Eat, pray, work.. want a detox retreat? Step into your office

Bengaluru: Employee fitness and well-being have taken centre stage as companies are increasingly focusing on making workplaces healthier and more welcoming for workers after the prolonged Covid-19 disruption.

From introducing mindfulness rooms to carrying out periodic water and food testing, and transitioning to natural or warm LED lighting from harsh white lighting, firms such as Deutsche Bank, Cipla, Adobe, upGrad, BeatO, Seclore, Dream Sports and Ninjacart are seeking to build more employee-friendly workplaces, said industry executives.

According to a report by fitness technology company GOQii last month, almost 45% of India's population hovers dangerously close to being classified as unhealthy, adversely affecting not only individual mental and physical well-being but also diminishing workplace productivity.


Deutsche Bank has introduced mindfulness rooms to help employees disengage from stressful situations or seek natural mood resets. Employees can read, listen to music, perform yoga or meditation, or even try out mandala art to help them emotionally regulate.

Meanwhile, Cipla has transformed its offices and plants into gardens to offer employees breaks amidst nature.

"We recognise that in today's world of work, employees experience high stress levels. We have also transitioned to warm LED lights throughout the workplace, which not only aids energy efficiency but also creates a more comfortable environment, proven to boost productivity," Raju Mistry, global chief people officer at Cipla, told ET.

Adobe has introduced breakout stretching sessions as well as group ergonomic therapy sessions.

Investing in Employee Wellness
Virtual diabetes care platform BeatO is gradually shifting towards incorporating more natural lighting in the workplace, favouring it over artificial sources.

"We're also investing in plants that help purify air and remove certain pollutants. This is aimed at reducing respiratory issues and enhancing overall well-being," said Nilabh Gupta, head of human resources, BeatO.

Data-centric security solutions company Seclore has carved out a small fitness section in the office to foster a stress-free environment. It has also reserved a separate corner for those who need a power nap, as well as breakout rooms for employee engagement.

The company has introduced healthy snacks and fruits in the office to encourage healthy eating habits, said Shraddha Reghe, senior director of people practices, Seclore.

Dream Sports has set up a sports-themed workplace to promote a lifestyle centred around physical and mental wellness.

"We've set up facilities such as an indoor walking track and a fully-equipped gym to encourage our employees to prioritise their health," said a company spokesperson.

Edtech company upGrad is driving wellness engagement tailored to the needs of diverse teams. For instance, for teams heavily engaged in desk-bound activities, it offers health checkups, yoga and Zumba classes, allowing them to engage in better physical activities and destressing. For teams involved in client meetings and events, the company drives destressing sessions with wellness experts and counsellors for round-the-clock support with mental health.

Agri startup Ninjacart has introduced 'Better Lives for Ninjas', under which it offers a slew of initiatives geared towards better health. For instance, 100 employees have embarked on a weight loss programme guided by nutritionists and fitness experts, said co-founder Vasudevan C.

The Walmart-backed company also organised a walking competition, which saw participation of more than 130 employees.