Imagine a typical workday for Riya, a corporate professional grappling with a constant stream of emails, meetings, and deadlines. As she deals with constant virtual calls and never-ending notifications, the burden of anxiety begins to take over her. Despite feeling mentally exhausted, Riya The stigma that often surrounds mental health discussions in the workplace makes Riya reluctant to seek help. For Riya and countless others, admitting to a mental health struggle in a high-pressure environment can feel intimidating. But what if help is just steps away, right in their office? Sajja Praveen Chaudhary, Head, PBFB (PolicyBazaar for Business) shares insights.
This is where the concept of in-house therapists comes in. Offering immediate, personalised mental healthcare directly at the workplace, in-house therapists are emerging as a transformative approach to corporate wellness. Mental Health Support Greater accessibility, reducing barriers such as stigma and time constraints, and fostering a culture of openness all represent a shift in the way companies in India approach employee well-being.
Post-pandemic changes: Growing need for mental health support
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed workplace dynamics and increased the need for mental health support. The Indian Psychiatric Society reported a 20% rise in mental health cases in 2020, which coincided with the onset of the pandemic. The lines between professional and personal life have blurred due to hybrid and remote work models, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and burnout among employees.
As a result, organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of proactive mental health measures. In-house therapists provide more than just immediate access to mental health care; they offer a nuanced understanding of workplace-specific stressors, helping employees cope with both professional and personal challenges. This approach not only improves well-being but also contributes to increased productivity and reduced absenteeism.
A strategic investment: The ROI of mental health initiatives
Research shows that investing in mental health support pays off handsomely. DeloitteAccording to the 2020 report, “Mental Health and Employers: Refreshing the Case for Investment,” companies that invest in mental health initiatives can expect a return on investment (ROI) of up to 5:1, driven primarily by reduced absenteeism, increased engagement, and higher productivity. For employers, in-house therapists represent a cost-effective strategy for creating a healthier and more engaged workforce.
Furthermore, as organizations move beyond one-size-fits-all solutions Employee Assistance Program Unlike outpatient therapists (EAPs), in-house therapists offer a more customized approach. Unlike EAPs, which often involve outside, unfamiliar professionals, in-house therapists are a more integrated part of the organization, building trust and rapport with staff over time. This familiarity can reduce hesitancy to seek help, leading to increased use of mental health services.
Making it work for SMEs: The role of the hybrid model
While large corporations may have the resources to hire full-time in-house therapists, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often face budget constraints. However, innovative hybrid models offer a viable solution. Digital mental health platformSMEs can provide their employees with access to licensed physicians on-demand, without bearing the full costs associated with in-house professionals.
Deloitte’s 2020 findings also highlight that Digital Mental health platforms can reduce overall healthcare costs, making them a viable option for SMEs aiming to improve employee well-being without a heavy financial burden. A blended approach – combining occasional in-house sessions with digital consultations – ensures comprehensive support while maintaining cost efficiency.
Overcoming Challenges: Creating a Safe Environment
Despite its benefits, implementing in-house therapy programs is not devoid of challenges. Concerns about confidentiality, stigma, and workplace judgment remain significant barriers. A survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) India in 2021 revealed that nearly 60% of HR leaders are looking for new ways to ensure employee comfort when seeking mental health support.
To address these concerns, companies need to create a supportive environment where privacy is respected and mental health is discussed openly. Senior management should lead by example, prioritize mental health, and normalize conversations about mental health.
The future of in-house therapists in India
In India, adding in-house therapists is going to be a key strategy for employee wellness. As awareness about mental health grows, more and more companies will adopt this approach. The SHRM India survey also found that 60% of HR leaders plan to increase their investment in mental health resources in the next three years, reflecting a trend towards more accessible and responsive mental health care.
For companies like Policybazaar for Business, this presents an opportunity to help organisations, especially SMEs, design affordable and effective healthcare solutions tailored to their specific needs. In this context, in-house therapists are more than a trend – they are a strategic investment in the future of work.
A new era of employee welfare
In-house therapists represent a visionary strategy to foster a healthier, more engaged workforce. By providing accessible mental health care, companies can increase employee satisfaction, reduce turnover, and boost productivity. For Indian businesses aiming to thrive in the competitive landscape, embracing this trend is not only beneficial – it is also essential.
This is where the concept of in-house therapists comes in. Offering immediate, personalised mental healthcare directly at the workplace, in-house therapists are emerging as a transformative approach to corporate wellness. Mental Health Support Greater accessibility, reducing barriers such as stigma and time constraints, and fostering a culture of openness all represent a shift in the way companies in India approach employee well-being.
Post-pandemic changes: Growing need for mental health support
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed workplace dynamics and increased the need for mental health support. The Indian Psychiatric Society reported a 20% rise in mental health cases in 2020, which coincided with the onset of the pandemic. The lines between professional and personal life have blurred due to hybrid and remote work models, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and burnout among employees.
As a result, organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of proactive mental health measures. In-house therapists provide more than just immediate access to mental health care; they offer a nuanced understanding of workplace-specific stressors, helping employees cope with both professional and personal challenges. This approach not only improves well-being but also contributes to increased productivity and reduced absenteeism.
A strategic investment: The ROI of mental health initiatives
Research shows that investing in mental health support pays off handsomely. DeloitteAccording to the 2020 report, “Mental Health and Employers: Refreshing the Case for Investment,” companies that invest in mental health initiatives can expect a return on investment (ROI) of up to 5:1, driven primarily by reduced absenteeism, increased engagement, and higher productivity. For employers, in-house therapists represent a cost-effective strategy for creating a healthier and more engaged workforce.
Furthermore, as organizations move beyond one-size-fits-all solutions Employee Assistance Program Unlike outpatient therapists (EAPs), in-house therapists offer a more customized approach. Unlike EAPs, which often involve outside, unfamiliar professionals, in-house therapists are a more integrated part of the organization, building trust and rapport with staff over time. This familiarity can reduce hesitancy to seek help, leading to increased use of mental health services.
Making it work for SMEs: The role of the hybrid model
While large corporations may have the resources to hire full-time in-house therapists, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often face budget constraints. However, innovative hybrid models offer a viable solution. Digital mental health platformSMEs can provide their employees with access to licensed physicians on-demand, without bearing the full costs associated with in-house professionals.
Deloitte’s 2020 findings also highlight that Digital Mental health platforms can reduce overall healthcare costs, making them a viable option for SMEs aiming to improve employee well-being without a heavy financial burden. A blended approach – combining occasional in-house sessions with digital consultations – ensures comprehensive support while maintaining cost efficiency.
Overcoming Challenges: Creating a Safe Environment
Despite its benefits, implementing in-house therapy programs is not devoid of challenges. Concerns about confidentiality, stigma, and workplace judgment remain significant barriers. A survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) India in 2021 revealed that nearly 60% of HR leaders are looking for new ways to ensure employee comfort when seeking mental health support.
To address these concerns, companies need to create a supportive environment where privacy is respected and mental health is discussed openly. Senior management should lead by example, prioritize mental health, and normalize conversations about mental health.
The future of in-house therapists in India
In India, adding in-house therapists is going to be a key strategy for employee wellness. As awareness about mental health grows, more and more companies will adopt this approach. The SHRM India survey also found that 60% of HR leaders plan to increase their investment in mental health resources in the next three years, reflecting a trend towards more accessible and responsive mental health care.
For companies like Policybazaar for Business, this presents an opportunity to help organisations, especially SMEs, design affordable and effective healthcare solutions tailored to their specific needs. In this context, in-house therapists are more than a trend – they are a strategic investment in the future of work.
A new era of employee welfare
In-house therapists represent a visionary strategy to foster a healthier, more engaged workforce. By providing accessible mental health care, companies can increase employee satisfaction, reduce turnover, and boost productivity. For Indian businesses aiming to thrive in the competitive landscape, embracing this trend is not only beneficial – it is also essential.
