Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS) and Alumni Association of XISS (AAXISS), Bengaluru Chapter, organized a panel discussion on "Building Emotional, Resilient and Psychologically Safe Workspaces" during the ‘Alumni Meet 2024’ on 28 September 2024. The meet was supported by leading sponsors, including NorthStarz.ai (Formerly Interview Guru), 1to1help.net, Nalanda Institute of Technology (NIT) Bhubaneshwar, and the travel sponsor included Nmadic.

The panel was moderated by Mr Prabhash Nirbhay, Founder of Flipcarbon, and featured an impressive lineup of industry experts, including Mr Ravi Kumar, SVP & CPO – Page Industries, Mr Milan Chattaraj, HR Director at Orkla India, Ms Practichi Hota, Counseling Psychologist at 1to1help.net, Mr Atindra Mukherjee, Associate Director – Upgrad and Mr Karunesh Prasad, Founder & CEO – Change Et Al. XISS faculty members, Associate Professor, Dr Kumar Mohit Spring and Associate Professor, Dr Arana Kausar were also in attendance at the alumni gathering.

In the discussion, the panelists emphasized that creating emotionally resilient and psychologically safe workspaces is critical to fostering a thriving corporate environment. They highlighted that emotional resilience is vital for employees to manage stress, adapt to challenges, and maintain productivity in the face of adversity. Leaders and organizations play a key role in shaping a work environment that prioritizes mental well-being and ensures employees feel safe to express their thoughts, emotions, and ideas without fear of judgment or retribution.

The panelists also touched upon the importance of psychological safety, explaining that when employees are encouraged to be vulnerable, share concerns, and collaborate without fear of negative consequences, innovation and creativity flourish. This culture of openness reduces burnout, improves engagement, and fosters stronger interpersonal relationships within teams.

The discussion also explored the need for ongoing support systems such as mental health resources, counselling and professional development programs to build resilience. Organizations must continuously invest in these resources to promote a positive mental health culture and retain talent.

The experts urged companies to cultivate empathy and inclusivity in leadership, with a focus on open communication, active listening, and recognition of employees' efforts. Building such workspaces not only enhances organizational success but also creates a lasting impact on employees’ personal and professional growth.

Following the insightful panel discussion, attendees, including students and alumni, participated in interactive activities, networking sessions, and a delightful dinner to conclude the evening on a high note.