We are in the midst of layoff season. While the world is shocked to see large internet companies like Meta and Twitter fire employees, the Indian startup scene has also suffered. So, what led to this, what is happening now, and what is yet to come?
Race to Mass Layoffs?
Adding to the difficulties in Silicon Valley is the possibility that Amazon will announce layoffs that will affect up to 10,000 workers. Following Microsoft, Twitter, Snap, Meta, and Twitter, Amazon is the next big tech company to lay off employees. There has also been a decrease in recruiting at Apple and other companies.
In the wake of fears of a worldwide recession, technology companies, traditionally large spenders, are now turning to cost-cutting.
Mass Firings: What Led to This?
From January 1 to June 1, 2022, the market capitalization of the top 30 technology companies decreased by $4.3 trillion. These 30 companies represent the majority of the value of the global tech market.
At least $5–6 trillion was lost in the global listed tech market as a whole. The top 30 businesses account for $4.3 trillion of this. In actuality, the combined contribution of Apple and Microsoft to this market value decline is close to $1 trillion.
From June to August 18, the market value of the top 30 tech companies experienced a $900 billion recovery.
What's the situation in India?
Many edtech companies have let go of employees, including Byju's and Unacademy. It was reported that Unacademy had laid off 1,150 employees, while Byju's laid off 550 employees, not far behind Vedantu, which had laid off 624 employees.
Meanwhile, MFine laid off 600 workers, Ola fired 500 people, and Cars24 reported 600 job losses. In all cases, layoffs were caused by tighter monetary policies and a correction in the stock market.
How About the Attrition Rate?
In addition to layoffs, IT organizations have experienced high attrition rates. Labor costs and the cost of acquiring talent led to squeezed operating margins for all IT majors during the previous quarter.
During the first quarter of FY23, Indian IT companies spent, on average, 57% of sales on employee salaries, with some, like Infosys, raising their top performers by one or two digits. TCS's attrition rate for Q4 of FY22 was 19.7%, much higher than Infosys's 17.4%.
In Q4FY22, HCL Technologies experienced an increase in attrition from 21.9% to 23.8%. However, Wipro has managed to keep attrition rates relatively stable, dropping from 23.8% to 23.3% between April and June.
Corporate Wellness on a Budget: Creative Ideas for Small Teams
Mohit Sahni
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When we think of corporate wellness, visions of expensive gym memberships or gourmet smoothie bars might come to mind. But let’s get real: small teams and startups often don’t have a wellness budget like Google or Apple. Here’s the good news: you don’t need big bucks to show employees you care. In fact, simple and thoughtful wellness initiatives can have a big impact—often, it’s the small gestures that make people feel most valued.
If you’re ready to create a positive, health-conscious work culture without the luxury price tag, here’s a list of budget-friendly ideas to inspire wellness and build a stronger, happier team.
Why Wellness Matters—Especially for Small Teams
In small teams, every person’s energy and morale shape the atmosphere. There’s no room for disengagement or burnout when everyone’s wearing multiple hats. But when people feel appreciated and supported, they bring their best selves to work—and that positivity becomes contagious.
Wellness doesn’t have to mean a fitness trainer on standby or a catered salad bar. It’s about finding creative ways to support your team’s well-being, helping them feel better at work and in life. So, how can small teams make wellness work without a big budget? Let’s dive in.
Low-Cost Wellness Ideas That Make a Difference
Here are some refreshingly simple ideas that don’t break the bank but can make a real difference.
1. Walking Meetings and Fresh Air Breaks
There’s something about stepping outside that clears the mind and lifts the spirit. Instead of a conference room, try holding meetings on the go. A walk-and-talk meeting gets people moving, wakes everyone up, and lets ideas flow in a new way.
How to Make it Happen: Dedicate one meeting a week to be a “walking meeting.” It’s simple and costs nothing, but it brings a little energy to the day.
2. Mini Wellness Challenges
Who doesn’t love a friendly challenge? Wellness challenges can bring fun to the workday while helping people adopt healthy habits. They don’t need to be complex or competitive—just something easy and lighthearted.
Challenge Ideas:some text
Water Challenge: Track daily water intake and see who can keep up with 8 glasses a day.
Step Challenge: Aiming for 8,000–10,000 steps a day is a fun, attainable goal.
Screen-Free Lunch: Encourage everyone to take a tech break at lunch. Phones down, heads up!
3. Stretch Breaks for Desk Warriors
Sitting all day does a number on the body, and let’s face it—not everyone has time for a workout. A quick stretch can release tension, refocus the mind, and bring a little calm back to the day. Plus, it’s great to do together!
How to Make it Fun: Set an alarm and make it a team ritual. Rotate who leads the stretch—this way, everyone brings their own twist to it!
4. Healthy Snack Sharing
A whole snack bar may not be realistic, but having a “snack stash” of healthy options can be a welcome treat. Think of it as a small act of kindness that shows employees you’re thinking of them.
Budget-Friendly Snack Ideas: Fruit, granola bars, nuts, herbal teas. Nothing fancy, but it goes a long way toward supporting everyone’s energy and focus.
5. Gratitude Practices
This one’s free but oh-so-powerful. Showing appreciation and recognizing efforts creates a positive environment that motivates everyone. Just a few words of encouragement or gratitude each week can have a massive impact on morale.
How to Start: Try a “Weekly Shoutout” ritual. Every Friday, gather for a few minutes to share something each person appreciated about a teammate. It’s uplifting and builds team unity.
6. Lunch-and-Learns for Knowledge Sharing
Learning sessions don’t need to be costly. Let your team members share their knowledge, experiences, or even a hobby. A lunch-and-learn is a great way to bond, build new skills, and break the routine.
Topics to Consider:some text
Financial wellness tips
Time management hacks
Fun personal interests like photography or cooking
7. Volunteer Together
There’s nothing quite like giving back to create a sense of purpose. Volunteering as a team not only helps the community but also brings people closer. It’s a powerful way to step out of the daily grind and connect with each other in a new way.
Ideas to Explore:some text
Organize a local park cleanup.
Volunteer at a nearby shelter.
Host a donation drive for a cause your team cares about.
8. Affordable Wellness Apps
You don’t need a corporate wellness program to support mental health and mindfulness. There are plenty of budget-friendly apps for meditation, fitness, and mental health support that can bring wellness to your team’s fingertips.
App Suggestions:some text
Headspace for meditation
7-Minute Workout for quick fitness routines
Sleep Cycle to improve sleep habits
9. Reflection and Goal Setting
Taking a few minutes to pause and reflect can help everyone feel grounded. Set aside time each week for employees to look back on their achievements and set small goals. It’s a simple, reflective practice that fosters self-care and personal growth.
Why It Works: Regular reflection and goal-setting reduce stress and boost motivation, helping employees stay centered even when things get busy.
10. DIY Wellness Kits
Wellness kits don’t have to be fancy. Consider small, thoughtful items that bring comfort and relaxation, like a mini candle, herbal tea bag, or a journal for reflections. These little gestures make a big impact, showing employees that you care.
Kit Ideas:some text
A “Calm Kit” with chamomile tea, a mini journal, and a lavender sachet
A “Refresh Kit” with a stress ball, some herbal tea, and a small notebook
11. Flexible Work Options
If the work setup allows it, offer some flexibility. A little wiggle room with start and end times or the chance to work remotely on occasion can make a huge difference. Flexibility supports mental wellness by giving employees control over their schedules.
How to Implement: Even a half-day remote option can be a game-changer for mental health. If possible, offer one flexible day per month.
12. Growth Resources on the Cheap
Investing in personal development doesn’t have to mean pricey courses. A collection of shared resources—like TED Talks, podcasts, or free online courses—can inspire and support your team’s growth without cost.
Examples:some text
TED Talks on motivation and mindfulness
Podcasts about productivity or mental health
Free courses from platforms like Coursera or Khan Academy
Tracking the Impact of Budget-Friendly Wellness
Wellness programs don’t always show results immediately, but a few signs can help gauge their success over time. Keep an eye out for these indicators:
Employee Feedback: Regular check-ins or surveys let you know what’s working and where you can adjust.
Participation Rates: If people are joining in on activities, it’s a good sign they find value in the wellness initiatives.
Team Vibes: Look for positive shifts in morale and energy. When people are more engaged and connected, it often means the wellness culture is working.
Wellness Doesn’t Have to Be Fancy to Be Effective
For small teams, the best wellness programs are the ones that come from the heart. You don’t need extravagant perks to show people you care—sometimes the simplest ideas have the biggest impact. It’s all about creating a supportive, understanding environment where employees feel encouraged, valued, and connected. When people feel good at work, it resonates in everything they do.
Corporate wellness on a budget isn’t just possible; it can be powerful. By focusing on small, thoughtful gestures, you can create a workplace culture that values well-being—and you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
Physical Wellbeing
Hack Your Way to Health: The Science Behind Bio-Hacking
January 27, 2023
Rakhee Todankar
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Welcome to the world of Bio-Hacking! A revolutionary approach to optimizing our health through the manipulation of our diets. Gone are the days when we simply relied on conventional wisdom and bland diets to maintain our well-being. The landscape of our diets has shifted dramatically, with a growing interest in the science behind how we fuel our bodies.
And that's where Bio Hacking comes in, offering a new way to unlock our full potential through tailored nutrition. By understanding the intricate interplay between our diets and our bodies, we can fine-tune our eating habits to achieve optimal health.
Join me on this exciting journey of discovery, where the possibilities are endless and the results truly transformational.
The Art of Nutrigenomics
One of the most exciting developments in the field of nutrition is the science of Nutrigenomics. By sending a simple blood sample to a specialized laboratory, we can delve deep into our genetic makeup and discover the optimal diet tailored just for us.
From uncovering food sensitivities to maximizing our nutrient intake, Nutrigenomics is a powerful tool for unlocking the full potential of our health and wellness.
The Time-Tested Technique
Intermittent fasting has been a timeless technique, originating from ancient civilizations where food was scarce and long periods without eating were common. It's about balancing controlled eating and fasting to find what works best for you.
This practice brings numerous benefits, such as improved metabolism, better insulin sensitivity, and reduced inflammation. It allows your body to focus on important processes like cell repair and waste removal by regulating your eating patterns and giving your digestive system a break. Find your rhythm, whether it's fasting for 12 or 16 hours, and reap the benefits of this time-tested technique.
"Good nutrition is a responsibility, not a restriction." - Bettina Leigh
As a professional nutritionist, I always suggest exploring the power of the elimination diet to uncover food sensitivities and improve overall health. The process is simple: by eliminating certain foods and then gradually adding them back into your diet, you can discover which foods trigger adverse reactions and determine any allergies you may have.
The Fiber Fix
When it comes to your diet, fiber is often the unsung hero. This time-tested nutrient provides a multitude of health benefits, from supporting good gut health and boosting immunity to improving digestion and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. But despite its many perks, many of us struggle to get enough fiber in our diets.
Start by incorporating more fruits and veggies into your diet. These nutrient-rich foods are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support overall health and well-being. Consider adding various colorful food items to your plate, and try new recipes incorporating fiber-rich ingredients, like whole grains and legumes.
The Supercharge of Superfoods
As a professional nutritionist, it's hard to deny the buzz surrounding "superfoods" and their potential health benefits. But what exactly makes a food "super"? It's all about the high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can support our overall health and wellness. From nutrient-dense berries to anti-inflammatory spices, incorporating these power-packed foods into our diets can give us the extra boost we need to feel our best.
So why not add a sprinkle of spinach to your smoothie, or enjoy a handful of goji berries as a snack?
Protein is the powerhouse nutrient that provides the building blocks for our muscles, hormones, and enzymes. It's essential for maintaining muscle strength and tone and helps ward off cravings by filling us up. But the benefits of protein don't stop there - it also plays a critical role in balancing hormones and managing blood sugar levels.
From animal-based sources like meat, fish, and dairy to plant-based options like beans, lentils, and tofu, there's a variety of ways to get more protein into your diet.
The Sweet, Sunny, and Savvy Approach
The Sugar Solution: Sweeter Health Ahead
Sugar, the sweet treat that has become a staple in our diets, is causing more harm than good. Overconsumption of processed foods and sugar leads to a host of health problems and is taking a toll on our bodies. But it's never too late to make better choices for our health. We can turn our health around by cutting back on processed foods and sugar and enjoy a sweeter, healthier future.
The Vitamin D Boost: Light Up Your Health
Vitamin D is crucial in optimal health, playing a role in everything from bone health to immune function. Maximizing your vitamin D levels through sun exposure and supplementing for deficiency can help ensure you're getting enough of this essential nutrient. Don't let a lack of sun keep you from shining bright!
The Practice of Bio-Hacking
Biohacking is the process of making small changes in your diet, exercise, meditation, and mindfulness practices to achieve big results for your health. Keeping a food log and making conscious choices can help you make the most of your bio-hacking journey, leading you to a healthier, happier you.
Conclusion
The journey to healthy living and well-being doesn't have to be complicated. Bio-hacking is a simple and effective way to take control of your health and harness the power of diet, exercise, and mindfulness. With the help of professional guidance, you can find your own path to health and happiness by making small, sustainable changes that will have a big impact on your health in the long run.
So why wait? Embrace the power of bio-hacking today and start your journey towards a healthier, happier life.
Join The Tribe
This month we are focusing on food and how it affects your mental health. Join us as we bring in the most relevant interesting content from across the wellness segment.
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