The Business Case for In-House Mental Health Support: A Strategic Investment for Companies

Companies investing in mental health initiatives expect a return on investment of up to 5:1, resulting in reduced absenteeism, increased engagement and higher levels of productivity. At most times, companies focus on the costs linked to the implementation of tools and resources for employee’s mental health. This tends to overlook the reality of the cost of NOT implementing these programs. Clearly, poor mental health is costing you.??

A Day in the Life: The Struggles of Employees?

A typical workday for a corporate professional juggling a constant flow of emails, meetings and deadlines. As she struggles between back-to-back virtual calls and never-ending notifications, the overwhelming weight of anxiety begins to settle in. Although she feels mentally exhausted, she is reluctant to seek help due to the prevalent stigma surrounding mental health discussions in the workplace.??

For several other corporate employees in India, acknowledging mental health struggles in a high-pressure environment can feel intimidating. But what if we said, support is just a few steps away, right within your office???

The Role of In-House Therapists?

This is where in-house therapists come to play. In-house therapists are gradually emerging as a transformative approach to corporate wellness, offering immediate, personalized mental health support directly in the workplace. As we make mental health support more accessible to employees, we also take a step forward in breaking barriers like stigma and time constraints while at the same time, fostering a culture of openness. They represent a shift in how companies in India approach employee well-being.??

The Impact of COVID-19?

The COVID-19 pandemic had drastically impacted workplace dynamics and increased the need for mental health support. The Indian Psychiatric Society reported a 20% increase in mental health cases in 2020, coinciding with the onset of the pandemic. As hybrid and remote work models continue to blur the lines between professional and personal lives, employees continue to suffer from high levels of stress, anxiety and burnout.??

According to Deloitte's findings in 2020, the digital mental health platforms help reduce overall costs in healthcare, making them a very practical choice for SMEs aiming to improve employee wellness without the risk of heavy financial burden. This calls for the adoption of a blended approach- combining occasional in-house therapy sessions with digital consultations to ensure comprehensive support while maintaining cost-efficiency at the same time.??

Challenges of Implementing In-House Therapy?

Despite these benefits, however, implementing in-house therapy programs is not without its set of challenges. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) conducted a survey in 2021 revealing that nearly 60% of HR leaders are exploring new ways to ensure employee comfort when seeking mental health support.??

It is to address these concerns that companies need to create a supportive work environment which respects confidentiality, and openly discuss mental health. Senior management must lead by example, where mental health is prioritized and conversations around mental health are normalized.??

A Growing Trend in Employee Wellness?

Integrating in-house therapists is all set to become a mainstay of employee wellness strategies in India. As mental health awareness continues to grow, more companies are likely to adopt this approach. Another SHRM India survey found out that 60% of HR leaders plan to increase their investment in mental health resources over the next three years, underscoring the trend toward more accessible and responsive mental health care.??

Moreover, as organizations move beyond one-size-fits-all solutions like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), in-house therapists offer a more tailored approach. Unlike EAPs, which often involve external, unfamiliar professionals, in-house therapists are a more integrated part of the organization, building trust and rapport with employees over time. This familiarity can reduce hesitation in seeking help, thereby increasing the utilization of mental health services.?

A Strategic Investment for the Future?

For companies like Policy Bazaar for Business, this represents an opportunity to help organizations, particularly SMEs, design affordable and effective wellness solutions tailored to their specific needs. In-house therapists, in this context, are more than a trend—they are a strategic investment in the future of work.?

In-house therapists represent a forward-thinking strategy to foster a healthier, more engaged workforce. By providing accessible mental health care, companies can enhance employee satisfaction, reduce turnover, and drive productivity. For Indian businesses aiming to thrive in a competitive landscape, embracing this trend is not just beneficial—it’s essential.