Is a Corporate Fitness Program Feasible and Effective for Indian Companies?

Hi,

Please give your views on whether a Corporate Wellness Management program/Corporate Fitness Program is in existence in India and whether it would work in Indian companies. Corporate Fitness Programs are very successful abroad, and given the increasing emphasis on fitness and health, companies in India are becoming more receptive to this program. They have observed better productivity, reduced absenteeism, increased employee engagement in their work, and enhanced employee loyalty.

I would appreciate it if people could respond to this post and participate in the poll. I am seeking opinions on the feasibility of a corporate fitness program in India.

Regards,
Vinisha.

Hi Vinisha,

Please give your views on whether a Corporate Wellness Management program/ Corporate Fitness Program is in existence in India and whether it would work in Indian companies. Corporate Fitness Programs are very successful abroad, and given the increasing emphasis on fitness and health, companies in India are becoming more receptive to this program. They have noticed improved productivity, reduced absenteeism, increased employee engagement in their work, and growing employee loyalty.

I would appreciate it if people could respond to this post and take part in the poll. I am seeking opinions on the feasibility of a corporate fitness program in India.

Regards, Vinisha.

Namaskar Vinisha ji,

I wonder why this topic has not garnered attention. Fitness encompasses the following three aspects: 1. Cognitive fitness, 2. Nutritional fitness, and 3. Alignment/physical fitness. Does the corporate sector not wish to focus on these aspects and only capitalize on employees' resilience?

Regards

Whither India? Here is India's future.

Heading: Shape up or perish, warns WHO.

Subheading: India stares at a chronic disease epidemic.

Opening and next paragraph: The World Health Organisation's (WHO) predictions for India are scary and sound a timely alert: kill chronic ailments before they kill you. Heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes will account for 53 percent of all deaths this year alone. The death count is going to rise rapidly in the next decade, projects a new WHO report. (The Hindustan Times, 6/10/2005, page 3)

Hello Jogeshwarji,

Even I am disappointed to see no response in this thread. I and my friends suggested this topic for a project on "Entrepreneurship" and our Professor flatly said, "It won't work in India, given the attitude of Indian Companies." I wanted to prove her wrong, so started this thread.

Sure, companies like Infosys have taken this important step and introduced a 10,000 sq feet gymnasium within their premises to let their employees maintain their health. In my opinion, companies with sufficient resources must introduce such measures that would benefit the health of their employees.

Regards,
Vinisha.

Hello Jogeshwarji,

Even I am disappointed to see no response in this thread. I and my friends suggested this topic for a project on "Entrepreneurship," and our professor flatly said, "It won't work in India, given the attitude of Indian Companies." I wanted to prove her wrong, so I started this thread.

Sure, companies like Infosys have taken this important step and introduced a 10,000 sq feet gymnasium within their premises to let their employees maintain their health. In my opinion, companies with sufficient resources must introduce such measures that would benefit the health of their employees.

Regards,
Vinisha

Vinisha ji,
Namaskar.

Both your professor and you are right. She is right for now, and you will be right after 5 years. In India, the "hire and fire" principle is working as there is surplus manpower in the market. According to a 2005 estimation, India has a population growth rate of only 1.4 percent. In another 5 years, we are likely to come down to 0 or a negative growth rate. This, apart from the WHO prediction as quoted above, will be felt. By that time, wellness programs will be a must. Moreover, replacing illness, wellness is a relatively new concept. To pick up, it will take a bit of time.

The other day, I was watching TV, and I saw that certain companies have started their stress management programs in their ways, devoid of expert inputs. Gradually, they will seek expertise too. Wellness measures certainly need expertise to be effective. I will post more information in due course.

Regards

I run a course on stress alleviation for criminal justice functionaries (judges and police officers, etc.) and use corporate words:

- "Apni apni punji,
- "Apni apni kamai,
- "Apna apna munafa."

Remember, you are responsible for your illness, and you yourself can repair the anomalies. Your body is the biggest apothecary.

Regards

Hi Vinisha, Your disappointment is understandable. Sorry for responding late. I have just joined this forum, and I am a fitness enthusiast. I have transformed myself from 97 kg to 80 kg in a year. I am associated with a company in the field of providing corporate wellness solutions.

Here are some of my inputs based on my experience and understanding:
- There are no sustained solutions provided.
- No scientifically proven programs are available; all are ad hoc to spend the budget allocated.
- Corporates still don't want to invest in something which will have results in the long term.

Let me know if you need any more clarification or assistance.

Best Regards,
healthji.com

Corporate wellness exists in India but is in the nascent stage. Only a few corporates are seriously pursuing it. There are many reasons, but I believe that very soon this will become a part of every corporate, and they will have to embrace corporate wellness. The key to the success of any corporate wellness program is that it should involve sustained effort and not just one-time activities or workshops.

Health insurance costs are skyrocketing, and the ultimate solution is to shift from cure to prevention. Numerous studies indicate that we, as Indians/Asians, are more prone to lifestyle conditions compared to people of other ethnicities.

Changes in lifestyle cannot be achieved through a one-time workshop, etc. Wellness cannot be achieved overnight; it requires sustained efforts and coaching. There have been enough case studies in the West proving the benefits, as you have mentioned, and demonstrating an ROI of 1 to 5.

"[Link outdated-removed]" is providing the "[Link outdated-removed]" to Indian corporates through evidence-based and scientifically proven tools and services.

Let me know if you need more information or assistance.

The Importance of Employee Wellness Programs

A well-planned employee wellness program is really necessary in today's times, where employee engagement and wellness can be more important than big paychecks. Having employee loyalty towards the organization and nurturing organizational culture is crucial for business growth.

Employee wellness programs don't need to be as expensive as having an in-house gym. Cost-effective programs like offering subsidized gym memberships or incorporating healthier snack options, such as oatmeal cookies, can be beneficial.

Refer to the article link to know more: https://quikchex.in/promote-employee-health-wellness/