From mental health leave to psychiatrists on call – companies in India are helping employees deal with stress and anxiety

• Ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10, some have introduced ‘mental health leaves,’ while others are working towards reducing the pressure on employees as well.
• Working professionals have complained of long working hours, endless meetings, and increased pressure from employers, all while they have limited or no ways to relieve their stress.
• Companies are also beginning to understand that having a psychiatrist available for employees is as important as having a doctor on call.

The coronavirus pandemic has once again brought mental health at the forefront of all discussions. As people work from home, stress and anxiety levels are through the roof – a recent survey, said that 36% of Indian employees are suffering from mental health issues.

Working professionals have complained of long working hours, endless meetings, and increased pressure from employers, all while they have limited or no ways to relieve their stress. The uncertainty during the pandemic regarding health and job security has only added to the stress.

But now, companies are taking cognizance of what they can do to help their employees' mental well-being. Ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10, some have introduced 'mental health leaves,' while others are working towards reducing the pressure on employees as well.

Unrestricted ‘mental health’ leave policy

Home services startup Urban Company (formerly known as Urban Clap) has announced an unlimited mental health leave policy. “Employees will be allowed to take unlimited sick leaves in case they are suffering from any form of mental or physical illness, particularly if the patient has contracted COVID 19,” said the company.

While the company has already announced work from home until the end of the year, it has added five additional leaves for its employees. Other big companies like PwC, PepsiCo, and even Google have been making way for extra off days clubbed with the weekends, so that employees can take some time out to relax.

Access to help

Companies are also beginning to understand that having a psychiatrist available for employees is as important as having a doctor on call. Urban Company has partnered with the mental wellness platform, iWill, to give its employees access to one of the country's top psychologists.

“These are anxiety-prone and sensitive times. Mental Health is one aspect of human well-being about which people have very little understanding in not only identifying the symptoms but also in helping another person suffering from it. Mental health treatment and psychological consultations continue to be expensive. Therefore through such initiatives, Urban Company is not only trying to foster employee health but also create an environment where people feel safe to talk about mental health issues,” said Suhail Vadgaokar, Director HR at Urban Company.

Meanwhile, another company PayU said that it provides employees and their families with confidential psychological counselling 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It has also been encouraging employees to take leaves to help take their mind off work. The company has also started an initiative called Uthrive which is a wellness survey under which PayU employees shared feedback in terms of areas where support is needed. The biggest concerns that came out through the feedback are work-life balance, remote work support and social connections.

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