Voices of Experience - Mrs. Arthy Sriram

Mrs. Arthy Sriram is a recognized Counseling Psychologist with over 10 years of experience in the corporate sector, where she has worked as an In-House Counselor and conducted Awareness sessions for various companies.

In this interview she talks about her role as a Corporate Counsellor and her perspective on Workplace Mental Health.

1) Can you share your perspective on the importance of mental health in the workplace?

It is a well known fact that mental health is as important as our physical health. A healthy  work space can help to improve the employee’s work productivity, enhance personal and professional growth. An employee with good mental health feels supported and is more resilient and is able to tackle challenge at work. Though we know that our physical and mental health are intertwined , we do not prioritise our mental health thereby leading to various issues both at workplace and home.

2) What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your role as a corporate counselor?

The most important thing is that as a corporate counselor, although the employee and the company is important for you, you have to have an open mind in your approach to suit the needs of the company and be professional in your approach. As a counselor, I focus on realistic solutions while addressing diverse cultural needs with tailored interventions.

3) What is your thought on the current scenario of workplace pressure faced by employees and what are the strategies to overcome the same? 

Employees are under constant pressure both from the employer as well as their own personal problems. As an individual no one wants to be under pressure. There could be several factors which could contribute to stress at work place. Unreasonable deadlines, lack of support from the team, excessive work load, insufficient training, fear to seek help when needed, lack of communication- any of these factors could contribute to work related stress. 

Companies can reduce work stress by offering flexible arrangements, fostering a positive atmosphere, enhancing workspaces with calming elements, helping employees prioritize tasks, and providing stress reduction programs like yoga. Employees can alleviate stress by taking breaks, avoiding conflicts, using lunch for relaxation, asking for help, managing their time, and journaling. It's important for companies to tailor their policies to fit their unique culture and team needs.

4) What initiatives and resources can companies implement to support employee mental health?

First and foremost companies need to take up mental health as important as our physical health since most often both are interrelated. Effective wellness programs to sensitize employees at all levels is very important. Employee wellbeing initiatives include a wide range of programs, policies and practices designed to support employees physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Increase EAP usage- awareness programs, work life balance initiatives which could include flexible work schedules, parental leave policies, child care assistance programs. Insurance policies with coverage for mental health services , include mental health coverage as part of companies health care plan.

Leaders inspire employees to prioritize their wellbeing. EAP should first sensitize and train Team lead, HRs, Supervisors as they could be great role models to demonstrate resilience and healthy work life balance.

5) How can Employee assistance programs (EAPs) make a difference? 

Effective Employee Assistance Program(EAP) can make a huge difference in promoting mental wellbeing at work place. EAP is a workplace benefit program designed to give confidential and professional guidance to employees to overcome their work related or personal problems. It benefits both the company and the employee as it can improve the job performance, employee engagement, employee retention, workplace morale and culture along with cost savings for the company. 

Wellness programs are conducted to identify any work related issues, awareness programs to motivate the employees to take care and seek professional help when needed .  EAPs appoint professional corporate counselors in creating awareness as well as create a safe , easily accessible, confidential and professional support to address both personal and professional challenges faced by the employee of all levels.

6) How do you tailor counseling strategies for different levels of employees (e.g., newly recruited vs. middle level and senior leadership) to ensure effective mental health support across the organization?  

Always counseling strategies are not the same for all. It depends on the needs of the client and other contributing factors such as age, gender, educational background, designation at work, family, economic status etc .

In corporate counseling there could be different types – like 

1)    Performance counseling which is related to their performance , time management, team cohesiveness etc

2) Disciplinary counseling when there is instances of employee absenteeism, issues in work ethics and etiquette

3) Personal counseling which could be individual issues, family or related to work.

Counseling strategies should align with a company's culture and expectations. Implementing a buddy system can assist new employees in acclimating, especially in diverse environments where cultural shock may occur due to differences in culture, language, gender, and workplace norms. Additionally, addressing the rise in workplace harassment is crucial; employees must be educated on these issues and clearly directed on how to seek help to navigate their challenges.

7) What are the most common misconceptions the employees or employers themselves have about corporate counseling, and how do you overcome these barriers to encourage participation? 

The most common misconception is regarding confidentiality of the information. Employees often feel that counselors would share their information with the seniors though it does not happen. Only in case of life threatening situations, concerned officials are informed. To break this idea is a big challenge. Also very often they hesitate to approach for help since they feel they will be judged and targeted.

Such challenges can be reduced only by frequent awareness programs and building trust among employees. 

8)  Can you share some common red flags indicating the need for corporate counseling within an organization, and how do you recommend the organizations address those warning signs proactively? 

Common red flags are mood changes, irritability, difficulty in making decisions, decline in quality of work ,withdrawal from social interactions and activities, isolation, burnout etc. Organizations need to be proactive and also problem solving. Proactive measures by regular feedback, setting realistic targets, avenues for relaxation and open communication with team leads can help. Wellness programs can also help in avoiding issues at the workplace and can help in identifying the issues and addressing them.

9) As a corporate counselor, how effectively / readily the organizations share with you the progress of their employees after counseling and in what way ? 

It largely depends on the organizational structure and culture. Developing a good rapport and constant feedback sessions with the concerned heads definitely help both the counselor and the organization.

10) What message would you like to share with readers on World Mental Health Day 2024? 

Prioritize your health both physical and mental health. Life is a choice. Make the best of your life to stay healthy and happy.