'Prioritising Mental Health to Foster Resilient Workforces: Lessons Learned in 2024'
As the year comes to a close, human resources (HR) leaders are reflecting on key lessons learned about prioritising mental health within organisations. With the COVID-19 pandemic still casting a shadow over global economies, investing in employee well-being has emerged as a cornerstone for creating engaged, productive, and resilient teams.
Across industries, companies have come to understand that mental health is no longer an individual responsibility but a collective and strategic organisational imperative. Leading HR experts believe that by normalising conversations around mental health, 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.
Airtel India's 'Airtel Cares' has been instrumental in embedding a holistic well-being program across its workforce. Chief People Officer Amrita Padda says that employee recognition is key to prioritising mental health, and by spearheading Annual Wellbeing Cascades nationwide, employees are encouraged to open up about their struggles without fear of judgment.
Jayanth Selvappullai, Global Head of People Function at Brillio, highlights a significant shift in societal acceptance of therapy. While the stigma surrounding mental health has decreased, it's clear that organisations must continue to tackle this issue head-on. By creating robust resources and dismantling stigma, companies can not only support their employees' emotional resilience but also see a boost in productivity and engagement.
In recent reports, organisations with effective mental health programs have reported significant boosts in productivity and employee satisfaction. Companies like Commvault and Wells Fargo India & Philippines have successfully embedded mental wellness into their organisational culture by leveraging technology, offering flexible work models, and fostering inclusive environments that prioritise trust and openness.
As the year comes to an end, it's clear that organisations will need to continue pushing forward in 2025. According to Jayanth Selvappullai, embedding mental health into core values will be key. "By prioritising well-being, organisations can foster supportive environments that lead to healthier, more resilient teams and long-term success," he says.
Yash Mohan, Head of Human Resources at Wells Fargo India & Philippines, believes that data and empathy will be crucial in guiding efforts to support employee mental health. By leveraging innovative approaches such as flexible work models and robust resources, organisations can not only strengthen their workforce but also contribute to meaningful progress.
As the business world moves forward into 2025, it's evident that prioritising mental health will play a pivotal role. Companies that take proactive, comprehensive steps will set the standard for a thriving workplace and will be poised for long-term success in an ever-evolving economy.