Mental Health In The Tech Industry: A Leadership Mandate

Forbes

2 days ago

Vivek Singh, Sr. Vice President of IT & Strategic Planning Palayekar Companies Inc.
Mental health is no longer a luxury reserved for large corporations—it's a strategic necessity for any company aiming to retain talent and build sustainable workplaces.
As a young tech leader, I didn't fully grasp the depth of this issue. But in February 2020, I had the privilege of attending a reception at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. The event was organized by the World Youth Group under the theme #IAmWithYou.
At this gathering, I started to understand the necessity of bringing awareness to and finding solutions for the global rise in emotional and mental health issues. All business leaders must think more about how to design our modern work environments for human well-being. In the tech industry, we may be among the worst offenders.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently reported that 76% of U.S. workers have experienced "at least one symptom of a mental health condition," and 84% believe their workplace conditions contributed to it.
This issue impacts businesses: 81% said they'll seek future employers that support mental well-being. Also, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), anxiety and depression alone cost the global economy over $1 trillion annually in lost productivity.
Despite this, most small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) still lack structured wellness programs.
One of the big challenges for the tech industry, in particular, is the role that physical exercise plays in mental health. The WHO recommends "at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week," a goal that often feels out of reach in sedentary office settings.
The first step in addressing this issue for leaders in the tech industry is to recognize our teams in these statistics: long hours, screens everywhere and no real pause to move.
The #IAmWithYou gathering in 2020 planted the seed for what is now growing into a formal United Nations resolution: International Sports Week. The resolution proposes an annual observance from April 5 to April 9, encouraging governments to invest in sports, physical activity and recreational programs.
All tech companies should take part in this week, but we must also think about how to incorporate physical activity into our offices year-round.
It's not rocket science: Physical activity improves how we feel, think and work. Think back to your childhood—the joy of playing outside, the energy, the freedom. That wasn't just fun—it was emotional clarity, mental release and health in motion.
Physical activity is more than fitness; it's a catalyst for stress relief, connection and sharper thinking. Data from the HHS and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reinforce the same truth: Lower stress leads to higher focus, creativity and long-term performance.
To solve this crisis, the tech industry must stop viewing wellness as an HR checkbox and start treating it as part of our infrastructure.
To begin, draw inspiration not only from other companies but also—crucially—from non-tech models. For example, the WHO's SME Wellness Guide offers several actionable tips on how to incorporate physical activity in the workplace. Likewise, college athletics programs can provide excellent examples for improving wellness and mental health in teams.
Once you've got a solid plan, every tech leader should embrace these three mantras:
• Mental health is a business imperative, not a benefit.
• Physical activity is a strategic investment, not extracurricular.
• Workplace design must evolve—from screen-bound to human-centered.
The next generation of talent isn't chasing beanbags or Ping-Pong tables. They're seeking workplaces that genuinely care about their well-being. As leaders, we must lighten the load—not add to it. It's time to stop treating wellness as an afterthought. Let's embed it into the way we work, lead and live.
Because when movement shapes our culture, we don't just build better companies—we cultivate healthier, more resilient people.
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