant state of vigilance, while crucial to maintaining security, can take a heavy toll—leading to stress, burnout, and emotional fatigue, all of which can diminish both performance and well-being. A report by Gartner highlights these factors, predicting that by 2025 nearly half of CISOs and cybersecurity professionals will change jobs, 25% for different roles entirely due to multiple work-related stressors… At Trend Micro we recognize that while technology is vital, it’s the people who keep our systems secure, and their mental health needs to be prioritized. Therefore, to foster emotional intelligence and mindfulness we adopted programs like ‘Search Inside Yourself,’ originally developed by Google. This program equips our teams with skills to thrive under pressure, focusing on critical skills like embracing uncertainty with mindfulness and emotional Intelligence, practising self-awareness, managing stress and difficult emotions, and empathy for high performance. By investing in their emotional and mental well-being, we are committed not only to safeguarding our systems but also ensuring that our people feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed in the face of adversity.”
Adding to it, Romita Mukherjee, Head of People and Culture at Whatfix, said, “Mental health is the cornerstone of a thriving organization. By prioritizing mental well-being, businesses create environments where employees feel valued, motivated, and empowered to reach their full potential. At Whatfix, a culture of mental health as a top priority has been carefully cultivated. The partnership with Inspiron offers free access to certified psychologists, while wellness programs like RolfFit muscle therapy and fitness collaborations ensure support remains accessible and confidential. This approach has led to a surge in participation, signalling a positive shift in attitude toward mental health and reducing the stigma around seeking psychological support. Looking ahead, there is a firm commitment to sustaining and enhancing these mental health initiatives. Employees are encouraged to actively engage with available resources, including therapy, fitness, and wellness programs. By promoting open communication and support, Whatfix ensures every employee feels empowered to prioritize their mental health and overall well-being.”
While some companies seem to be doing much on record for their employees’ well-being, it is also important for the employees to prioritise their health and well-being at the end of the day. After all, change begins from within. And so, despite the ever-increasing job stress, it is upon us too to take crucial steps to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
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