When Michelle Obama said, “We would never tell someone with a broken leg that they should stop wallowing and get it together. We don’t consider taking medication for ear infection as something to be ashamed of. We shouldn’t treat mental health conditions any differently,” the world took notice.
Even as individuals have begun paying greater attention to personal mental health and wellbeing, given the varied awareness initiatives at play, addressing mental health issues at workplaces remains imperative to a healthy corporate culture. Indeed, despite being the second largest ‘thriving’ working population in South Asia, 86 per cent of Indians felt they were struggling or suffering, way above the global average, according to the 2024 Gallup State of the Global Workplace report, highlighting the severe need for interventions at a corporate level.
India’s mental health crisis
The latest Work Trend Index from Microsoft India reveals alarming statistics about the mental well-being of employees, especially in the era of remote work. An overwhelming 57 per cent of employees feel overworked, while 62 per cent report that working from home demands excessive time commitment. The impact on Gen Z is even more concerning, with 71 per cent struggling mentally. Emotional distress is widespread, with 29 per cent feeling lonely, 34 per cent experiencing anger, and 42 per cent grappling with sadness. These issues are exacerbated by the isolation of remote work, with 25 per cent of remote workers feeling lonely compared to 16 per cent of on-site employees.
Despite the availability of counselling services and wellness policies, low utilisation rates suggest that companies need to establish a more structured framework to support those openly seeking help. With employees now prioritising their personal needs, corporates must recognise this behavioural shift and take decisive action to address mental health challenges at the workplace.
Promoting inter-generational mental wellness
A recent study by Truworth Wellness highlights the importance of businesses adopting proactive measures, including biometric screenings, stress audits and tailored wellness interventions, to ensure a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. Additionally, stress management programmes, mental health support, and a workplace culture that encourages work-life balance remain vital to fostering sustained physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Another notable element, while considering and implementing such initiatives, is the interplay between the different generations at work.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the modern workforce, each generation brings its own distinct perspectives and aspirations. Addressing the expectations of Gen Z employees and understanding their mindset is key for employers looking to harness the incredible potential of this enthusiastic generation.
For the Gen Z populace, work-life balance and flexibility are important aspects of their job satisfaction, and these individuals value their personal lives as much as their professional lives, given that they have grown up in an era of constant connectivity and change. Gen Z employees, unlike previous generations, seek more than just a paycheck, placing a high value on workplace transparency when evaluating job opportunities. The newer generation is also more vocal about seeking help in case of mental health issues and do not consider it a taboo. In this scenario, the easiest way to incorporate healthy lifestyles is by introducing them to effective wellness programmes such as yoga or meditation sessions. With the generational shift and many Gen Z individuals now joining the workforce, there is a perceived downward trend of patience level amongst the newer generations and an immediate setback often seems to impact the mental health of this generation substantially. Hence, corporates must prioritise formal programmes on building resilience among the newer generations.
Leadership’s role in bridging the gap
Leaders play a pivotal role in shaping workplace wellness, yet a significant gap exists between their well-being experiences and those of non-managerial employees. While leadership consistently reports better wellness outcomes, the well-being score among non-managerial employees dipped from 83 to 81 per cent in 2023, highlighting an urgent need for the upper echelons to champion mental health and well-being initiatives across all levels. Creating an environment where employees feel valued, comfortable, and proud of their work boosts self-esteem, fosters creativity, and drives overall organisational growth. Leaders have a powerful opportunity to close this gap and build a more resilient workforce.
In today’s rapidly-evolving work environment, multiple changes are occurring within the organisation as well as outside, making it too early to pass judgement on the current state of mental health in India’s workplaces. However, one thing is clear—a positive future is in the making, and we must all play our part in strengthening this new and improved world order.
The author of this article, Vaishnavi Shukla, is CHRO, Comviva