Tailored and consistently supportive programs needed

Anto George T, Chief General Manager - HR & Operations at South Indian Bank, discusses the progress in mental health at corporates:

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Ravi Lalwani: Mental health is becoming a matter of rising concern. Is it seen more among people working from home as compared to those at the workplace? Is the root cause WFH or something else?

Anto George T: Mental health challenges have shown up a lot more for people working from home. And it’s not hard to see why. While WFH offers some flexibility, it also brings this weird blend of isolation and over-connection. Many people end up working longer hours, often without realizing it, and that’s a heavy load to carry over time. Add to that the lockdowns – a time when even a simple coffee run felt like a luxury – and it is clear why stress and anxiety surged. But let’s not simplify things too much. The root cause isn’t just about working from home or the lockdown; it’s a mix. People lost that daily, in-person social connection and boundaries blurred. Unknowingly, work and life merged into one, thereby disturbing the natural rhythm of life. Resultantly, many people experienced an undercurrent of loneliness, despite work being right there, filling up the days.

Again, the lockdowns and WFH increased the penetration of technology in our lives to unmanageable levels. Overexposure to social media has made people live in an alternate world that feeds insecurities and exaggerates them. Also, on the pretext of connecting us to the world, technology takes us away from our loved ones causing an emotional deficit. Too much reliance on technology can impact our attention spans negatively and lead to a distracted existence.

What are the differences in mental health issues of those who have reduced income vs. those who have full income?