BURNOUT AT THE INDIAN BANKS: BREAKING THE CYCLE OF STRESS

The Indian banking landscape is undergoing a period of significant transformation. Mergers, acquisitions, rapid technological advancements, and an increasingly competitive environment are driving growth in the sector.

- Gokul Brindhaban GR

Introduction

However, these changes come at a cost: a burgeoning epidemic of stress among bank employees. Long working hours, demanding targets, and an ever-evolving regulatory environment are taking a toll on mental and physical well-being.

This article delves into the issue of stress experienced by employees in Indian banks, exploring its causes, and the consequences. It also discusses strategies to address this silent crisis to pave way for a more sustainable and well-balanced work environment.

The Alarming Reality

Stress in Indian banks is not anecdotal; it is an alarming reality. There have been news across media that the Indian banking professionals are experiencing higher levels of stress which is leading them to severe health-related issues. Studies conducted in this regard across major cities paint a concerning picture. A research study published in National Journal of Community Medicine during 2022 found a staggering 75.5% of bank employees reported high and very high stress levels.

Even though the study was conducted among 192 bank employees in the city of Puducherry, the issue of stressed banking professionals exists across the banking offices/ branches. A news article released by Money Control in 2023 quoted executives of a leading public sector bank as issuing orders to officials to work on holidays and weekends. It also mentioned about the encouragement of late working hours by top executives of another public sector bank. The article also highlighted a protest carried out by the employees of a public sector bank in January 2023 against bank management for the pressure exerted due to increased workload.

These concerns are a clear call to action, demanding immediate attention from both banks and policymakers to address the pervasive issue of stress.

What Triggers Stress in Indian Banks?