‘Companies should encourage interactions at workplace for employees’ good mental health’

The third edition of the e4m Health Communication Conference had industry stalwarts from various sectors coming together to discuss the topic ‘implementing a preventive approach to combat mental health concerns: workplace & beyond’.

The panel comprised Ajay Maurya, Head of Marketing, Fastrack; Dr. K Madan Gopal, Senior Consultant Health, NITI Aayog; Dr. Brig Rakesh Gupta, Director, Government Institute of Medical Sciences, UP; Piali Dasgupta, Senior Vice President - Marketing, Columbia Pacific Communities. The session was moderated by Ruhail Amin, Sr. Editor, BW Businessworld, Executive Editor, BW Applause. 

The session began with discussion about how organisations are looking towards preventive mental healthcare and whether there has been any shift in the way people look at it. 

Dasgupta said, “We haven’t even scratched the surface as far as doing something on mental health is concerned. What I find unfortunate is the fact that it took a pandemic for us to take mental health seriously. When it is such an integral part of your overall health and wellness, in fact it is health which is why it is called mental health, I do not understand why we have, for years and decades together, not paid attention to it. As far as organisations are concerned, I have to say that not much is being done. Yes, in the last two years awareness levels have gone up. Today, I think HR functions are taking it a lot more seriously. There are conversations happening with the leadership. We have seen organisations say that there is going to be yoga and meditation available on the premises etc. So yes, we have seen a lot of these initiatives. But are they enough or are they being done from the point of view of really looking at mental health seriously?”

Talking about how far have people come in conversation with implementing a preventive approach for mental health, Gupta elucidated, “Mental health is part and parcel for our health and well-being. According to WHO, mental health is physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being. I think, post Covid, we are now taking this complete definition in mind. Corporate organisations now have to look at the mental health of their employees. This is not only for their own safety and security but also for the productivity and whatever outcome you want to expect from your employees.”

Moving further in the conversation, Gopal stated, “It is very easy to talk about regulations. For mental issues, talking about regulation as a solution is easier said than done. We do have a mental health programme. We are at a different level of implementation.”

Concluding the session, Gupta said if one wants to improve the mental health of any organisation, they have to understand facts. They should find out what are the work-related risk factors. “Interaction is very important. We have to encourage interactions so that employees can come out with their problems. You can compensate for or improve the efficiency of your workers or employees by empowering them with good training and skills if you teach them. You have to look after them in case they are working in an unsafe environment. You also should improve their decision making,” he added.