In a heart-wrenching episode that shook corporate India, the tragic death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old Chartered Accountant, brought workplace mental health issues into sharp focus. Her mother publicly attributed her death to relentless work pressure and lack of organizational support, shedding light on the stress and burnout faced by young professionals in demanding industries.
This tragedy serves as a wake-up call for businesses across India to prioritize Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)and workplace mental health initiatives.
What’s on this page?
What Are Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and Why Do They Matter?
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a workplace service designed to support employees dealing with personal and professional challenges, including stress, anxiety, and burnout. These programs typically provide:
- Confidential counseling sessions.
- Resources for mental health and well-being.
- Assistance for issues like financial stress or interpersonal conflicts.
With rising awareness of mental health in India, EAPs have emerged as a critical tool for building resilient and productive workplaces.
The Role of Mental Health in Boosting Employee Productivity
Addressing mental health challenges through EAPs can transform workplace culture. Key benefits include:
- Enhanced Employee Productivity: Counseling services reduce stress, enabling employees to focus better on tasks.
- Lower Absenteeism: Early intervention prevents stress-related sick days.
- Improved Retention Rates: Supportive environments lead to higher employee loyalty.
- Better Workplace Relationships: Mental health programs help resolve conflicts and foster harmony.
Investing in employee well-being isn’t just moral—it also drives organizational success.
Having recognized this Ethika had embarked on providing EAP to its clients way before it became fashionable. Today Ethika has the proud distinction of servicing EAP programs for around 500 clients.
Government Initiatives Supporting Workplace Mental Health in India
The Indian government has made strides to promote mental health in workplaces:
- The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 protects mental health rights and encourages businesses to adopt supportive policies.
- The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare regularly issues advisories encouraging mental health initiatives, including EAPs.
These frameworks empower organizations to implement programs that align with legal requirements and address employees’ mental health needs.
How Indian Companies Are Leading the Way with Employee Assistance Programs
Several Indian companies have already embraced EAPs. For instance:
- Khaitan & Co. revamped their mental health policies during the pandemic, hiring full-time mental health professionals and actively promoting EAP services. This led to reduced attrition and increased employee satisfaction.
- Initiatives like the Vandrevala Foundation have made counseling more accessible through multilingual helplines and digital platforms.
Such success stories demonstrate the potential of EAPs to revolutionize workplace well-being.
Lessons from tragedies around mental health
Today, businesses have a new workforce, Gen Z, who is joining them in droves. The work dynamic for this workforce is very different from how it was for the earlier one. Businesses have started recognizing this fact and the ones that flourish will be the ones who can adapt to this new reality.
Employee Assistance Programs, acts as an instrument that can help create supportive environments for employees where companies can build healthier, happier, and more productive workforces.
Ignoring workplace mental health can lead to devastating consequences—not only for employees but also for organizational reputation and sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?
An EAP is a workplace service offering confidential counseling and resources for mental health and other personal challenges. - How do EAPs benefit organizations?
They improve productivity, reduce absenteeism, enhance employee satisfaction, and lower turnover rates. - What government support exists for mental health in workplaces?
Policies like the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, and advisories from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare encourage businesses to promote mental well-being. - What lessons can we learn from the EY tragedy? Companies must prioritize employee well-being, reduce workplace stress, and implement programs like EAPs to prevent similar incidents.
