Explore the significance of World Mental Health Day and its role in raising awareness about mental well-being. Learn about the importance of breaking the silence surrounding mental health issues and how individuals and communities can contribute to a healthier, more compassionate world
Suvarna Nikam, Head, Global HR Function, Visionet
As we observe World Mental Health Day, it’s imperative to recognise that mental health is a universal human right, extending far beyond the confines of the workplace. In a recent survey, a staggering 76% of Indian workers acknowledged that stress is negatively impacting their work. This alarming statistic underscores the urgency for organisations to prioritise mental health in the workplace.
At Visionet we are not only committed to creating a supportive workplace culture, but we also urge everyone, irrespective of their profession or walk of life, to be more mindful of their mental health.
As part of Visionet’s VisionTechFest, a platform designed to foster innovation and collaboration, we are conducting a webinar on mental health to shed light on the importance of mental well-being for all. We believe that by creating awareness, offering resources, and engaging in meaningful discussions, we can collectively contribute to a world where mental health is truly recognized as a universal human right.
Let us all be more mindful of our well-being and take proactive steps to care for it. Together, we can foster a workplace environment where everyone can thrive mentally and contribute to a brighter future.
Nina Nair, HRD Head & SVP, India and Americas at [24]7.ai
“ World Mental Health Day is not just a day of observance, it’s a call to action. Mental wellness plays a pivotal role in nurturing a vibrant and engaged workforce and is an important cornerstone of employee experience. This day stands as a powerful testament, reminding us that fostering a culture of candid discussions on emotional well-being is imperative to eradicating the taboo and labelling that still sadly continues around mental illness.
At [24]7.ai, we wholeheartedly endorse a comprehensive approach to well-being. CARE is rooted at the core of our culture and to sensitize GenZ and Millennials who are a large part of our employees, we offer a wide array of programs and counselling initiatives, including robust mental wellness support and employee assistance programs year long, all dedicated to nurturing our employees’ holistic health. Our unwavering commitment to our vision of ‘Happy Hearts at Work’, embodies our steadfast dedication to fostering a positive and empowering workplace. We firmly believe that organizations have a vital role to play as guardians of employee mental health, fostering an environment that raises awareness, sensitizes, offers accessible solutions for common mental health challenges like anxiety and stress, and promotes inclusivity and empathy.
We envision a future where mental well-being is intricately woven into the fabric of our global community, fostering a world where everyone’s right to mental health is cherished and upheld.”
Rajesh Mani, Senior Vice President, Head of Asia Pacific Technology Hubs, Mastercard.
“In a world full of fast changing technology and omnipresent digital and social media, a focus on mental wellbeing becomes even more critical. Through thoughtful policies and practices, organizations must make it a priority to create a space where employees can strike the right work-life balance while finding compassion and connection in their colleagues. At Mastercard, we are guided by our commitment to decency, which permeates in everything we do. We look at wellbeing holistically, focusing on mental, physical, social, and financial wellness. When it comes to mental health specifically, we support our people through a variety of in-person and virtual resources, including digital coaches, and a best-in-class mental resilience platform. We provide free counselling sessions to employees and eligible dependents, offer a 24X7 emergency support hotline, as well as other benefits to help them navigate life’s various challenges. We have also implemented a host of unique flexibility policies to help employees strike the right balance and take the time they need to do what’s important to them. Most of all, it is our people, who continue to be a genuine source of camaraderie and support to each other.”
Ms. Ruchika Malhan Varma, Chief Marketing Officer, Future Generali India Insurance Company Ltd.
“Future Generali India Insurance has always been at the forefront when it comes to mental health awareness. As a brand that stands for innovation, human-touch and empathy, we promote meaningful dialogues regarding mental well-being, aiming to break down persistent societal taboos and encourage individuals to prioritize their mental health. Our focus on mental health extends to our customers and employees both. Some of our key health products provide the much needed OPD coverage for mental health, psychological counselling and wellness content. For our employees, we provide a specialized and exclusive mental health hotline throughout the year. On this special day, we offer all our employees a day off to prioritize their mental health. Furthermore, we are organizing a session for our employees, encouraging them to seek help if needed, and reinforcing that seeking assistance is an act of strength, not weakness.”
Prashant Pandey – President – Rotostat Pvt. Ltd. (A ManpowerGroup Company)
“I came across a meaningful statement recently – ‘You need to remind yourself that the greatest gift you can give yourself, your loved ones and the world is a healthy YOU!’ In this context we need to remind ourselves that health has both a physical and mental dimension. In today’s stressful world, It is exhausting to fight so many wars every single day inside our head. The biggest challenge with mental illness is that people refuse to recognize and accept it. There is still a stigma associated with it. We need to remind ourselves that preservation of mental health is easier than the cure of the disease that an unhealthy mind causes.”
Ms. Shefali Bairaria Suri, CHRO, Greaves Cotton Limited.
“On this occasion of Mental Health Day, let us remember that our workforce is our most invaluable asset. The achievement of each person propels the collective triumph of any organisation. Mental well-being and performance are intricately connected, and it falls upon us to prioritise the comprehensive welfare of our staff. At Greaves Cotton, we consistently improve our workplace atmosphere to guard against negative influences on our ethos. Through frequent employee engagement initiatives, we promote a culture that places people at its core, founded on principles of trust and mutual esteem.”
Hardeep Singh, President of Right Management India.
“Loss is profoundly painful, and the pain of regret that comes with knowing that we could have done something but didn’t is even worse. Begin by caring for yourself, then extend a listening ear to your loved ones. In doing so, you’ll either grow from the experience or help someone else grow. It’s about spreading positivity, that’s good karma! On Mental Health Day, make a list of important people in your life and connect with them and offer your presence as a safe haven for their thoughts and feelings.”
Dr Vasudha Aggarwal, Clinical Director, United We Care
Anxiety is an unsettling feeling that something is not right, even though everything seems fine. Whereas panic is a sudden, intense fear that something dangerous is going to happen to you.
Both are accompanied by physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweaty palms, trembling, and muscle tension, but they vary in intensity, with panic attacks having severe symptoms.
With anxiety, the thoughts are like “my friends don’t really like me” or “I am going to embarrass myself.”
It’s like a whirlpool of self-doubt, pulling you down and leading to either procrastination, perfectionism, or avoidance. But in panic attacks, the anxious tracks are like, “I am having a heart attack; I am going to stop breathing and suffocate,” causing intense physical symptoms.
Bhasker Bhandary, Director of Human Resources, Acer India
“In our modern society, it is imperative that we challenge the stigma surrounding mental health, cultivate a culture of compassion, and ensure accessible support for every individual. At Acer, we prioritize the well-being of our employees, recognizing that their mental wellness is paramount. We firmly believe that organizations have a responsibility to champion mental health by implementing dedicated policies and support systems for employees. In this collective effort, Acer plays a crucial role in fostering a more compassionate and empathetic global community. This year’s theme, ‘Mental health is a universal human right,’ underscores the notion that mental health is a concern that transcends boundaries, emphasizing our shared responsibility to pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for all.”
Mr. Surya Pulagam, Founder of Praan Mental Wellness
“In today’s global landscape, mental health has emerged as a pressing concern, further exacerbated by the proliferation of misleading information. Reliable sources such as mental health apps, web portals and mental health professionals play a pivotal role. World Mental Health Day holds a critical place in creating awareness, promoting open discussions, and reducing the stigma associated with mental health. Alarming statistics underscore the magnitude of this challenge: approximately one in four individuals worldwide grapple with mental health disorders, with depression standing as a leading cause of disability. In India alone, an estimated 150 million people require active mental health intervention. Mental health in India has been an unserved space and the eco system still isn’t conducive for people to seek health. The initiatives from the government, start- ups, the media support etc., is slowly bridging the gap.
Fostering mental well-being necessitates the promotion of a balanced lifestyle, encompassing aspects like a healthy diet and mindfulness practices such as meditation. There is a need for building a community around mental health and wellbeing, that provides a comprehensive support system and safe space along with a means to address and manage mental health issues. Let us seize this day as an opportunity to create awareness, educate, and empower people in the mental health space, thus contributing to a society where seeking assistance is not just accepted but encouraged.”
Dr. Vikram Vora, Medical Director at International SOS
“Indian subcontinent highlights that the unique challenge of having 1 out of every 7 Indians affected by mental health and wellbeing issues can only be met through a comprehensive understanding of the psychosocial risk landscape followed by concrete and coordinated action. Employers, leaders and managers need to be aware and accept that the rapidly evolving world of today, especially after the pandemic, is no longer a place where employees feel naturally safe and protected. Problems like economic uncertainty, uncertain employment, growing infectious diseases, climate anxiety and geopolitical crises, expose employees to unforeseen risks. Organizations would do well to reassess their employee health and well-being strategies to identify gaps and fill them in the quickest possible time.”
Sqn Ldr Dimple Rawat (Retd), Director – HR, Barco India
“Celebrating Mental Health Day, Barco stands strong in the commitment to nurturing not just technology, but the well-being of every individual. Let’s come together to eliminate the negative perceptions, encourage open discussions, and build a future in which mental health is appreciated, and prioritized. At Barco, we ensure that every voice is heard, every struggle acknowledged, and every individual supported on their journey toward a healthier mind. Together, we can create a world where mental health is truly valued.”
Rahul Sahay, Senior Vice President, HR Corporate, Virtusa Corporation
“On World Mental Health Day, at Virtusa, we affirm our commitment to the well-being of our employees, recognizing that mental health is a universal human right. This year’s theme, ‘Mental Health is a Universal Human Right,’ strongly reflects our commitment to bring out positive change in this field. Through our initiatives, we strive to create a culture of compassion, understanding, and support where every employee has equal access to mental health care and resources. We believe that by breaking down barriers, fostering inclusivity, and amplifying awareness, we can build a world where mental health thrives, and all employees can flourish. Together, let’s champion mental health, empowering ourselves and our community to lead happier, healthier lives.”
Akshay Munjal, Founder and CEO, Hero Vired
“With rising academic and upskilling needs, professionals often experience stress and anxiety to keep pace with the dynamic job landscape and intense competition, which can hinder their growth. Recognizing this, Hero Vired has chosen to commemorate World Mental Health Day this year by launching ‘Vired to Listen’, a one-of-its-kind initiative in the industry aimed at providing continuous support to its learners. This innovative initiative offers learners the opportunity for private one-on-one counselling sessions conducted virtually. The initiative marks a significant step forward in nurturing their overall well-being especially in the space of career transition, employment breaks, and work-life balance. Hero Vired’s endeavour is to provide learners with a safe space to express their concerns, seek guidance, and find solutions to their challenges as a learner’s mental health is directly linked to their overall success and well-being. We are confident that this initiative will be instrumental in providing a nurturing space to our learners
Sandeep Girotra, CHRO, DCM Shriram Ltd
“DCM Shriram is committed to the mental well-being of all its employees and their families. Through a collaboration with Silver Oak Health, an Employee Assistance Program on Mental WellBeing. DCM Shriram offers a range of vital services, including counselling, resilience certification, mindfulness practices, and holistic wellness support. The partnership encompasses free counselling sessions, guided meditation, and an 8-week certification program designed to empower individuals to proactively identify and manage stress, and foster resilience. Additionally, it also provides multiple self-help resources, such as mental well-being awareness initiatives, self-assessment tools for understanding one’s well-being, and access to an E-library with self-help books and yoga recordings.”
Harsh Kapoor, Partner, Deloitte India
“According to a recent survey, nearly 80% of the respondents (comprising white collar workers) reported suffering from Mental health issues in the past year, and nearly half of those cited workplace stress as the biggest factor affecting their mental health and wellbeing.
This indicates the urgent need for companies to take adequate steps to identify mental health stressors in their workforce and enhance access to relevant treatments.”
