'Mental health at workplace is no longer a taboo topic'

SHIKHAR MALHOTRA, CEO, HCL HEALTHCARE

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Mental health issues are rising at the workplace and an HCL Healthcare study says 84% of employees report low mood and 60% show signs of anxiety.

Nearly 50% sleep less than seven hours a night, with 1 in 5 experiencing poor sleep quality. “These figures signal a critical need for action,’ Shikhar Malhotra, CEO, HCL Healthcare, tells Sudhir Chowdhary.

Excerpts:

What does the study tell you about the emotional pulse of workers?

From the statistics, two realisations stand out clearly; first, the level of self-awareness and honesty among employees when it comes to their struggles is remarkably candid. Employers must deeply appreciate this shift—mental health is becoming normal and no longer a taboo topic.

Second, the data show that the intensity of these issues fluctuates. Problems such as anxiety, depression and burnout can rise and fall based on personal circumstances, workplace culture and even daily triggers, demanding consistent attention and a strategy beyond one-off events.