An HCL Healthcare study says 84% of employees report low mood and 60% show signs of anxiety. Nearly 50% sleep less than seven hours a night, with 1 in 5 experiencing poor sleep quality. “These figures signal a critical need for action,” says Shikhar Malhotra, CEO, HCL Healthcare. “While India’s corporate space is modernising, mental health concerns remain both underreported and underserved.” In this interview with Sudhir Chowdhary, he talks about the key health concerns and HCL Healthcare’s efforts to tackle these issues in the Indian context. Excerpts:
What does the study tell you about the emotional state of workers?
From the statistics, two realisations stand out clearly; first, the level of self-awareness and honesty among employees when it comes to their struggles is remarkably candid. Employers must deeply appreciate this shift – mental health is becoming normal and no longer a taboo topic.
Second, the data shows that the intensity of these issues fluctuates. Problems such as anxiety, depression, and burnout can rise and fall based on personal circumstances, workplace culture, and even daily triggers, demanding constant attention and a strategy beyond one-off events. Organisations that embrace this new reality and transition from sporadic mental health events to continuous, year-round support programmes are experiencing measurable benefits – from greater engagement and retention to upto 2.5x higher returns on mental health investment.
Do you see the corporate mindset changing?
Yes, most certainly. Almost all organisations that we speak to are advancing. They are at different speeds and different priorities, but everyone is moving ahead on these issues. The leaders in this space are technology companies, which have set a strong example for others.
While GCC programmes have advantages due to co-located teams, it’s not impossible for other sectors to implement similar initiatives. Data also shows that sales teams often experience higher stress levels, making it critical to provide them with access to support. Ensuring access – whether through structured programmes or technology – is essential to drive meaningful impact.
How is HCL Healthcare addressing these health-related issues?
HCL Healthcare recognises that mental health stigma, especially among older professionals who often internalise stress, cannot be overcome by quick fixes or casual conversations. Instead, the company has invested years in building a cultural shift – training senior leaders and clients to act as skilled “first responders” rather than problem-solvers. These leaders are taught to listen empathetically, direct team members toward professional support, ensure confidentiality, and foster a supportive environment where mental health struggles are not held against anyone. As a result, HCL Healthcare’s approach is helping break silence and normalise mental health conversations at every level of the organisation.
The data shows personal stressors far outweigh work-related ones…
Previous studies have shown that there is workplace stress, but what our study shows is that stress is not binary. Stress is in the mind; it doesn’t sit inside the workplace or at home per se. Sometimes it manifests at the workplace, but the underlying issues could be something else.
It is from companies with strong EAP programmes that we gathered data to do our own study to figure out where these issues lie. What we determined was that the number one issue was self-esteem. Stress is often self-imposed. The second issue was relationship and family issues, often spousal or partner issues. More than ever, young people reach out and talk candidly to professionals. We use anonymised data, aggregate it, and showcase this back to our employers.
How is Habit Health different from other offerings in the market?
Habit Health is a comprehensive digital platform that offers personalised fitness and nutrition plans, health tracking tools, educational resources, and community features like challenges. The app is integrated with clinical services such as online consultations, clinic bookings, and medication delivery, and is also used for corporate wellness programs to improve employee health.
We have added an engagement aspect to the platform through a blend of digital technology, gamification, and personalised support. The strategy is to move beyond conventional, one-size-fits-all wellness to a more interactive and proactive model that keeps employees motivated and committed to their health goals.
What are your expansion plans?
HCL Healthcare is now a 12-year-old organisation and it operates in a relatively niche but high-impact space. Our focus is on driving large-scale health outcomes through partnerships with major employers. With a 1,200-strong workforce – 70% of whom are clinicians deployed across client locations – we aim to expand both digitally and physically.
India has become the employee capital of the world, with a rapidly growing job market. It’s a great market, and we’re proud to operate here – delivering impact, creating awareness, sharing skills and improving lives. HCL Healthcare is grateful for the opportunities India offers. While we don’t have a global expansion plan yet, we support our customers in other markets as needed.