"Quiet vacationing," a new trend, sees employees taking breaks without formally notifying their employers or fully disconnecting. Here's how to navigate the "always-on" workplace culture.
Why don’t employees use paid time off?
Amit Vasistha, founder and CEO of MyGALF, sheds light on the key drivers: “The fear of being perceived as a slacker, a heavy workload, and pressure always to be available,” all contribute to the reluctance to utilise Paid Time Off (PTO) days. Employees worry about appearing disengaged or lacking commitment, leading them to resort to quiet vacationing as a coping mechanism in the blurred lines of a hybrid work environment.
Zyvka, a Silicon Valley-based Integrated Startup Services Platform, has announced a strategic partnership with MyGALF, a pioneering wellness-tech startup, to integrate comprehensive wellness solutions into Zyvka’s service offerings for startups. This collaboration aims to support startups in creating healthier work environment and promoting employee well-being as a core aspect of their business strategy.
Amber Srivastava, CEO of Zyvka Global Services, emphasized the growing importance of workplace well-being, stating, “Well-being has become a critical strategic priority for startups post-COVID. Companies are striving not only to offer career growth but also to ensure a healthy lifestyle for their teams through meaningful well-being initiatives. Our partnership with MyGALF is a step towards making wellness a rewarding and integral part of our human capital services.”
Key Highlights of the Partnership:
Enhanced Wellness Offerings: Through its partnership with MyGALF, Zyvka will incorporate a holistic wellness ecosystem into its HR services, providing tailored wellness practices designed specifically for startups and high-growth companies.
Focus on Employee Well-being: Aligning with findings from a recent Mindspace survey, which showed that 82% of employees expect their employers to support their well-being, this partnership ensures startups can meet these expectations effectively.
Strategic Growth and Recognition: MyGALF, recognized as a UN SDG-aligned impact-driven wellness-tech startup at the Vibrant Goa Global Tech Summit 2024, brings proven expertise and innovative sustainability development goals aligned solutions to the table.
Amber Srivastava further highlighted the potential impact of this collaboration: “By integrating MyGALF’s wellness solutions into our platform, we are poised to make a significant difference in the startup ecosystem in India and beyond. We aim to positively impact the lives of the nearly 1.1 to 1.2 million employees directly employed by Indian tech startups.”
Amit Vasistha Founder MyGALF and Co-Convenor of CII Maharashtra Start-up Special Task Force mentioned “ We are delighted with this partnership and are committed to create significant impact in Start-up India. Indian tech-start-ups itself directly employ close to 11-12 lakh employees and we aim to make a tangible impact in lives of as many as possible.”
- The type of material that cookware is made of can alter the flavour of your food
- However, some cookware materials can release harmful chemicals into your food
- While picking cookware, always check for certification indicating lead and arsenic-free materials
Dr Bhavana Diyora explains, "Using certain cookware with specific materials for cooking can pose health risks. For example, some materials may release harmful chemicals into food, potentially exceeding daily limits and leading to health issues such as Alzheimer's disease, anaemia, or respiratory problems. It's essential to choose cookware that minimises the risk of toxic leaching (a process where substances are dissolved and removed from a solid by a solution) to maintain optimal health."
Dr Bhavana Diyora, nutrition coach and preventive wellness specialist, MyGALF, mentions, "Oats are a rich source of carbohydrates, fibre, protein, and various vitamins and minerals. They are also one of the best sources of complex carbohydrates."
MyGALF, a conscientious corporate wellness brand recognized for its inclusive ethos, is intensifying efforts to support women’s well-being as the world marks International Women’s Day. Founder and CEO, Amit Vasistha, reflects on MyGALF’s ongoing commitment, stating, “While MyGALF has been a supporter of women’s well-being, we recognize the unique challenges women face in terms of physical, emotional, and mental health. On this International Women’s Day, we are renewing our efforts to address these challenges further.”
MyGALF’s esteemed panel of corporate wellness experts, including Neha Saxena Bagga, Shaina Tholath, and Roshitha Girish among others, are at the forefront of crafting a wellness ecosystem that responds to the varied needs of women in professional settings. Neha Saxena Bagga, reflecting on the initiative, emphasizes, “The pressures on women today are multi-faceted, encompassing physical, emotional, and mental aspects. This tailored ecosystem aims to provide a safe and supportive space for women to navigate these challenges.”
“To me, wealth is the mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing of my family, my clients, and most importantly, myself. That wealth would almost guarantee me a better quality of life and lifestyle. Of course, having financial independence is equally important."
Neha Saxena Bagga, Life Coach and Corporate Wellness Specialist at MyGALF
“Financial independence is very important for every woman. From my personal experience when I lost my husband 3 years back… besides being emotionally strong and having strong family support the most important thing that kept me and my 2 kids going was the financial stability we had as a family. Last but not least when people say money can’t buy happiness… I agree that it can’t buy happiness but wealth and stable finances are required for a peaceful existence fulfilling all the basic needs and a lifestyle. Wealth in short is a very important component of holistic wellness."
Amit Vasistha, Founder and CEO of MyGALF, Corporate Wellness Partner to the event, highlighted the event’s dual focus on a healthy lifestyle and environmental consciousness, stating, “As corporate wellness partners, MyGALF is thrilled to have supported an event that not only encouraged a healthy and active lifestyle but also addressed critical environmental challenges. The Maritime 10k Challenge reflected our shared values and underscored the importance of corporate wellness in today’s fast-paced world.”
FM extended tax incentives and exemptions for startups and investments by sovereign wealth or pension funds for one year.
Amit Vasistha, founder and CEO, GALF:
"As a growing venture in the wellness-tech sector in India, these budgetary developments offer both opportunities and considerations. The extension of benefits and tax exemptions for start-ups provides a favorable environment for growth and innovation. The creation of a significant corpus for long-term financing aligns with our sector's focus on research and innovation, potentially facilitating access to funding for expansion and development. The extension of healthcare coverage to include ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and Helpers under Ayushman Bharat is a positive step, as it broadens the reach of our wellness-tech solutions."
Interim Budget 2024 Expectations Live: Tenders up to 20 crores can significantly boost the local ecosystem:
Amit Vasistha, Founder and CEO, GALF, a wellness-tech platform for corporates:
“India is taking the lead in the global economic resurgence, with MSMEs and startups playing an increasingly vital role in sustaining and propelling this growth. Past initiatives connected to Startup India and MSME development are yielding positive initial results.
Banking on guidelines issued in 2020 by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India on wellness and preventive features for Insurance players in India. MyGALF now stands as a comprehensive corporate wellness ecosystem, offering wellness gamification, market-leading rewards (GALF Coins), a wellness marketplace, and subscriptions tailored to end-to-end employees and policyholders’ well-being.
Former investment banker Amit Vasistha's MyGALF is becoming India's go-to corporate wellness platform. It started as a response to his health issues,evolving into MyGALF.com. Leveraging 2020 insurance guidelines, it's now a holistic wellness ecosystem with wellness rewards (GALF Coins), and alliances with insurance providers.
Dengue fever, the mosquito-borne viral illness, has been on the rise in many Indian cities, making it crucial for us to be aware of its symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures. Dr.Bhavana Diyora, Preventive Health and Wellness Specialist, Ayurveda Doctor and Nutritionist at MyGALF,helps us look at the various aspects of dengue, including potential remedies, the importance of proper medical care, and the significance of accurate health information.
Potential Remedies: Papaya Seeds, Goat Milk, Kiwi, And Dragon Fruit
While papaya seeds, goat milk, kiwi, and dragon fruit have garnered attention for their potential to support platelet count, it's essential to understand that these should not be relied upon as standalone remedies for dengue. Instead, they can be included in a balanced diet for dengue patients. Incorporating a variety of fruits, including dragon fruit, can provide essential nutrients to help patients recover.
Smaller ecommerce businesses recognise that to compete with the industry behemoths, they must stand out. And what better time to showcase their uniqueness than during the festive season, when consumers are on a shopping spree? Businessworld spoke to a few smaller ecommerce players to know how they are gearing up for the season.
As soon as the dates of World Cup are announced, we, especially in India, start scheduling our life and work events such that they don’t clash with the important match dates. Some times we succeed, other times, we have to settle with coming to a middle ground by maintaining a work-life balance. It’s a task, I bet! If you're struggling to find an equilibrium between your passion for cricket and your professional responsibilities, here are seven tips to help you maintain a work-life balance during this exhilarating tournament.
Plan things before hand
One of the key factors in successfully balancing work and World Cup matches is to plan your schedule strategically. As Amit Vasistha, Founder and CEO of MyGALF, a corporate wellness aggregator, suggests, "Instead of imposing restrictive measures, companies should embrace the spirit. Offering flexible work hours fosters a supportive environment, enhancing the employer-employee connection."
High cholesterol levels elevate the likelihood of heart disease and heart attacks. Medications can be beneficial in enhancing your cholesterol profile, however, if you prefer to initiate lifestyle adjustments before considering medication, it can help you in the long run. For those who are currently on medication, implementing these changes can enhance your treatment.
In addition, Dr. Bhavana Diyora, who is a Nutritionist and Preventive Wellness Specialist at MyGALF said, "Adequate sleep, proper hydration, and the avoidance of processed and fried foods contribute to overall well-being, while choosing lean proteins and healthy snacks are additional steps toward better cholesterol management.
The “Decathlon 10k 2023 – Mumbai Edition” is not just a running event; it is an embodiment of the collective spirit of well-being, vitality, and determination that resonates with both Decathlon and MyGALF. With MyGALF onboard as the Corporate Wellness Partner, the event is poised to elevate its reach and touch the lives of numerous corporate individuals eager to adopt a healthier way of life.
The event will be held on September 10, 2023, at the Decathlon Sportsplex in Mumbai. The event features various categories, including the 1km Kids Run, 3km Fun Run, 5km Fun Run, and the highlight, the 10km Timed Run.
MyGALF has established its reputation over the past three years, delivering innovative corporate wellness solutions that facilitate a comprehensive approach to fitness. Their solutions are characterized by their simplicity, credibility, and dependability, qualities that have earned the trust of corporate entities nationwide. “We are delighted to partner with a global brand like Decathlon,” said Amit Vasistha, Founder and CEO of MyGALF. “MyGALF’s journey, fortified by the backing of BITS Goa under the Government of India’s Seed India Fund Scheme, has attested to our commitment to excellence, ethical practices, and unwavering values. Our aim is to drive noticeable change and create a tangible impact by assisting corporate employees in embracing wellness as a fundamental lifestyle choice.”
Decathlon’s City Leader in Mumbai, Mr. Prasad Pawar, shared his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “All these years, you’ve known us for our affordable products and sustainable approach. We all know how sport can change and transform lives and we’re just out here, trying to get the people of Mumbai City together and amplify it to the extent that the entire country can get inspired. If you haven’t had the chance to experience it yet, this is your calling. We move people through the wonders of sport. It’s why we’re here, and what we do best and we can’t wait to see the whole city run together on 10th September in what is Decathlon Mumbai’s biggest event yet.”
In the corporate wellness industry, AI holds the power to reshape how we design and deliver employee wellness programs. By leveraging AI, we can create highly personalized programs tailored to the specific needs of each individual employee. Additionally, AI can play a vital role in collecting and analyzing data related to employee health and well-being. This wealth of information can then be utilized to develop customized wellness initiatives for every employee, as well as track their progress and measure the outcomes.
Counting on the challenges in skilling the Indian young population, Amit Vasistha, Founder and CEO, MyGALF, said, “Many people are resistant to change and may be reluctant to learn new skills. This can be a challenge, as new skills are often required to keep up with the latest technologies and trends. Apart from this, There is a lack of modern skill development centres at scale in many countries. This means that people may not have access to the training and exposure they need to acquire the skills they are looking for.”
In India, LGBTQIA+ professionals continue to face unique challenges in the workplace due to social norms, stereotypes, and lack of awareness. Studies have shown that a significant number of LGBTQIA+ employees face discrimination, harassment, and prejudice, resulting in limited opportunities for growth and overall job satisfaction.
Here are some point by our founder Mr.Amit Vasistha, to foster inclusivity and support LGBTQIA+ employees, companies can implement the following policies and frameworks: Read Here . . .
Yoga Day 2023: How Yoga and Mindfulness Support Working Professionals, Experts' Insights
Finding effective ways to manage stress and maintain well-being in today's fast-paced and demanding work environment is critical for working professionals. Yoga and mindfulness practises have grown in popularity as effective tools for assisting people in their personal and professional lives
Myth No. 1: FASTING MEANS SKIPPING ON MEAL (BREAKFAST)
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, according to popular belief. People often believe that skipping breakfast causes binge eating, cravings, and weight gain. Dr Bhavana Diyora, Preventive Health, and Wellness Specialist, GALF, told ABP Live that fasting could be one of the most effective weight-loss strategies if done correctly.
She also stated that fasting for health does not imply skipping meals, particularly breakfast, which is regarded as the most important meal of the day. It is also critical to ensure that adequate nutrition is consumed during fasting periods, she added. Skipping meals can result in nutrient deficiencies, which can have serious health consequences.
She said: "Skipping breakfast can have negative effects on overall health and may not necessarily lead to weight loss. Breakfast is considered an important meal of the day as it provides essential nutrients and energy to fuel the body throughout the day along with the ability to concentrate better at work. It can also lead to a slower metabolism, decreased energy levels, and an increased risk of overeating later in the day".
One of the key ways AI can improve employee well-being is by providing more personalized solutions. In traditional well-being programs, employees are often offered a one-size-fits-all approach that may not consider their unique needs and preferences.
In today’s fast-paced world, work and career have become a priority and unfortunately, due to this other essential aspects including health has taken a back seat. Several studies have pointed out that a healthy work-life balance can not only positively influence mental and physical health, it can also enhance productivity and overall life satisfaction.
Amit Vasistha, Founder and CEO, GALF (holistic wellness aggregator for corporates)
Working around the clock can be necessary during crisis situations or in new-age startup environments with limited resources. However, if continued as a regular practice, it can lead to physical exhaustion and sleep pattern disorders. It's important to understand that exposure to technology, information, or physical work, when coupled with extreme working hours and conditions, can result in a state where the mind is always focused on work without any rest. This can manifest into many issues, including email overload, digital burnout, and the pressure to be available 24/7. The health impacts can vary from a loss of attention span to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disorders, and, most significantly, the creeping in of anxiety and, in some cases, depression.
Sleep is meditative, and it's highly recommended that those who work long hours try to take shorter naps and practice relaxation techniques like YogNidra or NSDR to relax the body.
Mumbai, India- The highly anticipated Shobha Arya's WOW ICONIC & SPIRITUAL AWARDS 2023, took place in Mumbai later this year at Dadar with people from India and internationally being awarded in categories like meditation, mindfulness, alternative therapies and sustainable living.
The event witnessed attendance from people of different walks of life like Corporates, Celebrities and Indians from various diaspora like Celebrity Author and Columnist Nisha JamVal, Actors Gouri Tonnk and Jasvir Kaur; Corporate Wellness Leader Amit Vasistha(GALF), Anuradha Pal, Kashish Rajput, Arjumman Mughal, Sangeeta Babani, Nikita Rawal, Mamta Saxena, Prachi Sarkar, Indira Krishnan, Farman Haider, Adish Vaidya,Yogesh Gosain, Vansan Bali, Rohan Sharma, Vinayak Joshi, Sameer Arora amongst others…The event saw a beautiful theme act specially choreographed and presented by Sandeep Soparrkar and his troupe.
Mumbai, India: GALF (Get a Life Private Limited), a fast-growing wellness-tech firm, more popularly known for their platform MyGALF was represented by its founder and CEO, Amit Vasistha, as featured speaker and mentor at the Young Entrepreneurs Bootcamp (YEB) held at BITS April 28th March to 2ND April, 2023.
Organized by Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani) – Goa Campus, the Young Entrepreneurs Bootcamp brought together young aspiring entrepreneurs in age group of 15-17 years from various parts of the country to provide them with the necessary skills and knowledge to start and grow their businesses.
World Health Day 2023: The pandemic made us realise that overall well-being (physical and mental fitness) is of utmost importance in our life.
Amit Vasistha, Founder of wellness aggregator GALF said, "Tracking relevant health metrics including, cardio health, bio markers and blood markers will provide us relevant inside to understand which aspects need to be addressed and how. Having a tech enabled aggregated platform that caters such needs comprehensively is a boon for the corporate and education class India."
Technostress can be defined as the stress or anxiety caused by the use of technology in the workplace. This can take many forms, including email overload, digital distractions, and the pressure to be available 24/7. The consequences of technostress can be significant, including reduced productivity, lower job satisfaction, and increased absenteeism and turnover.
‘Employability gap’ has become a recent buzzword in the IT industry with many deeming that the educational system does not place a premium on developing strong foundational and professional skills
While skill gaps and performance may have been playing a part in the layoffs, Amit Vasistha, founder and CEO of GALF, says recent events have shown that layoffs can result from the financial health of the company, industry demand-supply, external economic conditions and even the political landscape.
“The recent surge in layoffs is not a one-off event and will continue in the future as companies face increasing costs, automation, and return on investment pressures, making it difficult for many companies to stay afloat.”
“In this current information age, sleeplessness is a very common effect of anxiety and stress. Practising techniques such as Yoga Needra, NSDR (Non-Sleep Deep Rest) and Breath Exercises help in better sleep, allowing you to wake up feeling more rested and contributing to your overall well-being.” says Mr. Kapil Udaiwal.
Suresh Amin, Head of HR, India Business at JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals, adds, “Good and timely sleep has been known to improve immunity and productivity. Therefore, prioritizing good sleep hygiene is not just a personal choice but a strategic investment in enhancing employee productivity and well-being.”
In conclusion, corporates have a vital role to play in promoting healthy sleep habits among their employees. By creating a workplace environment that supports good sleep hygiene and prioritizes employee well-being, they can enhance productivity, reduce absenteeism, and ultimately drive better business outcomes. As Amit Vasistha rightly puts it, “Sleep is an investment in your health, and companies that prioritize sleep will see the returns in their workforce’s productivity and engagement.”
Amit Vasistha, Founder and CEO, GALF, a wellness-tech platform for corporates. 1) Agriculture Accelerator Fund and Agri-Startups : When food security is a massive concern across the globe. Having an agriculture accelerator fund and giving a push to the agri-startups is a very strategic step that will have long term positive implications. Waking the world up to the power of Sri-Anna (Millets) gives a brand-new perspective to not just nationalist health and nutrition stamp but what and how the world will consume food 2) Health, Education and Skilling : We all witnessed the healthcare disaster in the 2020-2021 pandemic. While the initial approach was vaccines and medicines, undoubtedly our pharma firms showed their prowess. The time is now to proactively build a nation rich in skilled resources that can support health and growth infrastructure. The push on nursing colleges, sickle cell anaemia elimination, pharma research, multi-disciplinary medical technology and national digital library is going to be skills, culture and mindset defining. Skilled resources for health-tech and Wellness-Tech startups will bring a great sense of positivity and impetus for a growth story. 3) Infrastructure Push and Investments : For the country to be an international destination for companies and investments with added tourism boost. Continued focus on infrastructure push will not only create numerous job avenues but support the industries at primary, secondary and tertiary level. Long road to travel but this investment push will be hugely applauded with clear high to the market sentiments. This will massively support further building of the startup ecosystem beyond T1 cities. 4) National Data Governance Policy : Data is the king and with every passing day we are all understanding its increased significance for startups research, product development, market fit customisation and growth. Having a consistent and level playing National Data Governance Policy is indeed a very wise step. How well it is executed will be a space to watch since such initiatives take a few years to streamline and evolve. 5) Focus on MSME cash-flow, Startups loss carry forward on change of shareholding and compliance. (appeals) simplification Government’s due recognition of the role of MSME and startups in economic growth and nation building is much appreciated and the recommendations in the budget only shows the level of continued interest. Our view is that there will be a lot more to watch in this space as many underlying changes and initiatives will come forth by the middle of 2023 as the global economic scenario remains bleak. 6) More Disposable Wealth with Middle Class Indirect and Direct Tax Relief. A bit anticipated given the 2024 forthcoming elections. This rate revisions have been generous and for sure will give impetus to consumption. This will have a direct impact on the D2C and B2B2C startups too as they will have a bigger share of customers’ wallets and improved spending desire
Startup Budget expectations: Startup tourism, employment compliance and more
Amit Vasistha, Founder and CEO, GALF, a wellness-tech platform for corporates says Government should consider the following in the budget
1) Employment compliance : Startups are generally very lean and streamlined organisations with limited budgets. The current labour law or employment compliances end up consuming high costs and time of the startups founders or leadership teams. They end up rather hiring personnel on contracts instead of full time resources. Govt. should consider lean compliance package or requirements for organisations less than 50 Crores in turnover.
2) Certifications and Funding: The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) and other related avenues have clearly given a big boost to the startup ecosystem. Building on the same; government could consider providing proper assurance or ranking certifications to the high performing startups as an option. This will help increase investor confidence in the good startups and open-up funding sources that are on the fence. Banks could also consider providing preferred interest rates using funding models like CCD to such high performing startups
3) Plug and Play Incubators: Clearly there has been a lot of traction in terms of appointment of incubators through the PM Narendra Modi led SISFS. That said, if we are looking for a high velocity growth for startups then we need higher growth in incubator or co-working avenues jointly supported by government. This is one massive avenue for cost and equity management for the founders.
4) Startup Tourism: A low hanging fruit but with massive impact to multiple industries government should propel a massive startup tourism charter plan under the Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav at India level. This will attract a lot of international and domestic investors to consider visiting Startup events and micro-ecosystems in India
Many of the workplace changes that began this year will pick up steam and become the new norm by 2023. It has become quite evident that employees won’t accept the same old wellness solutions any more. Instead, they’re yearning for answers that involve organisational reform, resolute leadership, and wellbeing as a business strategy. Human resources teams continue to place a high priority on employee wellness. Here are some important factors that are anticipated to influence workplace wellness in the coming year.
“Expert Predictions for the Future of Technology in 2023: From AI and ML to Cookie-Less Advertising and Employee Wellness Solutions”
Amit Vasistha Founder and CEO, GALF, wellness-tech platform for corporates said, “Hybrid location strategy involving work from home is expected to continue and companies will be putting a lot of focus on technology enabled employee’s wellness and engagement solutions.
2022 has been an important milestone for GALF with consistent growth and high velocity in online transactions. We have also received our first seed funding from BITS- Pilani Goa as part of the PM Shri Narendra Modi’s StartupIndia initiative. GALF has kicked off its 2023 tech transformation- rebranding journey with a focus on enhanced simplification in customer connect, automation and gamification within our services. We are also working on increasing our adaptability with wearables keeping the GALF ecosystem access largely universal.”
"Hybrid location strategy involving work from home is expected to continue, and companies will be putting a lot of focus on technology-enabled employee wellness and engagement solutions."
We have observed that wearables or fitness tracker watches have also increasingly become significant for employees to monitor vital parameters like stress levels, SPO2, HRM and BP. In addition, biometrics-based, UADAI-linked centralised health data storage and dashboards for resident Indians are expected to take a more central role.
Twitter made headlines for the mismanagement of its workplace after billionaire Elon Musk took over and fired hundreds of employees only to recall later
Amit Vasistha, Founder and CEO of GALF, a corporate wellness aggregator, calls Musk’s layoff spree a hasty decision. “Elon Musk re-hiring the employees, that his company so viciously sacked, shows him as an inconsiderate employer. To see their loyalty and hard work ‘rewarded’ with a coldly typed-out mass email will be as demotivating as it was disrespectful.”
Corporate wellness aggregator GALF more popularly known for their wellness ecosystem MyGALF has secured funding under PM Narendra Modi’s Startup India Seed Fund Scheme through the incubator BITS Pilani Goa BIRAC BioNEST
As per a report, nearly 80% of corporate employees are suffering from stress and anxiety
Amit Vasistha, founder and CEO of corporate wellness aggregator GALF, said the layoffs in the workforce have always been an inevitable aspect of business operations across all industries, but mainly in the IT sector because of its dynamic nature.
He believes that some of the causes include after-effects of Covid, the Russia-Ukraine war, cost-cutting measures to reduce an excessive workforce or job eliminations that result in redundancies and inflation.
“Younger professionals and recent graduates should look for ways to advance their skills and, if necessary, diversify into new industries. Networking with friends, ex-bosses, and coworkers is also crucial,” he said.
“We need to view layoffs as economic scenarios that are unfolding and not a personal crisis. It is unsettling, but it is also an equal opportunity to shift to a new role, job, city, or employer, in many cases skill and industry as well. It could also open the door towards entrepreneurship."
Ram Gopal, Kartik Iyer and Amit Vasistha (CEOs, CXOs from India) recently successfully finished the much coveted Ironman70.3 triathlon in Astana, Kazakhastan, an experience for athletes all around the world.
The three corporate leaders from India that championed the cause of wellness at Ironman 70.3 were Amit Vasistha, a former investment banker, Founder and CEO of wellness startup GALF (more popularly known for their brand MyGALF.com). Ram Gopal is the current serving India CEO of leading international bank. Kartik is senior leader and a seasoned banker.
Although workplace stress, stigma, and behaviours toward employees who experience stress or mental illness have been investigated, and interventions have been designed to help resolve them globally, it continues to be a topic that is frequently overlooked across various industries and nations, including India.It is not surprising that many full-time employees would have signs of poor mental health while at work given that they work an average of 8.5 hours each day during the week and 5.5 hours on weekends and holidays, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Numerous employees claim to experience job-rated stress at their workplaces, which negatively affects their performance and health.
Small businesses make it big in India: The country has a rapidly growing market that offers limitless opportunities for those who think outside the box and have the courage to turn their ideas into reality. The tradition of entrepreneurship and small industry has existed in India since the early 20th century. However, recently Indian entrepreneurs have shown that even a small business with a strong idea can make it big. Here’s a look at the top small businesses that made it big in India.
GALF created a tech-enabled 360-degree corporate wellness ecosystem called MyGALF". The company has serviced a host of corporate clients across industry segments of banking, financial services, insurance, ITO and BPO firms, and automobile manufacturing.
As a result of its vicious cycle, PCOS has an impact on one's physical, mental, and emotional health. In order to interrupt a cycle, one should treat the entire syndrome by addressing the fundamental cause rather than focusing on one or two symptoms. Instead of just treating the symptoms, they should be cured in order to prevent future recurrences.
Dr Bhavana Diyora Corporate Wellness Specialist at GALF suggests, “start with little steps and procedures, get to the bottom of the issue, and thoroughly eradicate it for a proper cure. Yes, it is achievable and you can achieve it.”
Sheetal Kotian, ED- Business Solutions and CoFounder MyGALF says while breaking the ice for both employer and employees here. "Although using job titles to increase employee morale might be beneficial, it shouldn't come at the expense of misrepresentation and inadequate compensation. We feel that role content and the impact that they create in a company are far more valuable than just designations. Also, designations need to reflect authentically the actual influencing ability of the role. Being authentic and sensible is the rule of the game."
Hailing from a variety of industry backgrounds, these businessmen are helping build the country’s economy significantly. The success stories are not the only inspiration. For these business owners, their journey towards success is something that should inspire people. Here are 10 business owners who made it big with their idea.
Amit Vasistha founded GALF, India's fastest-growing corporate wellness ecosystem provider. An Ex-Investment Banker, Amit was deeply moved by the real-life events of his corporate colleagues, particularly CXOs, who were impacted due to stress, anxiety and depression.
On Father's Day, working fathers and business leaders share how they manage the multiple roles in their life. The good news is that working fathers are increasingly taking up more responsibilities at home. On the other hand, they often struggle to balance the two extreme worlds. They juggle between deadlines at work and helping kids with their assignments. Meetings and taking kids to their lessons. Managing an entire team and spending quality time with children.
It is important to invest in your physical and mental health. Introduce 'Breathing and Agility' based interventions like Pranayama, Brisk Walking, Swimming, Cycling, Trekking and Hiking for atleast 5-7 hours in a week. This helps in improving the lungs and heart health, improves the metabolism, helps body in secreting happy hormones (endorphins). Needless to say, reduces stress significantly.
It might also help to pen down 'life goals' and make an effort to fulfill them rather than just be playing the role of provider in the family. This will set a good example for children.
Swarna Panam — translated as "golden drink" — is India's first tea that has flakes of pure, edible gold in it. Swarna Panam comes in a white-gold, ceramic 100-gram jar, packaged with a glass diffuser pot, a double-wall glass cup and a bronze spoon in a jet black box, with a describption of the tea etched in gold. this package costs Rs 25,000.
“Assam tea is famous and popular all over the world. We have to add some value to the product. And that gave us the idea for Swarna Panam," says Baruah, the owner of Aromica Tea.
He intends to launch Swarna Panam in Mumbai under the platform of Tea Coffee Association, Mumbai, and GALF, a wellness aggregator. "This is for a better visibility and for the market” Baruah adds.
Pay disputes reason may be any however it trickles down or spreads like wildfire of anxiety if not managed well. Certain studies reveal that financial distress is the top reason for employees dissatisfaction and has potential of leading to poor mental and emotional health often leading to productivity impact. Hence a strong control matrix around pay for performance and modus operandi for elevation in salary bands should be nailed by every organisation.
SUUNTO®, a world leader in wearables, has partnered with MyGALF, India’s fastest growing wellness eco-system provider that works with leading brands in BFSI, Consulting, IT & ITES, Manufacturing, Shipping & Logistics and Pharma among others.
Wellness is a key value proposition, considered by high potential employees from the millennials and Gen Z segment. CXO Wellness and Women Wellness are also a huge investment area for companies to avoid burn outs. Corporate Wellness segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of upto 18-24% YOY in India for next couple of years given the bludgeoning MSME segment. Indian Corporate Wellness market is hugely untapped with only 4% of the registered companies in India having rolled out tech-based wellness platform or services to its employees. With hybrid working environment and diversified workforce footprint, coming together of SUUNTO® and MyGALF can be a compelling proposition for companies to consider a one stop ecosystem that’s not only fulfilling but rewarding too.
Mr. Amit Vasistha, Founder & CEO of GALF (MyGALF.com) a leading corporate wellness aggregator, shared his thought on the matter by saying, “It has been observed across corporates that many women are not able to pursue their career due to pressing requirements at home either after kids, marriage or even due to work-time constraints in India. Statistics also reveal that as the roles go senior, the number of women leaders reduce. Remote Working or WFH has opened up a new professional paradigm for the women employees.”
As a long standing advocate for equality at work place, MyGALF.com CEO Amit Vasistha strongly feels that work from home can be leveraged as a strong tool to boost equal opportunities. A short article on the said subject.
Corporates are in a unique stage to create a balance between being compassionate to being demanding from the colleagues who are returning from the Covid illness. It is increasingly becoming mandatory for companies to offer a concerted effort in form of a holistic wellness program to support the Rehab and Re-joining of the impacted employees.
Corporate Wellness aggregator GALF rolls out financial wellness modules for Companies
Mr. Vighnesh Shahane, MD & CEO, Ageas Federal Life Insurance and Advisory Board Member, GALF says: Our reason to exist, our purpose, is to empower people to create and live the lifestyle of their choice. For our employees too, we have introduced various measures from a financial wellness standpoint to ensure that they feel comforted and supported during these challenging times, including a timely appraisal process, regular salary disbursement, insurance coverage benefits etc.”
CEO and Founder of GALF (MyGALF.com), Amit Vasistha hails from an investment banking background himself and hence along with his team, could see possibilities of the pandemic leading our population towards poor financial wellness. GALF has been instrumental in conceptualising numerous initiatives to make “Work From Home” less hectic and new world lifestyle more interesting. They have been supporting corporate clients with Holistic Wellness Solutions including the critical element “Financial Wellness”.
All clients of GALF, a corporate wellness aggregator, conducted vaccination camps for their employees and their families too.
Amit Vasistha, Founder and CEO, says, "Almost all employees have taken at least one jab. Employees who have declined to get vaccinated are being offered counselling."
Stress and hypertension have increasingly become a serious cause of concern, and in the context of a global pandemic, they cannot be neglected at any cost. Working professionals and corporate employees are most affected by these issues, impacting their mental and physical health along with their productivity and performance at work. The dire effects of stress and hypertension are being aggravated due to the new work-from-home lifestyle, the sedentary lifestyle, and the high work pressure that come with it. The blurring of lines between work and personal life has also taken a toll on the mental health of the working professionals.
Mumbai: With the ongoing pandemic, work-life balance and mental health have often suffered, especially for corporates that deal with long work hours, high pressure deadlines and other stressors. To counter this, MyGALF.com has decided to conduct a virtual session on Mindfulness in Meditation for corporate employees. The session which is to be held on 26th of June will be conducted by a panel of Holistic Wellness specialists at GALF and will accommodate upto 2000 employees across various corporates registered with MyGALF.com
Sonia Coutinho, Holistic Wellness Specialist at GALF highlights the significance of this session “Conducting Wellness Sessions through the GALF platform is a brilliant way to create more awareness among Corporate Sectors, which is extremely important at this moment.
“Work From Home Diet Needs Attention During Pandemic”
A very pertinent topic in current times of pandemic. We often receive queries from our followers and corporates about what to consume for preventive health. Please do read this article by our coveted Panelist Priti Gupta (Ace Certified Nutritionist and Co-Founder Meneki Global Private Limited
"Over the years corporate life has become more and more stressful with target chasing, office politics and continuously changing market demands leading to high level of anxiety and stress induced depression. The new normal of work from home has only aggravated this situation"
It’s been over a year that we are in state of pandemic. We are living “The New Normal” and second phase of pandemic only suggests, that the spread is far from over. With gap between work and life balance fading away, #hyperproductivity and #digitalburnout have quietly seeded themselves as new lifestyle issues.
For most individuals, as the world is rapidly turning digital, the work and consequently the hyper-productivity has now summed up into a non-ending exposure to screens in the form of video calls, working on laptops, mobile phones, etc.
We have all woken up to the reality that “Wellness Is The Celebration”. Nothing is as worthy as our own and our people’s well-being. Glad to be featured by Forbes India in an article by Aarti Notiyal of highly respected Bubble Communication . . Are you celebrating wellness too ? . . Read More in Forbes India. Ref Page: 23
"GALF is a trusted wellness brand for global corporates and communities. We needed brand managers and communication partners that were equally passionate about the cause and creating content for our products and services, in turn helping us share our ideas with a larger audience and I am truly ecstatic to say that we found that in Bubble. For us, it was never about selling but developing that trust factor with our customers. The number of corporate clients and consequently the subscribers, we have today, stands testimony to the success we have achieved so far," said Amit Vasistha, Founder and CEO of corporate wellness aggregator GALF.
At GALF we get many queries about our clients suddenly finding their fitness routines boring and repetitive; causing them to get off track. Several individuals take up new year resolutions about hitting the gym every day, losing weight, building a set of abs but tell us that they aren’t able to follow through with these resolutions. Nippy weathers aren’t helpful either, as pulling oneself out of the bed becomes difficult. Hey … We totally understand you. Here are 7 great habits that shall help you go a long way:
Until now, employers have only focused on the basics of health and safety such as insurance and medical tests for their employees. That’s not going to be enough in 2021 when the idea of holistic wellness is gaining momentum.
It’s not just a company or an organisation that the workforce will be choosing going forward. It will be an employer who can provide a wellness ecosystem to cater to their comprehensive needs.
“After the world changing landmark year 2020, which saw series of mini-budgets being released in India. The nation was looking upto 2021 yearly budget to bring much needed impetus for the economic revival. I think the budget has been a reasonably enticing if not entirely and I do also think that 2021 will still see a version or two more in form of mini budgets. The reasons are clear, in the post covid scenario, the world is changing so much faster than you and i can imagine. To be having a static budget for full year will be like shooting on your own foot and not being ready for opportunities and contingencies alike."
Thankyou #GoDaddy for celebrating GALF as part of "The Hustlers" series. GoDaddy and its platinum developers Pixels Agency have played a tangible role in digitizing of #MyGALF. We are humbled that our business story has touched lives of thousands of people today.
#FinancialWellness is a crucial element of the #HolisticHealth often ignored by experts whose scope is generally limited to physical and nutritional health. A survey on stressors based lifestyle issues reveal that financial stress and lack of planning leads to severe mental and emotional issues amongst people. Payments and Fintech Apps are a great way to manage and plan your funds smartly these days. Check out our CEO - Amit Vasistha talking about it with #GoodHomes
We are living in times where cardiac issues and incidents have very sadly started to be viewed as normal. The worst part of it is the reducing age of the Cardiac patients and victims. To know that people are succumbing to heart attacks in their 40s, 30s and even in 20s isn’t surprising anymore.
Employee Wellness isn’t a tactical subject anymore it’s equally important as other strategic and operational parameters.
It is essential for employers to look after the wellbeing of the employees and encourage them to start adopting wellness as a lifestyle and not just look at it as a mere task to do.
"This 'new normal' has caused many people stress and anxiety as they adjust to these unprecedented changes. Delving into holistic wellness is essential as it will help employees to cope with these changes by allowing them to focus on the wellness on all fronts - physical, financial, emotional, spiritual, family and social"
The idea for the production of specialised wellness teas in Assam came to Ranjit Baruah, a professional tea maker with wealth of experience, spanning over 20 years. Baruah founded Aromica Tea, a tea producing company, based in Guwahati, as a result of his passion and expertise in this field.
"Our first break came when the CEO of GALF; a wellness aggregator firm based in Mumbai, collaborated with us. The collaboration opened a lot of doors for us in the corporate world" said Ranjit Baruah, Founder and CEO Aromica Tea
HomeFirst (Home First Finance Company India Limited) has onboarded Corporate Wellness Eco-system provider GALF (Get a Life Fitness LLP) for the Holistic Wellbeing of their nearly 1000 employees PAN India. As an official wellness partner GALF will be rolling out series of technology and human based interventions aimed at helping employees deal with work-life stressors in “new normal”.
Get a Life Fitness (GALF), a corporate wellness aggregator that firmly advocates holistic wellness among working professionals proudly announces the onboarding of Mr. Vighnesh Shahane, MD and CEO of IDBI Federal Life Insurance as an advisory member. Mr. Shahane has been a crusader of wellness throughout his corporate journey and even before that, represented Mumbai in Ranji Trophy. GALF on the other hand, promotes the significance of holistic, 360-degree wellness and believes in vigorously practicing the same.
Let “Food Be Thy Medicine”. An interesting take on how food can be your medicine and cure for many lifestyle issues. This is something we have been advocating in our #CorporateWellness sessions across clients. Glad to have, Wellness Specialist Cheryl Mascarenhas represent GALF for the article today in The Sunday Guardian.
“We have observed and understood that the need of the hour is going over and beyond to help our clients. Hence to ensure that we are reaching out to and helping every corporate possible, we rolled out our Work From Home Wellness campaigns #QuarantineWellness and #CXOWellness.”
GALF Launches 'Quarantine Wellness' 'CXO Wellness' Campaigns Under WorkFromHomeWellnessSeries to Help Corporates Cope with Social Distancing and Isolation
As the world takes on to this new lifestyle, a key realisation that we have made in the corporate space is that a lot of things can be made possible digitally thus saving time and energy which can be put into use elsewhere. With the right frame of mind and intention, one can adapt to this new way of life while reaping its benefits until the circumstances retrieve themselves to the new normal, ascertains GALF.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a wave of uncertainty and worry across the globe. Businesses are being impacted and corporates have adopted a new lifestyle which is the Work From Home or Remote Working. As the nation, along with the world at large, undergoes a complete lockdown, individuals and corporates are cooped up, operating from their homes not knowing exactly how to cope with the course of this pandemic. Many employees are finding it hard to adjust to this new way of life and develop a healthy routine to sail through this with ease. To extend support to such corporates and its leaders, to deal with this quarantine smoothly, GALF has rolled out a series of Work From Home Wellness under which they started the campaigns #QuarantineWellness and #CXOWellness. The brand partners are GARMIN, Fast&Up, Healthtrek Healthcare and AROMICA tea.
COVID19 outbreak is changing the complete business operations paradigm. Social isolation and Work From Home is the new " Business as Usual". Learn how our clients are keeping themselves and their teams fit and motivated
Corporate wellness aggregator firm GALF (Get a Life Fitness) highly supports the concept of working from home during these tough times on Covid-19 outbreak
The outbreak of Covid-19 virus has literally paralysed the day to day life of people. The need to maintain social distance pushing people to log on to online workouts where yoga tops the list in terms of popularity. Online wellness startups come to rescue
Obtaining an optimum work-life balance is essential because in the daily grind to produce results at work and perform well, it is easy to neglect health concerns that might be on the rise simultaneously.
It is imperative that corporate employees and CEOs get regular health check-ups and keep a tab on their mental, physical and emotional health in order to keep performing the way they do and ensure a good lifestyle.
Get a Life Fitness (GALF) has come up with a contemporary ecosystem that will meet the end-to-end requirements for a corporates wellness needs.
Corporates have time and again resorted to employee engagement and wellbeing programs after realising how important it is for an organisation to take care of the employees and their health. However, their approach towards this has always been missing a holistic outlook.
GALF wellness ecosystem that includes the MyGALF mobile app collates the entire wellness experience into one platform. Employees will be able to assess their health parameters and receive a uniquely curated program according to their individual requirements.
By: For OnlyMyHealth.com : Amit Vasistha - GALF Founder and CEO
26 Feb 2020
Hopping from one meeting to another, board rooms and conference calls, sipping on a high dosage of caffeine now and then and munching on those crisps and cookies that come along with your beverages; sounds like you? Is alcohol usually accompanying you in client and stakeholder dinners and parties? Are you facing that stress which is not necessarily due to workload but more because of the politics and obligations (read nuisance) that come as a whole package along with your job? You’re truly lucky if you can keep your routine of regular walks, runs, cycling, gymming or any kind of exercise in check
To kickstart the new year for its corporate clients, with measures to be healthy and fit, wellness aggregator GALF comes out in support of Parinee Juhu Half Marathon 2020 (PJHM2020) which is an initiative backed by Hrithik Roshan’s clothing brand HRX and Tridhaatu Navi Mumbai Half Marathon 2020 (NMHM2020) with legendary cricketer Kapil Dev as the brand ambassador.
As a part of this collaboration with PJHM2020, aspiring participants can register for the event MYGALF Website . A limited period offer of free Sports Jacket for 21K & 10K Runners, a 100 Rupees discount on the marathon pass, free Physio Foot Analysis Session and a discount coupon of FLAT 20% on all brands listed on MyGalf.com. This offer can be availed only if registered through MyGalf.com. For TNMHM2020 the registrations are available on their official site Navi Mumbai half marathon website.
Being a provider of corporate wellness solutions, GALF aims to motivate individuals to maintain a healthy life by taking some exciting measures such as these events. The core team of PJHM2020 and NMHM2020 are Get Fit Foundation and Sports United respectively. These organisations comprise of regular Marathon & Half Marathon runners and leading sports administrators with experience in organising various sports events. By encouraging individuals to participate in the said events, GALF wishes for health and fitness to rise to significance especially amongst corporates since a hectic work schedule barely allows employees to focus on their personal health.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
