The situation & need

Mental health is crucial at the workplace because it directly impacts productivity, employee satisfaction, and overall well-being. Chronic stress, burnout, and anxiety can lead to serious physical and emotional health issues, reducing performance and increasing absenteeism. A supportive work environment that prioritizes mental health fosters resilience, creativity, and long-term success, while neglecting it can result in deteriorating employee morale and even tragic outcomes.

In the Indian work environment, mental well-being is gaining increasing recognition as a critical factor influencing both employee performance and organizational success. Traditionally, mental health issues in the workplace were often overlooked, with stress and long hours seen as just part of the job. However, as awareness of mental health grows, especially post-pandemic, Indian employers are beginning to understand the need for promoting well-being.

Key Reasons for Prioritizing Mental Well-being at Work in India:
– High Stress Levels: Indian industries face high workloads, it has many reasons but it’s leading to burnout. Supportive environments reduce stress and improve productivity.
– Mental Health Stigma: Mental health issues are stigmatized in India. Promoting openness at work helps normalize support.
– Work-Life Balance: Long hours and commutes harm well-being. Flexible policies can help.
– Retention and Satisfaction: Prioritizing mental health enhances job satisfaction and retention, crucial in India’s competitive job market.
– Cultural Sensitivity: Tailoring mental health initiatives to India’s diverse workforce fosters inclusivity.
– Legal and Policy Trends: India’s Mental Healthcare Act (2017) and corporate wellness programs are increasingly supporting mental health.

Fact Check!

National Sample Survey Office
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/impact-work-stress-india-statistics-case-studies-research-potdar
A study found that more than 60% of employees in India feel stressed at work.

A study by the World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/impact-work-stress-india-statistics-case-studies-research-potdar
It’s found that nearly one in four employees in India suffer from work-related stress.

A survey by the All India Management Association
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/impact-work-stress-india-statistics-case-studies-research-potdar
It is found that 53% of Indian employees feel stressed due to long working hours and heavy workloads.

Safety Management
https://www.britsafe.in/safety-management-news
Indian female workers experiencing higher levels of stress than men.

-Alarming Situations:-
EY India employee dies due to work stress!
https://www.opindia.com/2024/09/ey-india-employee-dies-due-to-burn-out-mother-blames-company-nasty-work-culture/
Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old CA, tragically passed away after four months of working at EY Pune due to excessive workload. Her mother accused the company of glorifying overwork and neglecting employee well-being. Perayil’s manager often assigned her work late in the day and rescheduled meetings, adding to her stress. Despite experiencing anxiety and sleeplessness, Perayil continued to push herself to meet the company’s expectations.

Young McKinsey consultant commits suicide due to ‘work pressure’
https://www.consultancy.in/news/4168/young-mckinsey-consultant-commits-suicide-due-to-work-pressure
A 25-year-old consultant at McKinsey & Company, Saurabh Kumar Laddha, tragically committed suicide due to suspected work pressure. Laddha, a graduate of IIT Madras and IIM Calcutta, had been working at McKinsey since August 2022. The project he was working on was reportedly highly demanding, leading to significant stress and mental health challenges. In his last phone call to his girlfriend, Laddha mentioned the pressure he was facing.

Example Situation:
At a leading IT company in Bengaluru, the management introduced a mental health initiative called “MindMatters” after observing increasing absenteeism and high stress levels among employees. The program included:
– Free access to mental health counselors.
– Flexible work hours to improve work-life balance.
– Meditation and yoga sessions during lunch breaks.
– Training for managers to identify signs of mental health struggles in their teams.
As a result, employee engagement and productivity improved, and there was a noticeable drop in burnout rates. This initiative created a positive culture where employees felt supported, resulting in lower turnover and higher job satisfaction.

These are also important Factors:
https://peoplethriver.com/employee-motivation-and-its-impact-on-productivity/

On-time salary, timely increments, promotions, and recognition (like rewards, awards, and appreciation) play a crucial role in enhancing employee productivity and well-being in Indian workplaces. Timely financial incentives, such as salary raises and promotions, contribute significantly to employee satisfaction, reducing stress and fostering loyalty. Additionally, recognition through appreciation and rewards boosts motivation and engagement, which has been linked to increased productivity and lower attrition. Studies show that employees are more motivated and perform better when their efforts are acknowledged, with companies experiencing up to 44% increased performance when using incentives effectively. Promoting such practices creates a positive work environment where employees feel valued and are less likely to experience burnout.

Netra Pawaskar