Holistic Wellbeing Takes Center Stage In Modern Workplaces

Aarti Srivastava, CHRO, Capgemini India, describes the organisation’s approach towards employee safety and health, as well as wellness. The organisation was awarded in Health and Safety Initiatives, as well as Learning & Development, at the BW People HR Excellence Awards.

Post Covid, what has been the most significant shift in your organisation's approach regarding people's safety and health?

Post-Covid, our organisation has made a significant shift in how we prioritise safety and health by emphasising holistic wellbeing and integrating mental health into our core strategy. Leadership has cultivated a culture that values flexibility, resilience, and proactive care. We have broadened our support systems, implemented comprehensive remote work safety measures, and emphasised the importance of mental health through regular check-ins, access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and wellness initiatives that cater to both physical and psychological needs. This people-centric approach ensures that our employees feel supported and secure, regardless of whether they are working on-site or remotely.

What have been some initiatives towards health and safety for all employees in the organisation in the last two years?

At Capgemini, we have implemented several key initiatives to enhance health & safety for all our colleagues. We provide medical insurances to all our employees to provide holistic support in the need of hour. We also provide free health checkup to some employees. We also recently launched a condition management program where we focus on conditions such as Diabetes, PCOD and cardiac health management. Our parental program i.e. FareWelcome supports our employees in the pre and post pregnancy phase ensuring we handhold our employees during this critical transition in life. Our 24x7 Medical Helpline provides comprehensive services such as specialist medical consultations, remote ambulance support, etc. Additionally, some of these programmes are extended to employees’ dependents and covers all support staff. 

Mental health is an important aspect of modern life. What steps have been taken on that front?

Recognising the importance of mental health, at Capgemini, we have taken significant steps to support our colleagues. Our expanded Employee Assistance Program (EAP) now offers 24/7 access to counseling services for employees and their family members and all support staff. We’ve introduced regular mental wellness workshops, stress management sessions, and mindfulness programmes to enhance resilience and work-life balance. Additionally, we’ve established a peer support network and trained managers and BU-HRs to proactively identify and address mental health issues. Last year, we launched our first Emotional Harmony Survey to evaluate our colleagues' mental health and refine our health initiatives. By promoting an open and supportive environment, we encourage employees to prioritise their mental wellbeing and seek assistance when needed.

How does the organisation extend financial support for health expenses?

Capgemini is committed to supporting employees' health through comprehensive financial assistance for medical expenses. We provide extensive health insurance plans that cover a broad spectrum of services, including hospitalisation, preventive care, and specialist consultations. In case of unexpected or substantial health costs, we provide emergency medical loans and reimbursement programmes to ensure that financial barriers do not limit access to essential care. We also have a robust employee financial assistance programme consisting of benevolent fund. The support is provided on a case-to-case basis. This approach reflects our commitment to the wellbeing of our employees and their families.