REBOOTING EMPLOYEE WELLNESS AFTER COVID 19

Dr. Preeti Narendra

Assistant Professor & HOD HR, ITM B School, Kharghar

Dr. Snigdharani Mishra

Professor HR & Registrar, ITM B School, Kharghar

Date: October 17, 2022

Indian companies have geared up with innovative ideas for employee wellness to overcome the traumatic pandemic situation of 2019, which was created due to a prolonged lockdown. Focusing on both the physical and mental well-being of employees was the major concern during that time. Sticking to a proper diet and regular workouts are the solutions suggested by many researchers. Most of the companies followed the process by requesting in-house doctors and nutritionists to chalk out a weekly meal and workout plan that can be easily implemented and monitored. This was imperative as many employees were experiencing a new-normal work-from-home for the first time, causing behavioural and attitudinal changes. Clinical psychologists said that it is not advisable to earmark difficult initiatives for employees at home, especially as the strain of sitting in one place sans interaction with teams and colleagues could be demotivating. Calls and video conferences have only a limited role in uplifting employee morale. Even though now we have come back to the normal situation to some extent, it’s time to cherish the innovations that we have adopted and take them forward for the overall betterment of our employees.

With this backdrop, it is essential to highlight a few initiatives taken by organizations to provide employee well-being and reboot employee wellness, particularly after Covid-19. As pointed out by Mr.Rajeshwar Tripathi, CHRO at Mahindra group, a series of activities were conducted for the well-being of their employees. Interactive sessions with a nutritionist also helped employees to be physically fit. “Employees not only need to be mentally healthy but also need to be engaged in meditation/yoga to remain agile.” Companies tied up with external agencies for tips on indoor exercises during the lockdown as they felt that it can start taking a toll on employees’ health, sooner or later. Many employees are stirred by the magnitude of this pandemic. “Consumer habits will change forever,” said Ms. Rashida Vapiwala, an independent nutritionist who consults with corporations. She further adds that the health of employees will need to be taken seriously and not put on the back burner. “Prioritize health just as we prioritize our finances and financial security," adds Vapiwala. “Globally, we have rolled out a 'telemedicine program' to help our employees and their families with questions about their physical and mental health. They are also encouraged to seek confidential support from counselors via phone using the J&J (Johnson & Johnson) employee assistance program (EAP). Maintaining focus on their physical wellbeing is also important. “Digital mindfulness tools, virtual fitness sessions, home workout apps, access to health experts, and regular knowledge-sharing to ensure employees stay motivated, healthy and mindful” are important says Mr. Emraan Sheikh, head of HR, India & South Asia, Johnson & Johnson. Mr. Venu Srinivasan, chairman of TVS Motors concurs. “Not only is the health of employees monitored regularly, but a battery of doctors is constantly looking at their wellbeing. The employees can order medicines at home and are given access to health experts to remain fit and healthy”.

Mental Health is Personal

Personalized mental health is the need of the hour. One size does not fit all and that is why it is different. Even though long hours of continuous work at home is a major concern, an interesting fact was revealed by a survey conducted by Deloitte. 86 percent of millennials and 83 percent of GenZs view that Work From Home (WFH) can relieve stress. Similarly, according to LinkedIn’s #WorkforceConfidenceIndex, 42% of remote workers in India are concerned about working long hours and balancing personal/professional lives. Perhaps a hybrid model can work well, something that one-third of the organizations are looking to adopt.

What Can Be Done?  

The answer is very simple. Having strong mechanisms to deal with high-level stress is a requirement. Counsellors and Employee Assistance Programs can help. Encouraging managers and leaders to have frequent, frank conversations with teams and individuals, exposing employees to mental health, and recognizing signs of distress is the key. The one that works magic is the ‘peer-to-peer’ chat! Nothing complex. For example, a recent internal initiative at Deloitte called ‘Each One Reach “One' encouraged colleagues to call each other up at regular intervals and ask each other two questions, “How are you?” and “What can I do to help you?”

A Sense of Purpose

Indian companies are rethinking their Employees’ Wellness Programs and customizing them to accommodate the change in people’s habits after a prolonged phase of working from home due to the Coronavirus Lockdown and expect it will manifest in cultural shifts and personal choices. Assisting individuals in getting their objectives can help. Education and skill-building among underserved communities is a definite area where young professionals can come in and ensure that the lack of a classroom does not mean the lapse of an opportunity to learn. Mental strength will be a focus for an extended time. The pandemic has just turned the spotlight on it and helped us to rethink and reboot the wellness programs for a better future with balanced physical and mental well-being.