How Employee Wellness Programmes Help Combat Workplace Burnout

In an insightful conversation, Chanakya Gupta, Head of People & Culture at Cult explores the evolving role of fitness and wellness programmes in Indian workplaces post-pandemic. With a focus on both physical and mental well-being, he highlights how the pandemic has reshaped organisational wellness strategies, driving companies to adopt holistic approaches that prioritise employee health. He also discusses the integration of flexible work models, the rising trend of tech-driven wellness initiatives and the critical collaboration between fitness brands and HR teams to foster a culture of health and engagement within organisations.

Excerpts: 

How do you see the role of fitness and wellness programmes evolving in Indian workplaces post-pandemic?

The pandemic has heightened awareness around health, encouraging companies to move towards a more holistic approach to wellness that encompasses both physical fitness and mental well-being. This multifaceted approach allows organisations to cater to diverse employee needs, thereby increasing participation and engagement in wellness initiatives. The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of flexible work models, which are now being integrated into wellness programmes. Employers are offering options such as remote work, flexible hours and wellness activities during work hours to help employees balance personal and professional responsibilities. 

Can you elaborate on the correlation between physical fitness and mental well-being in the workplace, and how can companies address both aspects?

Physical fitness and mental well-being are deeply interconnected. Even studies suggest that a good workout can improve one’s mood. When it comes to a workplace setting, where stress and burnout are common challenges, this correlation becomes crucial to focus on. This is where employee health and wellness (EHW) programmes come into play by integrating engaging activities with mental health resources, such as mindfulness sessions, therapy options, fitness games and stress management workshops. For example, we recently launched a programme called, Org.fit, one of our key initiatives to promote a culture of health and wellness by encouraging employees to stay active, engage in fun games and fitness activities, and prioritise their well-being. 

The goal here is to create a comprehensive approach that promotes both physical health and mental resilience, leading to happier, more engaged employees.

As per your reports, around 64 per cent of the Indian workforce does not exercise regularly. What are the primary barriers to participation in wellness programmes, and how to overcome such challenges? 

A few of the primary barriers to participation in wellness programmes include time limitations, lack of understanding, hence lack of interest, programmes may not be tailored to or fit for everyone in the organisation, hesitance in sharing personal health information, etc. To overcome these challenges, organisations can make wellness programmes more accessible and integrated by merging them into the workday, offering flexible schedules and providing incentives for participation. It's also important to educate employees on the long-term benefits of regular exercise, not just for physical health but for mental and emotional well-being. Leadership support and peer encouragement can also drive higher participation.

Basis the fitness index of corporate employees in India, what trends do you see emerging in the coming years?

Based on current data, we see a trend toward more tech-driven and data-informed wellness programmes in the corporate sector. Wearables, fitness apps and virtual wellness challenges are gaining popularity as they provide real-time feedback and create a sense of community and competition among employees. There’s also an increasing focus on mental health, with companies integrating mental wellness initiatives alongside physical fitness programmes. Hybrid wellness solutions, which combine both digital and in-person offerings, are likely to dominate in the coming years as flexibility becomes a key demand among employees. Fitness is also becoming a social activity, from being a lonely journey. People are working out in communities and these communities are acting as a support and motivation group to push each other. We also see a clear trend of employers bringing in more focus on the health and wellness of employees through gym memberships, in-house gyms and group activities (sports and fitness) - fitter and active employees lead to a happier, more engaged, and more productive workforce. Playing a sport together after a day’s work is becoming extremely popular for teams with badminton, football, box cricket and pickleball leading the charts. 

How can third parties collaborate with HR teams to ensure that wellness initiatives are aligned with broader organisational goals and employee engagement strategies?

Third part companies can play a pivotal role in helping HR teams design and implement wellness programmes that align with broader organisational goals. Collaboration begins with understanding the specific needs of the workforce and co-creating solutions that address those needs. Cult brings its expertise in designing engaging wellness challenges, providing skilled fitness trainers and integrating wellness into company culture. By establishing regular feedback loops, both parties can ensure that these wellness initiatives remain relevant, impactful and aligned with the organisation’s objectives of improving employee engagement, productivity and overall well-being.

We have partnered with HR teams of a few large organisations and taken this playbook of Org.fit to their employees (created and running active communities for them, organised sports and fitness events and challenges); we are seeing a lot of traction in the community's growth through word of mouth and on-ground experience.