International Mental Health Day: Promoting wellness and resilience in workplaces

As we observe International Mental Health Day, the focus shifts to fostering mental wellness and building resilience, especially in the workplace.

In Short

• Stress and burnout are major workplace issues affecting productivity.
• Creating a supportive culture boosts employee engagement and morale.
• Mental wellness initiatives like counselling and flexible work help reduce burnout.

In today’s fast-paced work environment, stress and burnout are common challenges that can impact anyone. That’s why promoting mental wellness and building resilience isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for a thriving workplace. When employees feel supported and empowered to manage stress and bounce back from setbacks, they’re not only happier but also more engaged and productive.

Creating a culture of mental well-being starts with simple yet impactful steps: fostering open communication, offering mental health resources, and ensuring employees have a healthy work-life balance. Little things like regular check-ins, access to counselling, or mindfulness sessions can make a huge difference.

When companies prioritise mental wellness, employees feel valued and cared for, which boosts morale, reduces burnout, and strengthens team spirit. Ultimately, a resilient workforce isn’t just more effective—it’s more connected, motivated, and ready to tackle whatever comes its way. Investing in mental health is an investment in the people who drive a business forward.

Please find the inputs below -

AMIT JAIN, CEO, TEAMLEASE HCM

The workplace is the top source of stress among people dealing with mental health issues, and more than 50% of them experience depression, emotional anxiety, or burnout. Businesses need to create a culture that promotes mental well-being. Such a culture can be built when the employees in the workplace feel safe, secure, respected, valued, and connected with the people around them. Providing health insurance, employee well-being programs, conducting employee pulse surveys, and rewarding and recognising the top performer — all such existing best practices can help you promote a healthy work culture in your organisation. But, for maximum effectiveness, the HR function must proactively ensure that employee mental health is at the centre of their efforts and is a strong focus area for the leadership of the organisation.

DARSHIL SHAH, FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR, TREADBINARY

"Encouraging mental wellness resilience in the workplace goes beyond managing the stress of work—it's about cultivating a culture where employees feel supported, empowered and valued. While workplaces once focused primarily on physical labour, today’s demands involve significant mental exertion, which can contribute to physical health issues if not addressed. Promoting open communication and empathy is essential to fostering a healthy work environment, alongside encouraging work-life balance, mental wellness initiatives, and recognising achievements. By prioritising these elements, organisations can create an atmosphere where employees can effectively manage challenges, leading to a healthier and more productive workplace."

SIDDHANT JAIN, CEO & CO-FOUNDER, VDOCIPHER

Employee productivity is closely tied to their mental and physical well-being. Stress, overwork, and health issues can lead to burnout, reducing focus, engagement, and overall performance while also disrupting team dynamics and workplace morale. On the other hand, supporting well-being through programs that promote mental health, work-life balance, and physical fitness results in higher motivation, improved creativity, and better productivity. Flexible work arrangements, such as remote or hybrid models, help employees manage personal and professional responsibilities, reducing absenteeism and ensuring steady progress toward business goals.

Startups can benefit greatly from prioritising well-being. VdoCipher, a secure video streaming provider, offers a strong example by adopting initiatives like a hybrid work policy that allows employees to work three days in the office and two days from home, reducing commuting stress and boosting productivity. VdoCipher also supports employee mental health through yoga and meditation programs, helping them manage stress and build resilience.

Additionally, team outings, sports activities, and nature trips are organised to promote relaxation and team bonding. Financial security is addressed through competitive compensation and emergency assistance, enhancing trust and job satisfaction.

By adopting these strategies, startups can create a supportive work environment that fosters both employee well-being and sustained business growth.

ROHIT GUPTA, COO & CO-FOUNDER, COLLEGE VIDYA

In today's fast-paced business world, mental wellness resilience is a strategic necessity. At College Vidya, we're creating a culture that openly addresses mental health challenges and provides robust support. We empower our team with tools to navigate stress and thrive, including flexible work arrangements and counselling services. By prioritising mental wellness, we invest in our people and our organisation's long-term success. As leaders, we must foster an environment where seeking help is seen as a strength, not a weakness. We encourage our team to balance work and personal life, take time to replenish themselves and speak out their concerns. This International Mental Health Day, let's transform our workplaces into havens of well-being where everyone feels valued and equipped to face life's challenges. Remember, you owe the responsibility of your mental health and well-being to yourself." -