We are delighted that Umesh will be speaking in Silicon Valley this March as part of our Wellbeing at Work Summit US.
We caught up with him to find out how he’s feeling in the run up to the summit.
Hi Umesh, we are thrilled you will be speaking at our Wellbeing at Work US Summit in March. Our first and most important question is, how are you doing today?
Phenomenal!
As a leader based in the region, what are the main challenges you are facing when it comes to employee wellbeing?
- Work life balance / integration.
- Dynamics of remote work. Are we returning to the office? How much? How little? How do we create the virtual break room dynamic to create some sparks of brilliance
- Mental health resources
- Access to wellbeing resources – geo, remote, on-demand etc
- Diversity – maintain and build.
- Cost / operational expenses for employee access to well-being resources
- Flexibility / personalization of programs
- Communicate / re-communicate available well-being options.
- How do you measure impact of a well-being program?
What strategies have you seen developing over the past 6 months, both internally and externally, that is moving the dial on wellbeing in the workplace?
- Flexible working arrangements for better work-life balance.
- Enhanced mental health support and resources.
- Initiatives for increased social engagement among employees.
- Programs encouraging physical activity for health benefits.
- Recognition culture development to boost morale and motivation.
- Expanded employee benefits including comprehensive wellbeing programs.
- Leveraging technology to track and encourage wellbeing practices.
- Providing virtual wellness services for convenience and accessibility.
- Incorporating feedback for personalized wellness initiatives.
Why is employee wellbeing so important to you personally?
- Boosts Productivity: Well employees are more efficient and contribute to better output.
- Reduces Absenteeism: Healthy practices minimize sick days and unplanned absences.
- Attracts Talent: Demonstrates a supportive culture, appealing to prospective employees.
- Enhances Engagement: Wellbeing initiatives lead to more invested and motivated staff.
- Improves Retention: A caring environment encourages employees to stay longer.
- Supports Mental Health: Addresses stress, improving focus and decision-making.
- Cultivates Positivity: A healthy workforce promotes a positive workplace atmosphere.
- Drives Innovation: Employees in good health are often more creative and innovative.
- Reflects True Leadership Values: Signals a commitment to employee care, enhancing company reputation.
What are you most looking forward to about the Summit in March?
Meeting like-minded leaders and practitioners and sharing thoughts, challenges, solutions and build new relationships.
What areas do you think employers should be focused on over the next 12 months?
- Workplace reintegration if applicable
- Overall rewards and recognition
- Support ecosystem- 360 degree: physical, mental, emotional, financial and social well-being programs that are balanced
How has your organization been leading the way?
As mentioned above we look at well-being as a full 360 and offer a variety of support ecosystem services to address physical, mental emotional, financial, social well -being.
We are one of the few enterprises to take our entire SLT and the employees worldwide through “Dare To Lead” program to build culture from the ground up as we transformed. This has led to us being able to break silos and drive outcomes much sooner than expected and the tools have given us vernacular to share to have the right conversations in the workplace.
Umesh will be speaking in Silicon Valley at the Wellbeing at Work Summit US which takes place both live and in-person in New York and Silicon Valley, and virtually for the wider region. Further details on the Summit can be found here.
