Vedanta Group, the Indian metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology conglomerate, puts employee well-being before everything else to build an inclusive and supportive work environment.
The Group’s broader workplace culture is guided by its CIIAO values of Care, Integrity, Innovation, Agility and Ownership. These principles reinforce the importance of putting people first, building trust, finding effective solutions and taking responsibility, complementing the organisation’s efforts to support employee well-being.
On World Mental Health Day, Vedanta Group highlighted how it recognises that mental and emotional well-being are integral to personal and professional life. The organisation’s approach brings together confidential counselling, peer support, awareness programmes and employee engagement initiatives.
According to Priya Agarwal Hebbar, non-executive director, Vedanta, the company wants “every person to know they belong”, that they are supported, and “their well-being matters just as much as their work”. The company hopes that its “progressive people-first policies will foster a culture of care where every individual can bring their whole self to work.”
The employees are able to access confidential counselling and professional support through platforms such as YourDOST, which connects them to professional counsellors and doctors. Peer-support groups and access to in-house counsellors or wellness buddies have also been part of the organisation’s support framework, helping employees navigate personal and work-related challenges.
Additionally, mental-health awareness training and stress-management workshops encourage employees to better understand emotional well-being and recognise the importance of seeking support. Mindfulness, meditation and art-therapy sessions offer additional avenues for employees to explore practices that support relaxation and emotional balance. Through its collaboration with the Art of Living Foundation, Vedanta has also incorporated guided practices focused on inner balance and well-being.
Vedanta Group’s Buddy Programme pairs returning mothers with colleagues who provide regular check-ins and practical peer support during the transition from motherhood back into the active workforce. The programme is designed to help women reconnect with their teams, navigate workplace responsibilities and raise concerns that may require organisational support. The organisation has also introduced a ‘No Questions Asked’ work-from-home provision for women employees, allowing one self-care day per month without requiring an explanation.
Employees nominated as Wellness Ambassadors lead activities such as walk-and-talk meetings and lunchtime stretches, creating informal opportunities for colleagues to connect beyond their immediate work responsibilities. Team-building activities, social events and community engagement further encourage interpersonal connections and a sense of belonging across teams.
Through these efforts, Vedanta Group continues to emphasise the importance of making mental well-being an integral part of the workplace experience.