FARIDABAD, October 09, 2024: Doctors and specialists at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad have brought to light the alarming levels of occupational stress and burnout experienced by Indian employees. The 2024 Gallup State of Global Workplace Report revealed that 86% of employees worldwide are categorized as either "struggling" or "suffering" when it comes to mental health and well-being and India follows suit with this pattern showing significant surges in workplace distress.

Research reports show that 40% of employees in India frequently experience burnout, while 38% report moderate distress. A significant proportion of employees expressed job dissatisfaction, with many planning to leave their current roles. Among those, 37% of female employees cited poor work-life balance as the main reason for considering resignation, compared to 28% of male employees.

Dr. Rakesh Kumar Chadda, HoD, Psychiatry, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad said, “Workplace stress in India stems from several factors, including excessive workload, unsocial hours, job insecurity, poor working conditions, and a lack of control over job roles. The situation is exacerbated by unsafe or toxic work environments, insufficient support from colleagues, and a rise in workplace harassment and bullying. This high-pressure environment has led to a surge in physical health conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiac issues, as well as mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.”

According to a 2015 ASSOCHAM study, 43% of employees in the private sector displayed signs of general anxiety disorder or depression. The COVID-19 pandemic further amplified these concerns, with 36% of Indian employees reporting mental health challenges, and 50% expressing anxiety about an uncertain future.

Dr. Neatu Narang, Professor and Senior Consultant, Psychiatry, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad said, “Common indicators of workplace stress include withdrawal from social interactions, lack of motivation, intense emotional responses, anxiety, negative thoughts, and a tendency to procrastinate. Physical symptoms may manifest as headaches, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, digestive issues, and burnout.”

The mental health of the workforce is more critical than ever, making it all the more critical to recognize the above symptoms. Addressing occupational stress should be a priority for both employers and employees to ensure a healthier, more productive workforce and prevent long-lasting physical and mental health issues.

“To address this growing issue, corporate sector and employers must foster supportive work environments, encourage open communication, and promote teamwork and mutual support. Employees, in turn, can adopt personalized coping strategies, enhance time management skills, and utilize mindfulness practices like yoga and meditation. Leveraging available resources such as Employee Assistance Programs is key to mitigating the effects of stress,” said Dr. Meenakshi Jain, Consultant, Psychiatry, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad.

Despite the overwhelming evidence, mental health challenges among Indian employees often go unnoticed and untreated. The conservative cultural approach to mental health in India means many employees suffer in silence, fearing job loss or reduced opportunities for growth if they admit to struggling. Speaking out about workplace stress is still viewed as a weakness, leaving employees with little recourse or support. Recognizing the urgent need for intervention and implementing employee wellness programs to combat workplace stress is the need of the hour. These include corporate well-being initiatives such as mental health counseling, stress management sessions, yoga and meditation workshops, and peer support programs.