Employee Wellbeing and Mental Health Practices in Startup Companies: An Analysis of Working Professionals in South Bangalore

Startups are fast emerging as major commercial activity globally and in India. The bulk of new age startup activities are concentrated in cities like Bangalore, with South Bangalore emerging as a startup hub. Most of the new age startup employees are young and engaged in opportunity laden work environment that is known for being dynamic, and innovative. In this study, we focus on how employees manage stress and strive for work life balance while employed in startups. Specifically, the study looks to understand employee well-being and mental health from within the context of South Bangalore. This research is conceptually driven and incorporates a literature review on employee well-being, startup work culture and practices that enhance mental health. Leadership support and organisational culture can affect the efficacy of these practices. Importantly, however, many startups lack formal HR policies which hampers effective mental health practice implementation. While startups need to find a more balanced structure, HR-strategies for mental health need to be developed. With healthy work conditions, startup employees and founders can enjoy higher job satisfaction, more productivity and better retention. Startups should treat their employees’ well-being as a strategic priority. Keywords: Employee Well-being, Mental Health, Startup Culture, Work-Life Balance, HR Practices.