Workplace mental health in India: A rising priority of real wealth in corporate culture

Formany Indian professionals, the culture of overwork, coupled with societal expectations, creates immense pressure to perform. Long working hours, tight deadlines, job insecurity, and an absence of work-life balance contribute to heightened stress, anxiety, and burnout.

- DR FAUZIA KHAN

What defines the real wealth of a nation? Is it the towering skyscrapers that shape its skyline, the bustling industries that fuel its economy, or the global influence it commands? Perhaps, it's something much deeper, the well-being of its people, their minds, and their hearts. In a rapidly transforming India, where the pace of professional life is accelerating, workplace mental health has emerged as a crucial but often overlooked concern. As organisations strive for efficiency and output, the mental well-being of employees is under increasing strain. According to a survey by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the global economy loses an estimated $1 trillion per year due to depression and anxiety alone. A study by Deloitte (2022) reveals that nearly 80% of the Indian work-force faces some degree of mental health issues, yet a mere 20% seek professional help. This alarming gap is exacerbated by the stigma associated with mental illness, inadequate awareness, and limited access to mental health services in workplace settings.