Building Employee Resilience

Presently, while many organisations already address physical health through health checks, onsite clinics, benefit programs etc., it is mental wellbeing that remains largely unaddressed.  

With employees working longer hours to meet deadlines and achieve targets, work-life balance is fast becoming a mirage that everyone seems to be chasing. In India, the challenges of burnout, anxiety, and depression at the workplace get complicated by cultural, economic and social dynamics. It is therefore necessary to refocus attention on mental wellbeing in contemporary workplaces and devise strategies for employee and organizational resilience. 

The statistics on mental health in India speak volumes about the situation. The World Health Organization (WHO), in a study, found that India harbors nearly 15 per cent of the global mental health burden. Another survey by the Indian Psychiatry Society in 2021 revealed that the prevalence of mental health issues has increased by 20 per cent over the past few years. Additionally, the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) reports that nearly 10 per cent of the 500-million strong Indian workforce suffers from some form of mental health disorder, with stress and anxiety being the most common. And this may be the proverbial tip of the iceberg - we all know that stigma prevents the average Indian from accepting that s/he may be suffering from mental ill-health. 

The world is changing faster than our ability to keep pace. The devastating pandemic - which according to a recent survey caused 55 per cent of India’s professionals to suffer work-related stress - has now been replaced by a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environment and nowhere is this more evident than at the workplace. Economic uncertainty, high job demands, lack of job security, and poor work-life balance have exacerbated feelings of unease, dissatisfaction and isolation. The consequent loss in productivity – both personal and professional – is difficult to estimate. 

How can organisations protect their workforce and increase their ability to adapt and bounce back from adversity – something we call “resilience”? Helping employees manage stress, maintain productivity, and improve overall wellbeing must be done with the larger picture in mind. Building resilience is not only beneficial for employees but also for organizations, as resilient employees are more likely to stay engaged, perform better, and contribute positively to the workplace culture. 

However, this is easier imagined than done. For any wellbeing strategy to be successful, the correct guidance and direction from experts is essential. A medically led strategy and clinically governed execution is the only way to ensure successful outcomes. Let’s consider a few things that could be part of such a strategy: 

Awareness and education: 

Organisations MUST prioritise mental health awareness and education. Leaders need to lead the way in this. Participation in workshops, seminars, and training sessions, and ensuring availability of mental health resources onsite can be a tremendous start. 

Infusing positivity at the workplace: 

Employers should foster a culture of respect, inclusivity, and support. Employee reward and recognition programs should also focus on highlighting employees' efforts at encouraging open communication and addressing any form of workplace harassment or discrimination. Creating a sense of community and support among employee groups can be helpful. Not leaving out employee dependents also fosters goodwill and positivity. 

Healthier work practices: 

Offering an adaptable work arrangement with options for remote working, flexible hours, and having sensible and sensitive leave policies that include caregiver leave, makes work seem more human and healthier. 

Helping employees make informed lifestyle choices: 

Physical and mental health go together. Promoting physical activity at the workplace may seem challenging but it is not – encouraging the use of stairs, standing desks, walking breaks is easy. In addition, ensuring that the cafeteria / canteen food served is designed by a qualified nutritionist / dietician helps. Highlighting the importance of sleep, and stress management techniques, such as mindfulness and meditation, can also contribute to building resilience. 

At-work access to mental health resources: 

While most companies do have Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), it must be remembered that these are typically reactive and hence, are minimally used. As a proactive measure, providing a counselor at the workplace, who can engage individuals as well as groups with self-help materials, mental health apps, and wellness programs has been found to be beneficial. 

As workplace challenges continue to become more complex, it is imperative that mental wellbeing of the workforce occupies the primary place in the list of health priorities in organizations and proactive measures are taken to address these challenges. Unless this is done now, the sustainability of business operations will remain in doubt for a long time to come.