What can we learn from big employers in India and how they look after the health and wellness of their staff? OK, yes they have over 1 billion people and we have just over 21 million so perhaps programs that impact employee wellness are easier to measure and give more impressive numbers to organisations over there. They may also have a greater sense of urgency and can perhaps see more clearly how poor health in staff directly impacts the bottom line of business. We have the same issues here just on a smaller scale and employers in Australia can certainly benefit from looking at India’s initiatives. Below are what a few of the big companies in India are doing to promote employee health.

Pepsi provides free seasonal fruit to its employees across its nine offices around the country to keep them away from junk food, as part of efforts to check obesity and other lifestyle diseases among its staff. Pepsi has also brought out a healthcare plan for 2009, which includes a scheme, ‘Weight Matters’, to reward employees as they loose flab. Another scheme, informs executives about myths and facts related to diabetes and an additional scheme is for heart check-ups and workshops.

Genpact conducts regular Doppler tests on employees to detect possible health problems on account of sitting for long hours in one position. The test helps doctors to assess blood circulation through major arteries and veins in the arms, legs, and neck.

Hewlett-Packard has signed up to a wellness program which allows H-P’s 15,000 employees to create their online health profile and assess obesity and stress-related risks. They get personal guidance based on their health profile through phone, e-mails or in person.

Maruti Suzuki, the country’s largest car maker, encourages employees to perform a small drill everyday before starting work.

LG Electronics also does this and has raised its employee healthcare budget by 20% this year.

Tata Consultancy Services, India’s largest software firm, recently launched a ‘serenity’ initiative to improve the overall health and well-being of employees. Today, every one of their centres in India has a certified counselor to help employees deal with stress. Also, the company is providing free training in life-skill programs including yoga and meditation.

What struck me most about what’s happening overseas is the recognition that health and wellness for staff can be delivered in so many ways – via email, in-house initiatives, face to face consultations and fitness and exercise. We are multi-dimensional and there is no one solution to employee wellness, rather an insight into what works for your people and your company is needed – a solution that promotes health and lowers staff costs.