Enhancing Workplace Productivity with Mental Health Initiatives

Kolkata, 13th September 2024 – The World Mental Healthcare Association (WMHA) in collaboration with TiE Kolkata successfully organized a landmark event titled *“Enhancing Workplace Productivity with Mental Health Initiatives”*. This event placed a spotlight on the critical link between mental health and employee productivity, stressing the importance of mental well-being in the workplace. It also highlighted the role of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) in supporting employees, helping them manage personal and professional challenges to boost overall productivity.

The event featured a distinguished lineup of guests, including Mr. Sanjib Das, CEO of George Telegraph Training Institute; Dr. Vivek Agarwala, oncologist at Narayana Health; Ms. Rachna Mimani, psychologist and founder of Peacestogether; Dr. Soumen Karmakar, psychiatrist at Peerless Hospital; and Mr. Omkar Bhattacharya, Deputy General Manager at CESC. With support from George Telegraph Training Institute and Narayana Health, the event underscored the collaborative effort needed to prioritize mental health in corporate environments.

A key highlight of the event was the insightful panel discussion, moderated by Mr. Sukreet Shome, a KPMG-certified instructional design practitioner and L&D consultant. As the moderator and host of the event, Mr. Shome brought expertise and depth to the conversation, ensuring a rich dialogue on the ways mental health initiatives can drive productivity in the workplace. His moderation helped steer the panel towards actionable insights, making his role a central focus of the event’s success.

The event began with a symbolic *Tree of Life* watering ceremony, symbolizing growth and well-being. Following this, WMHA founder Mr. Ritesh Choudhary presented mementos and the *Fabric of Honour* to the dignitaries. The keynote address by Ms. Rachna Mimani captivated the audience, including an interactive activity that illustrated the importance of self-care in daily work life.

During the panel discussion, Mr. Sanjib Das emphasized the need to foster a work culture where employees feel safe discussing mental health concerns openly. Dr. Vivek Agarwala proposed introducing annual mental health check-ups, a suggestion supported by Ms. Rachna Mimani, who advocated for integrating mental health check-ups with routine health assessments. Ms. Mimani also highlighted the importance of addressing the unique mental health needs of Gen Z employees. Dr. Soumen Karmakar emphasized increasing awareness through EAPs and suggested encouraging psychiatry patients to openly share how seeking help has positively impacted their lives.

This event marks a significant step toward fostering healthier, more productive workplaces by integrating mental health awareness and support systems into corporate frameworks.