THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, OCTOBER 10, 2026

Emphasising that a healthy workplace goes beyond physical safety and professional growth, Vedanta Aluminium has stepped up efforts to promote mental well-being among employees through round-the-clock counselling, digital wellness programmes, awareness campaigns and employee engagement initiatives across its operations.

The initiatives assume significance as the world observes World Mental Health Day on October 10, with the United Nations' 2026 theme, ‘Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change’, highlighting the importance of listening to individual experiences and fostering greater understanding of mental health challenges.

At a time when conversations around emotional well-being often remain difficult in professional environments, the company is focusing on building a workplace culture where employees feel heard, respected and comfortable seeking help without hesitation.

For Vedanta Aluminium, India's largest aluminium producer, employee well-being is an integral part of its sustainability agenda. With its workforce spread across mining, refining, smelting and power generation, the company has adopted initiatives tailored to the diverse needs and working schedules of its employees.

At its Jharsuguda operations in Odisha, a digital wellness programme currently supports more than 2,900 employees and extends services to their family members. The programme offers a 24-hour counselling helpline, personalised wellness pathways and access to professional guidance, enabling employees to seek support at a time and in a manner suited to their individual circumstances.

The initiative recognises the importance of flexible and confidential support for employees working across different shifts and schedules, while helping make professional mental health assistance more accessible.

A similar approach has been adopted at Bharat Aluminium Company Ltd (BALCO) in Chhattisgarh, where employees can access both digital and face-to-face counselling services. The programme recorded 1,189 employee engagements and 169 new registrations in 2026, besides facilitating more than 155 counselling sessions since March 2025.

The company's efforts to promote emotional well-being also extend beyond the workplace through BALCO Medical Centre (BMC), one of the region's leading cancer care institutions. The centre provides counselling and psychological support to patients and caregivers as they cope with the emotional challenges associated with serious medical treatment.

At Vedanta Lanjigarh, which houses the company's alumina refinery, awareness programmes have sought to encourage conversations on self-care, emotional resilience and personal well-being.

Between August 2024 and March 2025, a total of 488 individuals participated in 749 engagements with the company's digital wellness partner, including 151 counselling sessions.

A Happiness Bootcamp attended by more than 200 employees formed part of these efforts, focusing on self-awareness and practical ways to manage everyday challenges. Sessions on emotional intelligence and personal relationships further encouraged employees to reflect on their experiences and engage in open conversations.

Participants reported an average emotional wellness score of 9.3 out of 10 following counselling sessions, indicating positive feedback on the programme.

An employee who participated in the initiative said the sessions encouraged greater self-reflection and awareness of personal well-being.

 “More importantly, they reminded me that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness,” the employee said.

The company's coal mines operations have also combined professional counselling with awareness-building activities. Employees can access confidential support through a shared Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), complemented by sensitisation sessions on emotional health.

During International Yoga Day 2026, around 135 employees participated in a two-day programme featuring discussions on stress management, resilience and desk yoga. An online awareness session on emotional well-being and healthy workplace practices is also being organised to mark World Mental Health Day.

Beyond formal counselling and awareness programmes, the company is encouraging employee connections through leadership interactions, sports, recreational activities, recognition platforms and family-inclusive events.

Such initiatives are aimed at strengthening interpersonal relationships and fostering a sense of belonging, recognising that mental well-being is influenced not only by access to professional assistance but also by the everyday workplace environment.

Across its operations, Vedanta Aluminium's approach reflects the understanding that employees face different personal and professional challenges and may require different forms of support. By providing multiple avenues for assistance, the company seeks to create an environment where individuals feel comfortable reaching out when they need help.

The broader objective is to make mental health conversations an accepted part of workplace life, replacing hesitation and stigma with empathy, trust and understanding.

As awareness of mental health continues to grow, the company believes that meaningful change begins with listening to people's experiences and ensuring they feel supported and valued.

The approach forms part of Vedanta Sustainability and the company's continued efforts to build workplaces where people can thrive. Across its operations in Odisha and elsewhere in the country, the focus remains on measuring progress not only through operational achievements but also through the experiences, well-being and growth of its people.