Strong workplaces start with supported people: Vedanta Aluminium’s approach

Vedanta Aluminium is expanding access to mental health support across its mining, refining, smelting and power operations, combining counselling services, digital wellness programmes and employee engagement initiatives to make emotional well-being a more integral part of workplace culture.

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 initiative offers a 24/7 counselling helpline, personalised wellness pathways and access to professional guidance, allowing employees to seek support around their individual circumstances and work schedules.

The company's initiatives come as World Mental Health Day 2026 highlights the theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change”, emphasising the importance of listening to individual experiences and making mental health conversations more accessible.

Counselling and wellness programmes across operations

At Jharsuguda, the digital wellness programme is designed to help employees access professional guidance when needed, including those working across different shifts and schedules.

At Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO) in Chhattisgarh, employees can access both digital and in-person counselling sessions. The programme recorded 1,189 employee engagements and 169 new registrations in 2026, alongside more than 155 counselling sessions conducted since March 2025.

Support also extends to BALCO Medical Centre, which provides counselling and psychological support to patients and caregivers navigating the emotional challenges associated with serious medical treatment. These services offer additional avenues for people to access guidance according to their circumstances.

Lanjigarh focuses on awareness and emotional resilience

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

The programme has also included a Happiness Bootcamp attended by more than 200 employees, with sessions focused on self-awareness and practical approaches to everyday challenges. Additional activities covering emotional intelligence and personal relationships encouraged employees to reflect on their experiences and engage with questions around well-being.

Participants reported an average emotional wellness score of 9.3 out of 10 following counselling sessions.

An employee who participated in the programme said, "The sessions encouraged me to pause, reflect and pay greater attention to my own well-being. More importantly, they reminded me that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.”

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Awareness initiatives extend to coal mines

Vedanta Aluminium's coal mines operations have adopted a similar approach, combining confidential counselling through a shared Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with awareness-building activities focused on emotional health.

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

Beyond structured counselling and awareness programmes, the company uses leadership interactions, sports, recreational activities, employee recognition and family-inclusive events to encourage connection and strengthen a sense of belonging among its workforce.

Building a workplace culture around well-being

Across its operations, Vedanta Aluminium's initiatives reflect an approach that combines access to professional support with efforts to encourage conversations about mental health. The programmes vary according to local needs but share an emphasis on making assistance accessible and helping employees feel comfortable seeking guidance.

Counselling services and awareness campaigns provide formal channels for support, while employee engagement activities create opportunities for people to connect beyond their immediate work responsibilities.

The company’s approach places emphasis on empathy, trust and human connection alongside structured wellness programmes. As World Mental Health Day brings lived experiences and listening into focus, these initiatives highlight the role that workplace support systems can play in making employees feel heard, understood and valued.

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