The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry under its newly constituted Wellness & Communities Committee organized a first−of−its−kind session named “Celebrating Employee Wellness” on 19th May 2023 at Williamson Magor Hall, The Chamber premises. The aim was to provide a holistic approach to wellness and promote healthy lifestyle behaviors that can benefit both the personal and professional lives of employees.

The initiative talked mainly about employee wellness, the Role of Leadership in Employee Wellness and Well−being, Employee Wellness as a Business Imperative, Guilt−free women and workforce, and Pillars of Wellness essential for Work−life Balance. The initiative brought together industry leaders, Doctors, HR professionals, and wellness experts to exchange knowledge, ideas, and best practices for promoting employee wellness.

The programme was introduced to work towards employee wellness, the need for training and development, promoting creativity, and empowering employees with overall development. The first session was taken by Dr. Ratna Sinha, Chairperson of the Wellness & Communities Committee, BCC&I & VP HRM, Tata Metaliks Limited on “Role of Leadership on Employee Wellness and Well−being”; about the programme she said, “Wellness as an element of Wellbeing which encompasses the broader holistic dimensions of a well−lived life. It is a global scenario wherein most people are facing these unsettled times whether in the corporate sector, institutions, or even at home. Based on that, the Wellness & Communities Committee decided to work on a much−needed thought−sharing workshop captioned ‘Celebrating Employee Wellness’. Through the workshop held today, we have seen very engaged participants who seemed to take back some thoughts on how to lead a more fulfilled life.”

Followed by a Panel Discussion on−“Employee Wellness as a Business Imperative” which was moderated by Mr. Rahul Bose, Business Consultant, Ex−Global PDE Instructor Learning & Knowledge of IBM Global Business Services the eminent panelists were Mr. Arijit Majumdar, Head of HR & Administration, Tide Water Oil Co. (India) Ltd.; Dr. Arindam Pande, Senior Consultant, Interventional Cardiologist, Medica Super Specialty Hospital, MBBS Honours, MD Medicine, DM Cardiology, FICC, FESC, FSCAI (USA), FACC (USA), FRCP (Glasg) and Prof. (Dr.) Manodip Ray Chaudhuri, Professor of Management, HR & OB, Dean, Xavier Business School, St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata.

After the panel discussion Mr. Vivek Jalan, Partner, Tax Connect Advisory Services LLP took a session on “Tax−Saving Strategies: Maximizing Deductions and Credits”; and Mr. Rahul Biswas, AVP, and Ms. Meenakshi Sasmal, Vice President & Portfolio Counsellor Wealth & Personal Banking, HSBC. jointly took a session on “Financial Wellness : A Peep through your future treasure box”.

Dr. Sutapa Pal, MBBS, AFIH, Consultant Doctor, Tata Metaliks Limited and TMILL took the next session on Guilt−free Women Workforce". During the Session Dr. Pal said, “Women, whether working or housewives, always carry the burden of guilt. Majorly, if she is a working woman. This burden of guilt is exclusive to women. Let the man hold the fort at home so the woman can relax and enjoy guilt−free.”

One of the strongest pillars of employee wellness was addressed by Sister B K Padma, Senior Rajyoga Meditation Trainer, Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwarya Vishwa Vidyalaya in the session on “Emotional Wellness: Investment in Mind”; where she talked about strong, focused, and peaceful mind and focused on a positive approach.

The programme was concluded by a Skit activity on “Wellness Essentials” by Dr. Sitangshu Khatua, Associate Professor in Finance, Xavier Business School, Kolkata & Theatre Personality.

The programme was attended by professionals from all spheres of the Industry, HR's, L&D professionals, Senior and Mid−level Management, and other relevant industry stakeholders. The initiative was partnered by Tata Metaliks Limited, Tide Water Oil Company (I) Limited, G D Hospital & Diabetes Institute, and Tax Connect Advisory Services LLP. The initiative was well attended and appreciated by all participants.