World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity (illness).”
However, the current context in India reveals that only 15% of the overall workforce, approximately 72 million individuals, are covered by corporate health and wellness programs, leaving around 405 million employees across sectors without access to such initiatives. Additionally, about 13.7% of the Indian population has experienced a mental health disorder.
Due to the lack of health and wellness programs in the organization, employees encountered numerous challenges that affected their well-being and overall experience within the company. By implementing industry-leading best practices, these issues can be addressed and positively impact the employees’ welfare and overall satisfaction within the organization.
Challenges:
Lack of Awareness and Education: The India Fit Report 2020 found that 53% of workers were unaware of the benefits of regular physical activity and exercise.
Sedentary Lifestyles: Desk-bound jobs contribute to sedentary lifestyles, affecting around 63% of employees in India. The resulting health-related productivity losses account for an estimated 4.5% of the country’s GDP.
Work-Related Stress: High-level stress is prevalent in organizations, affecting 46% of the Indian workforce. This stress can lead to strained personal relationships and reduced personal life satisfaction. Work-related stress also contributes to health issues such as high blood pressure.
Lack of Work-Life Balance: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance remains a challenge for many professionals, with 46% experiencing burnout. Inadequate work-life balance leads to decreased job satisfaction and increased turnover rates.
Best practices:
Create awareness through education programs: Based on the ASSOCHAM survey, 78% of the employees who participated in the survey (out of the total 53% response rate) stated that health awareness campaigns will have a positive impact on worker productivity.
Encourage physical activity with workplace wellness programs, leading to a 24% rise in employee physical activity levels (India Fit Report 2020). Provide exercise facilities like gyms, yoga classes, or dedicated workout spaces.
Address work-related stress by offering stress management programs and resources. This improves employee well-being and productivity by 76% (Optum Employee Wellness Index 2019).
Establish Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) providing confidential counseling. EAPs result in a significant reduction in absenteeism (60-80%) and increased productivity (25-30%) (NIMHANS).
Conclusion:
Promoting a culture of health and wellness in India requires ongoing efforts, policies, and interventions. Collaboration among government entities, healthcare providers, and communities is crucial for driving positive health outcomes and ensuring a healthier future for all Indians.