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As India grapples with a series of tragic workplace-related deaths, experts are calling for urgent measures to create a healthier work environment that addresses mental health issues and boosts employee productivity. Long working hours, strict deadlines, high performance expectations, and job insecurity have recently led to the loss of several young lives, underlining the critical need for systemic change.
October 10 marks World Mental Health Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about mental health challenges and reducing the stigma surrounding them. This year’s theme, ‘Mental Health at Work’, is especially poignant given the rising cases of mental health crises at the workplace.
India has been rocked by multiple reports of employees, particularly young professionals, succumbing to the pressures of overwhelming work environments. One of the latest tragedies involved Tarun Saxena, a 42-year-old manager at Bajaj Finance, who took his own life due to workplace harassment and severe stress. In his suicide note, Saxena revealed he had not slept for 45 days, citing immense pressure as the driving force behind his decision.
This comes in the wake of another heartbreaking incident in July when Anna Sebastian, a 26-year-old Chartered Accountant at Ernst and Young, died due to the relentless stress she endured during just four months at the company. Her mother, in a moving letter to the company’s chairman, described the loss as a result of a “backbreaking workload” and overwhelming work pressure.
According to experts, the foundation of a productive workforce lies in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Dr. Sameer Malhotra, Director and Head of the Department of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, emphasized the importance of mental health in the workplace. “A healthy work environment nurtures a healthier mindset and enhances overall productivity,” he said. “Empathic workplace approaches, positive reinforcement, rational expectations, and healthy team dynamics all play crucial roles in boosting confidence and fostering trust among employees.”
Recent surveys echo this sentiment. A study conducted by ADP India, a payroll software and HR services firm, found that 76% of Indian workers believe stress negatively impacts their work, while 48% feel that poor mental health directly affects their productivity.
On the other hand, a healthy workplace is one that prioritizes employee well-being, safety, and mental health. Prof. Nand Kumar, from the Department of Psychiatry at AIIMS, stressed that work should not only be rewarding financially but also provide social and emotional enrichment. “Chronic stress can have serious long-term effects on physical health and can trigger conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and even cardiovascular diseases,” he added.
Prof. Pallab Maulik, Director of Research and Program Director (Mental Health) at The George Institute India, highlighted that poor mental health could lead to absenteeism and decreased work output, further exacerbating workplace stress. “Stress over time leads to anxiety, depression, and, in severe cases, can culminate in self-harm or suicide,” he said.
In addressing stress, experts suggest a multifaceted approach. Dr. Malhotra recommended understanding and empathizing with individuals facing mental health concerns, avoiding judgment, and promoting timely recognition and intervention.
Prof. Kumar introduced the CALM practice as a proactive approach to managing stress: Connectivity (both emotional and social), Activity (physical and mental), Learning new skills, Mindfulness, and Simple deep breathing exercises. These practices can significantly reduce stress and promote overall well-being.
As World Mental Health Day approaches, it’s clear that fostering a supportive, empathetic, and balanced workplace is essential for both employee well-being and organizational productivity. By creating environments where mental health is prioritized, businesses can prevent tragedies, enhance employee performance, and foster a happier, healthier workforce.
