Anxiety, Depression, and Panic Disorders Dominate Workplace Mental Health Support Requests

National, January 20, 2025– Soaring rates of workplace stress and anxiety are evident, with approximately 40% of the workforce reporting stress levels that significantly impacted their ability to work in the last year.1 As we approach ‘Blue Monday’, known as one of the most challenging days for mental health, International SOS, the world’s leading health and security risk services company, calls on organisations to take proactive steps in addressing the mental health challenges of employees.

International SOS has identified the three most frequent mental health-related requests it has received from global workforces across various sectors over the past three years.2 These include support and assistance for:

1. Anxiety disorder: intense and excessive fear and distress, often accompanied by physical tensions.

2. Depressive disorder: mental health condition characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or loss of interest. It can significantly impact an employee’s emotions, behaviour, and physical health.

3. Panic disorder: a condition when an employee has repeated, unexpected panic attacks and worries constantly about when the next one might happen.

For individuals living with mental health conditions, meaningful employment can significantly contribute to their recovery and social inclusion, fostering increased confidence and improved social functioning. Research findings indicate that employment can have a more profound positive impact on mental health outcomes than traditional psychiatric care alone.3 However, when an employee experiences ongoing workplace stress, it causes an elevated level of anxiety-causing hormones. This sustained pressure can leave employees feeling fatigued and exhausted and, ultimately, may contribute to burnout. Without robust support, mental health conditions can severely impact an individual’s self-confidence, job satisfaction, and ability to thrive in the workplace.

Dr Rodrigo Rodriguez-Fernandez, Global Health Advisor, Wellness and Mental Health, at International SOS, comments, “January and the start of a new year can be a particularly challenging time for many. The post-holiday blues, the return-to-work routines, and the harsh winter weather in the northern hemisphere can really take a toll on mental health and wellbeing. Blue Monday presents a crucial opportunity for organisations to proactively address mental health challenges for the year ahead and cultivate a culture of wellbeing that extends far beyond this single day.

“For organisations, recognising the inextricable link between good mental health, employee wellbeing, and organisational effectiveness is paramount. Alarmingly, workplace stress and anxiety rates remain high, with around 15% of the global working-age population suffering from mental illness.4 The detrimental effects of stress are multifaceted and can include circulatory and gastrointestinal issues, as well as significant physical and emotional repercussions.5 Protecting and promoting mental health in the workplace is about strengthening capacities, increasing awareness, and offering early intervention opportunities for those in need.”

International SOS offers five points for organisations to implement proactive strategies to address stress and anxiety in the workforce:

1. SUPPORT

Foster a supportive culture and work environment: create a workplace culture that values open communication and support. Encourage employees to speak up about their stress levels and provide a safe space for them to share their concerns without fear of judgment or repercussions.

2. BALANCE

Promote work-life balance and implement flexible work arrangements: consider changing time-off policies to accommodate employees’ mental health needs. Encourage employees to take breaks and set boundaries between work and personal life.

3. ASSESS

Conduct regular stress assessments: regularly assess the stress levels within the organisation through surveys, feedback sessions, and health screenings. Use the data collected to identify stressors and implement targeted interventions to address them.

4. ASSIST

Offer Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs): ensure easily accessible resources for mental health support, including workshops for stress management techniques, counselling services and mental health hotlines.

5. TRAIN

Equip managers with mental health first-aid training: upskill managers to identify signs of distress and offer initial support to employees who may be struggling.

The International SOS Foundation will host a Workforce Wellbeing training course on 20-21 January. The course will provide individuals and leaders responsible for wellbeing within their respective organisations with the competencies necessary to plan, design and deliver best-in-class programmes.

Shikhar Dhawan and Orry Join Forces with Amazon MX Player for Innovative ‘Superhit Jodi’ Campaign

Mumbai, 20 January, 2024: Following Amazon’s recent acquisition of key assets of MX Player, the service has set out with the goal to redefine free entertainment in India with unparalleled reach and a massive content library. In line with this goal, the streaming service launched an exciting campaign last weekend, reinforcing that the pair of Amazon and MX Player is the ‘Superhit Jodi’ in the streaming space. This campaign brings together ace cricketer Shikhar Dhawan and social media sensation Orry for a humorous campaign.

Sharing his thoughts on the campaign, Aruna Daryanani, Head – Marketing, Product & Tech at Amazon MX Player, said, “Our latest campaign showcases Amazon MX Player’s vision to premium quality content for free to all Indians. By bringing together cricket icon Shikhar Dhawan and social media sensation Orry, our aim is to highlight our vast content selection that viewers across the country can enjoy on the service, at no cost! The campaign brings in great humour and reflects our commitment to offering great content, innovative marketing, and strategic partnerships.”

Shikhar Dhawan, being part of this campaign shared, “Entertainment, like cricket, has the power to bring people together. Collaborating with Amazon MX Player for this campaign was an absolute joy, the energy and fun of the ‘Shikhar x Orry’ spot are contagious. It’s amazing to see how Amazon MX Player is redefining free entertainment for millions of Indians, and I’m thrilled to be part of this journey.”

Adding to this, Orry shared, “This campaign was such a blast to be part of. Pairing up with Shikhar for the ‘Shikhar x Orry’ spot truly brought out the jodi vibes, and the concept is so fresh and fun. Amazon MX Player is bringing something truly unique to the table, and I’m so excited to see audiences connect with this campaign and its amazing content.”

With its “Watch Free, No T&C” promise, Amazon MX Player ensures a completely free entertainment experience for viewers, while giving advertisers the chance to deepen their relationship with a vast and engaged audience. From returning seasons to new original series, popular international shows and movies, and a vast movie library the streaming service offers a robust content library spanning various genres, such as romance, dramas, thrillers, action, and many more. Viewers can easily access Amazon MX Player on its own app on mobile and Connected TVs, on the Amazon Shopping app, Prime Video, and Fire TV.

Agnitraya 2025 Ends with Grandeur, Leaving Lasting Impressions

Kashipur, January 2025: IIM Kashipur’s flagship annual fest, Agnitraya 2025, concluded on a high note, leaving participants and attendees with memories to cherish forever. The three-day extravaganza, held from the 17th to the 19th of January, lived up to its promise of being a remarkable celebration of talent, creativity, and togetherness. With its vibrant mix of cultural, sports, and management events, the fest brought the campus alive and created a dynamic platform for students to showcase their skills and foster camaraderie.

The event featured an incredible lineup of activities and performances that captivated everyone present. From high-energy sports competitions including cricket, futsal, frisbee, and table tennis, to enthralling cultural events such as solo and group dance performances and acting competitions, Agnitraya 2025 was a hub of excitement and enthusiasm. Management and non-management competitions added an intellectual edge, challenging participants to think strategically and creatively. The fest saw enthusiastic participation from institutions such as IIM Amritsar, MDI Gurgaon, FORE School of Management, IMI Delhi, Master’s Union, and many others, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere and competitive spirit. In an impressive display of athleticism and, IIM Kashipur emerged as the winner in the overall sports competition, earning accolades for its outstanding performance.

Each day of the fest was packed with memorable highlights. Agnitraya began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony to signify the spirit of knowledge and unity. Distinguished dignitaries, including Mr. Dina Nath Jha (SBI AGM), Mr. D.K. Joshi (LIC Senior Divisional Manager), Prof. Vivek Roy (Chairperson, Student Affairs Office), Col. Ajay Kumar Upadhyay (CAO), and Mr. Vikrant Choudary (Head of Administration, IGL), graced the occasion and inspired the audience with their presence.

Agnitraya 2025’s entertainment segment was nothing short of spectacular. Comedy enthusiasts enjoyed a laughter-filled evening with Nishant Tanwar, whose witty humor and relatable anecdotes left the audience in splits. Music lovers were mesmerized by the soulful performance of Ash King during the Star Night, while Band Night featured a dynamic and energetic performance by the renowned band Ignia. The fest concluded on an electrifying note with Revoic’s DJ Night, where the crowd danced their hearts out till the very end.

Agnitraya 2025 was not just an event; it was a celebration of talent, teamwork, and unity. The energy and enthusiasm displayed by participants and organizers alike made it a truly unforgettable experience. As the campus now settles back into its routine, the memories of these three incredible days will continue to resonate, reminding everyone of the joy, creativity, and camaraderie that defined Agnitraya 2025.

JSW MG Motor India Presents Stellar Line-Up of 9 Global Models at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025

National , January, 2025: JSW MG Motor India, in line with its vision of Drive.Future, showcased its new-age technologies and forward-thinking initiatives on the second day of the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. Solidifying its technological leadership, JSW MG Motor India demonstrated its competencies in CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electric) technology. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric initiatives, the brand presented pragmatic solutions that elevate mobility for the modern era.

 Taking the vision of Drive.Future to the next level, JSW MG Motor India showcased a diverse range of powertrain options, including Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) models. These include innovative models with strong battery management, the IM5 and IM6, a premium plug-in hybrid electric vehicle MG HS, the grand SUV MG MAJESTOR, D+ Segment SUV, the Comet BLACKSTORM and the luxurious MG7 Trophy Edition, among others.

 Rajeev Chaba, CEO Emeritus, JSW MG Motor India, said “We are excited to showcase our pioneering initiatives in CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electric) technologies at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, reaffirming our commitment to shaping the future of mobility. Our vision of Drive.Future is rooted in leveraging advanced technology to transform mobility into a sustainable, connected, and customer-centric experience. Through our technology zone and diverse powertrain showcase, we are pushing the boundaries to offer practical, sustainable solutions that not only make electric mobility more accessible but also enhance the overall driving experience with a greener, smarter, and more connected future for all.”

 MG MAJESTOR – The MG MAJESTOR is a new D+ segment SUV with massive dimensions – the longest, widest, and tallest in its class, creating an imposing stance. It redefines excellence, setting new benchmarks for SUVs in handling urban and off-road driving conditions. Inside, the MG MAJESTOR is an abode of luxury, spaciousness, and comfort. This D+ segment SUV blends commanding performance, unmatched luxury, and advanced technology and is equipped with a range of advanced features that set it apart from the competition. With commanding power and rugged capability, the MG MAJESTOR excels on any terrain, making it ideal for both city and adventure. The massively spacious cabin, crafted with premium materials and thoughtful design, guarantees a refined journey for all occupants. Safety takes centre-stage with limitless safety features, including robust structural integrity and advanced driver-assist systems.

 IM5 – The IM5 is a luxurious sedan, featuring contemporary technology and elegant design. At the heart of the IM5 is its innovative solid-state battery, offering a substantial range without compromising on performance. The IM5 also features an intelligent digital chassis and a hurricane motor delivering exceptional power.

IM6 – The IM6 all-electric SUV is equipped with the advanced Lizard digital chassis and a four-wheel steering system, enhancing manoeuvrability. Its IM AD 3.0 intelligent driving system supports ‘Navigate on Autopilot’ in city conditions without a map. Inside, the “IMOS Future Smart Cabin” offers a futuristic, seamless experience with innovative technology and comfort.
MG HS – The MG HS Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is a versatile SUV that combines electric and petrol power, offering an efficient and sustainable driving experience. One of the standout features of the MG HS PHEV is its ability to run on electric power alone for short distances. It can cover up to approximately 120 km on a full charge, making it ideal for daily commutes.

 MG 7 Trophy Edition – The MG 7 Trophy Edition sedan is a true automotive excellence, offering a superior blend of power, precision, and elegance. This fastback sports sedan is a true masterpiece, combining a sleek and stylish design, advanced technology, and safety features with a turbocharged engine that delivers exhilarating performance.

 MG Comet BLACKSTORM – The MG Comet BLACKSTORM edition elevates style and sophistication of this popular street-smart car with exclusive features and enhancements. Available in the stunning starry black exterior, it showcases a dark chrome ‘Comet EV’ emblem and a black finish ‘Internet Inside’ emblem. The cabin exudes elegance with leatherette seats featuring bold Red ‘BLACKSTORM’ embroidery on the headrests, complemented by an immersive 4-speaker audio system. Equipped with a 17.4 kWh battery for improved performance, the BLACKSTORM edition is designed for those who desire unmatched style with practical driving comfort.

 The EV Ecosystem Zone, a comprehensive exhibit is designed to demonstrate how JSW MG Motor India is shaping the future of electric mobility through holistic solutions. This zone is a one-stop destination for understanding the infrastructure, technology, and partnerships required to support India’s transition towards the faster adoption of electric vehicles along with building a robust EV infrastructure for a hassle-free ownership experience. The zone features the 6-way charging infrastructure, eHUB by MG, the Industry’s first and largest charging platform by an OEM; Project REVIVE, focused on repurposing EV batteries beyond cars; EVPEDIA, India’s first dedicated educational and knowledge platform for electric car users; the MG-Jio Innovative Connectivity Platform (MG-Jio ICP) and Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS).

SIAM’s First SAFAR Summit Focuses on Advancing Road Safety in the Automotive Industry

New Delhi, January 20, 2025: The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) successfully organized the 1st Summit on Automotive Future Advancement in Road Safety (SAFAR) today at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, on the sidelines of the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. The event, themed “United Efforts for Road Safety: Safer Roads, Our Responsibility”, aimed to foster collaborative approaches to improving road safety in India through impactful discussions, interactive activities, and innovative initiatives.

The summit commenced with an opening session, where key dignitaries addressed the audience on “Driving a People-Centric Future: A Vision for Safer Roads in India”, and included two impactful Panel Discussion Sessions. The sessions featured high-level discussions, engaging strategies, and innovative initiatives to address key challenges and solutions for road safety.

During the Opening Session, the SIAM’s “Surakshit Safar Initiative Report (2025-2026)” booklet was launched by the Chied Guest Mr. V Umashankar, Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, which offers a comprehensive coverage of SIAM initiatives on road safety in FY25.

Welcoming the dignitaries, Mr. Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM, said, “This is a momentous occasion as we organize this significant event during Road Safety Month. With 80% of India’s annual vehicle population comprising two-wheelers, who are among the most vulnerable road users, it is crucial to address this concern. This is the perfect time to reaffirm our commitment to safer roads and responsibly contribute to nation-building.”

Chief Guest Mr. V. Umashankar, Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, said, “The implementation of RVB framework—Road, Vehicle, and Behaviour—could yield better results in terms of road safety. Road engineering is critical; it can help us reduce accidents significantly. Vehicles should be equipped with advanced safety features, and drivers must follow guidelines for using them. Behavioural modification through education and awareness is crucial to improving road safety.”

Guest of Honour Mr. Sanjay Bandopadhyaya, Member, the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety, said, “India’s federal structure, with its diverse states and large population, poses unique challenges. Reviving India’s age-old value of ‘Pehle Aap’ could significantly reduce road fatalities. We need focused interventions in vehicle technologies, emergency care, and enforcement. We can achieve the ambitious target of halving road fatalities and making our roads safer for everyone by collaborating effectively.”

Mr. Shailesh Chandra, President, SIAM & Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles & Tata Motors Electric Mobility, said, “The name SAFAR symbolizes a shared roadmap for a safer and more sustainable future. We must strictly follow the 4E model of road safety: Education, Enforcement, Engineering, and Emergency. We have to educate people and drivers about road behaviour, ensure enforcement of rules and regulations, improve vehicle engineering, and ensure a better emergency response system. Advancing vehicle technologies, leveraging data analytics to identify high-risk zones, and deepening collaboration will facilitate India’s road safety efforts.”

Mr. Piyush Arora, Managing Director & CEO, SKODA AUTO Volkswagen India, said, “Bharat NCAP is a commendable step by the government, which strengthens India’s position in road safety. Our aim is to set new safety benchmarks for our customers while incorporating the most stringent safety standards. We are committed to supporting Bharat NCAP and helping address India’s unique road safety challenges.”

Mr. Kazuyoshi Kuroki, Chief Engineer, Honda Motor Co. Ltd., presented insights into Japan’s road safety measures and said, “Road safety follows the principle of education, enforcement, and engineering. Both public and private sectors have a crucial role to play. We must emphasize creating appropriate education programs, implementing effective laws and regulations, and ensuring collaboration.”

Mr. Sushant Naik, President, SAFE and Global Head, Govt & Public Affairs, Tata Motors, said, “Safer roads mean safer families, and it is our shared responsibility to bring meaningful change. Building a people-centric future reminds us that road safety can only be achieved through cutting-edge innovation. While progress has been made, challenges remain that need to be addressed.”

The First Panel Discussion Session, themed “Saving Lives by Adopting Multi-pronged Road Safety Strategies through Education and Enforcement”, focused on the significance of improving education and enforcement strategies, considering actionable recommendations, and strengthening collaboration. While moderating the session, Mr. Alok Jaitley, Vice President, SAFE and EVP, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “Technology must be made more affordable so that more Indian customers can benefit from advanced safety features. We are optimistic about seeing these technologies become standard in vehicles across the country.”

Mr. K K Kapila, President Emeritus, International Road Federation (IRF), said, “By focusing on the 4 E’s—Engineering, Education, Enforcement, and Emergency Response—we can drastically reduce accidents and nearly eliminate fatalities. A critical part of this is educating schoolchildren about road safety from an early age to instill responsible behaviour.”

Mr. Akash Passey, President, ZF India, said, “Over the last decade, many countries have successfully reduced road fatality rates, showing us what can be achieved with concerted efforts. Ultimately, it also depends on what customers prioritize and are willing to pay for when it comes to safety.”

Mr. Ramashankar Pandey, Social Defence Fellow of the Indian Administrative Fellowship at the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment & Former MD, Hella India Lighting Ltd., said, “India has made significant strides in vehicle safety regulations, emerging as a global leader in this domain. However, true change comes when behaviour aligns with science. A balanced approach is essential while combining regulation with proactive solutions like alert and assist systems.”

Mr. K C Sharma, Chief Engineer, MoRTH, said, “Education of vehicle owners is extremely important. Enforcement of already existing laws is essential to prevent what is happening in terms of road fatalities.”

The second and last Panel Discussion Session, themed “Pivotal Role of Engineering, Emergency Care and Evaluation in Improving Road Safety”, focused on collaboration among stakeholders, public awareness and engagement in road safety efforts. Mr. Prashant K Banerjee moderated the session, which was graced by road safety stakeholders across the industries.

Mr. Akhilesh Srivastava, President, ITS India, said, “We need advanced systems like ATMS (Automated Traffic Management Systems) to leverage data and analytics for improving road safety. We must implement measurable data points to incentivize good driving while addressing poor driving behaviour. Piloting such technologies can significantly enhance road safety efforts.”

Mr. Manish Jaiswal, Director, NATRAX, said, “Road safety is a complex challenge that demands comprehensive solutions, including better road infrastructure and improved vehicle engineering. Vehicle safety is a multifaceted issue as it’s the culmination of various factors working together.”

Mr. Abhijit Sengupta, Senior Director & Head of Business- Southeast Asia, HERE Technologies, said, “In our recent survey conducted with 1,300 drivers, we found that more than half of the respondents reported experiencing accidents in the last two years, this highlights the necessity of redefining and tackling key contributing factors behind the same. Behaviour emerged as the most significant factor, followed by road conditions and the enforcement of laws.”

Dr. Tejprakash Sinha, Co-Director, WHO, said, “We must enhance responsiveness in road safety interventions. Immediate healthcare assistance can save 30-40% of lives. Community-driven ambulance services can complement efforts, especially since 40-60% of accident victims are transported by private vehicles. The government is making commendable strides in increasing ambulance availability and their services. Establishing zero-fatality corridors can further boost road safety outcomes.”

Commander Mr. Pradeep K Jaiswani, COO, JP Research, said, “AI can play a critical role in road safety by identifying patterns and using data as a key intervention tool. With technology, we can capture the moments leading up to crashes and apply automated corrective measures. Data is pivotal across technology, healthcare, and policymaking.”

The summit also featured a range of interactive activities for public engagement and road safety awareness, including the “Road Safety Awareness Run”, with participation from over 1,200 students. The event was flagged off by the summit’s Chief guest. Highlighting the importance of road safety, the run was organized on the side of the Surakshit Safar Pavilion (सुरक्षित सफर) which beckons attendees through its four gates for 4Es of Road safety. With interactive VR games, simulators, vehicle models as well as “CPR Training & Certification” on display, the pavilion saw great participation from visitors. Additionally, school students showcased their creativity through competitions including poster-making, show and tell, extempore speech, road safety qawwali, nukkad natak (street play) on road safety themes, and daily street plays. Attendees also experienced an immersive VR journey into road safety, focusing on two-wheeler riding safety, four-wheeler driving safety, and pedestrian safety awareness.