Data-Driven Mental Health Program to Transform Indian Workplaces
New Initiative Aims to Tackle Rising Burnout, Anxiety, and Depression Among Employees
Bengaluru, June 5, 2025 – The LiveLoveLaugh Foundation (LLL), a leading mental health advocacy organization, has unveiled a first-of-its-kind Corporate Mental Health & Well-Being Program, designed to help Indian companies build psychologically resilient workplaces through data-driven strategies.
The move comes amid growing concerns over employee well-being. A 2023 McKinsey Health Institute study found that 59% of Indian workers reported burnout symptoms, while 51% said they faced excessive workplace pressure—highlighting an urgent need for structured mental health interventions.
Why Corporate India Needs a Mental Health Overhaul
Dr. Shyam Bhat, Chairperson of LLL, emphasized the limitations of traditional approaches. “Corporate India must move beyond one-size-fits-all Employee Assistance Programs. Instead of ad-hoc measures, we need systemic, research-backed strategies that address root causes—awareness, stigma reduction, and evidence-based interventions.”
The financial stakes are high. A 2022 Deloitte report estimated that poor mental health costs Indian businesses ₹1.1 lakh crore ($14 billion) annually in lost productivity and absenteeism.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Trustee of LLL and Chairperson of Biocon Group, stressed the business imperative. “A stressed workforce stifles innovation and efficiency. Investing in mental well-being isn’t just ethical—it’s a smart strategy that strengthens both enterprises and the economy.”
A Structured Approach to Workplace Well-Being
LLL’s program, piloted with select corporate partners, was shaped by research, including HR leader insights and employee feedback. The initiative focuses on five key pillars:
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Psychometrically Validated Assessment – Developed with McKinsey Health Institute, this tool provides anonymized data on employee mental health, benchmarking companies against global standards.
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Customized Reports & Actionable Insights – Each firm receives a confidential analysis highlighting burnout risks, leadership gaps, and stigma levels, with tailored recommendations.
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Strategic Roadmap for Change – Companies get a step-by-step plan for interventions at individual, team, and leadership levels, embedding well-being into daily operations.
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Boosting Existing Mental Health Initiatives – The program enhances engagement with Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and other underutilized resources.
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Continuous Tracking & Industry-Wide Impact – Annual assessments measure progress, while aggregated data will shape future policy and systemic reforms.
A Call for Culture Shift
Anisha Padukone, CEO of LLL, highlighted the long-term vision. “For a decade, we’ve championed mental health in communities. Now, we’re bringing that focus to workplaces—helping firms track progress, improve culture, and contribute to broader policy change.”
Jacqueline Brassey of McKinsey Health Institute added, “Employers have a responsibility to understand well-being drivers. This collaboration empowers companies to reduce stigma and foster thriving workplaces.”
With mental health emerging as a critical business priority, LLL’s program offers a science-backed blueprint for Indian firms to nurture resilience, productivity, and a culture of care.
About LiveLoveLaugh Foundation
Founded in 2015 by actor Deepika Padukone, LLL is a nonprofit dedicated to mental health awareness, stigma reduction, and accessible support. Its corporate program marks a strategic expansion into workplace well-being.
