In an era where mental health is often sidelined, organisations such as Sterlite Power are leading the charge in prioritising employee well-being. The company’s Santulan Mental Health Programme is a testament to this commitment. Designed as a comprehensive employee-assistance platform, Santulan aims to cultivate a supportive environment where team members can openly discuss their mental-health needs, thereby fostering a culture of well-being.
“The Santulan platform offers a safe space for employees to speak openly with a counsellor about their challenges,” says Ruhie Pande, G-CHRO, Sterlite Power. “It provides vital support, especially in cases of personal difficulties or emergencies. I’m pleased to share that the platform has become widely used by our employees.”
Central to Santulan is E-Counselling, a feature that allows employees to connect with licensed counsellors virtually. This digital-first approach offers flexibility and reduces the stigma often associated with in-person counselling. With a network of over 200 qualified psychiatrists and psychologists, employees have ready access to support from anywhere. This eliminates the logistical challenges of scheduling in-person appointments, making mental health care a more seamless part of work life.
“Santulan gives our employees an opportunity to openly talk to a counsellor about their challenges, whether they are facing personal problems or work-related exigencies.”
Ruhie Pande, G-CHRO, Sterlite Power
Sterlite Power’s efforts are especially critical given the remote and often isolated nature of some employees’ work environments. Santulan addresses these needs by providing an accessible platform for those stationed away from family or community support. Pande underscores, “Santulan gives our employees an opportunity to openly talk to a counsellor about their challenges, whether they are facing personal problems or work-related exigencies.”
Further enhancing Santulan is the Unlabel initiative, an effort to combat unconscious biases and promote an inclusive culture. By encouraging open discussions around biases, Unlabel fosters a more empathetic workplace where all employees feel valued. The initiative, crafted through company-wide surveys and focus groups, prioritises experiential learning—promoting introspection and discussion over traditional training. “We’re encouraging open conversations around biases, making employees aware of potential unconscious assumptions,” says Pande.
Through shared experiences, such as comic strips and personal stories, Unlabel helps employees challenge stereotypes. In one instance, employees held posters reading “I am not married by choice,” a bold step towards destigmatising personal decisions.
Sterlite Power’s inclusivity initiatives go beyond workshops. They offer female employees the option of a three-day work-from-home policy during their menstrual cycle for comfort, a measure well-received by the workforce. To ensure women’s safety, a secure cab policy was introduced for late-night work, which includes follow-up checks to confirm safe arrival.
Additionally, returning mothers receive targeted support throughout maternity leave and the transition back to work, addressing a traditionally overlooked area of mental well-being.
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of Santulan’s counselling services, dispelling the stigma many feel when seeking mental health support in a workplace setting. “We only receive a monthly report on general usage—no personal or session-specific details are shared, reinforcing our commitment to confidentiality,” Pande affirms. This assurance of privacy encourages broader engagement, with rising usage reflecting employees’ trust in the program.
Leadership at Sterlite Power models a commitment to mental well-being, with managers openly discussing their own routines and making mental health conversations a visible part of the company culture. To assess engagement, Sterlite uses an AI-driven tool that delivers personalised insights into work-life balance, role clarity, and satisfaction, alongside traditional metrics like sick leave and signs of burnout. “Constantly listening to employees is the key,” Pande remarks. “Beyond listening, we monitor metrics to understand employees’ overall engagement, identifying burnout risks early and addressing them proactively.”
Sterlite Power plans to expand Santulan with additional activities such as a cricket tournament, yoga, Zumba sessions, and leadership initiatives specifically for women, developed in collaboration with All Stars, an employee resource group that advocates for women’s professional growth. These steps reflect a holistic approach to well-being, promoting not just mental health but physical and social engagement.
By prioritising accessible support, inclusivity, and continuous employee engagement, Santulan serves as a model for companies aiming to address the evolving needs of today’s workforce. It’s a testament to the power of empathy and compassion in the workplace. By breaking down barriers, challenging norms, and fostering a culture of care, Sterlite Power is leading the way in creating a future where work and well-being coexist harmoniously.
