By: Dipak Kurmi
What constitutes the real wealth of a nation? Is it the impressive skyscrapers that adorn its skyline, the thriving industries that drive its economy, or the global influence it exerts on the world stage? While these elements are undeniably significant, the true measure of a nation’s wealth lies much deeper—in the well-being of its people, the health of their minds, and the strength of their hearts. In the rapidly transforming landscape of India, where the tempo of professional life accelerates by the day, workplace mental health has emerged as a critical yet frequently overlooked concern.
The Rising Tide of Mental Health Issues
As organizations strive for increased efficiency and productivity, the mental well-being of employees faces mounting pressure. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the global economy suffers an estimated loss of $1 trillion annually due to depression and anxiety alone. In India, a Deloitte study conducted in 2022 reveals a staggering statistic: nearly 80% of the workforce grapples with some degree of mental health issue, yet only 20% seek professional help. This alarming disparity is compounded by the stigma surrounding mental illness, a lack of awareness, and limited access to mental health services within workplace settings.
A recent tragedy in Noida serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address mental health in the workplace. A bank employee, subjected to relentless harassment from colleagues, tragically took her own life, leaving behind a poignant five-page suicide note. In her final words, she recounted the derogatory slurs hurled at her by co-workers, including terms like “bandariya” (monkey) and “dimag se pagal” (crazy). She named six colleagues, including two managers, as contributors to her emotional torment. Similarly, a 26-year-old chartered accountant from Kerala also succumbed to work-related pressures, taking her life after four months of unbearable stress. Her mother’s heartfelt letter to EY India highlighted the increasingly callous attitude towards employee well-being that appears to pervade many workplaces today. Such heartbreaking incidents expose the toxic environments that many Indian employees endure in silence, accentuating the pressing need for systematic change in how mental health issues are treated in professional settings.
The Culture of Overwork and Its Consequences
For many professionals in India, the relentless culture of overwork, coupled with societal expectations, creates immense pressure to excel. Prolonged working hours, stringent deadlines, job insecurity, and a glaring absence of work-life balance contribute to elevated levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout. In a society where mental health remains a taboo subject, employees often shy away from discussing their struggles, fearing judgment or adverse career implications. The reality is stark: no job is worth sacrificing one’s life, and it is imperative to champion systemic changes that ensure every employee feels safe, valued, and heard.
Current Policies and Corporate Initiatives
While India has made strides toward addressing workplace mental health, significant gaps remain. The Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 provides a legal framework that ensures individuals’ rights to mental health care, including mandated insurance coverage for mental health treatments. However, corporate implementation of this framework is still limited. The National Mental Health Policy (2014) advocates for mental health awareness in workplaces and encourages the establishment of supportive environments, but widespread adoption remains elusive.
Nevertheless, some companies, such as TCS and Wipro, are taking the lead with innovative employee wellness programs that include counseling and stress management initiatives. The COVID-19 pandemic has further propelled firms like Accenture, Google, and Microsoft to introduce teletherapy options and burnout prevention strategies, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of mental health in the workplace.
Despite these positive developments, the 2024-25 Union Budget highlights a significant funding gap in addressing India’s mental health challenges. Although the allocation for the National Tele Mental Health Programme has increased to ₹90 crore from the previous year’s ₹65 crore, this modest rise falls far short of the resources required to address the country’s escalating mental health needs. A more comprehensive investment in workplace mental health initiatives is critical for fostering sustainable progress.
The Crucial Role of Leadership
Effective corporate leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping workplace mental health. The tragic incident involving the Noida bank employee underscores the importance of leadership accountability in preventing workplace harassment. Had there been a proactive, supportive management culture that actively discouraged bullying and fostered a safe environment for employees to voice their concerns, the outcome might have been different.
Leaders must take on the responsibility of cultivating a healthy, inclusive work culture that disallows toxic behaviors. Creating a mental health-positive workplace necessitates a top-down approach, where leaders not only promote open dialogue but also normalize the act of seeking help for mental health issues. Human Resource departments must adopt a proactive stance, identifying mental health risks and offering solutions, such as wellness check-ins and mental health days.
A Holistic Approach to Mental Health
While government policies and corporate initiatives are crucial, achieving sustainable change requires a multifaceted approach:
- Increased Awareness and Training: Regular mental health awareness campaigns within organizations can help destigmatize mental health issues. Training programs for managers and employees to recognize early signs of distress and provide support will contribute to creating a safer environment for discussing mental health concerns.
- Mental Health Infrastructure: Companies must invest in mental health infrastructure, including easily accessible counseling services, confidential helplines, and designated wellness officers. Telehealth platforms, which gained traction during the pandemic, can serve as critical connections between employees and mental health professionals.
- Work-Life Balance: Flexible working hours, hybrid work models, and vacation policies prioritizing rest over constant productivity can significantly mitigate burnout. Encouraging employees to disconnect after working hours and promoting a healthy work-life balance are essential for long-term mental well-being.
- Insurance and Benefits: Mental health coverage should be made a mandatory component of corporate insurance policies. Currently, mental health coverage in India is inconsistent and often inadequate, leaving employees to shoulder the financial burden of therapy and treatment.
- Measuring Impact: Organizations should implement mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of mental health initiatives through surveys and feedback. A data-driven approach will enable companies to tailor interventions to meet the specific needs of their workforce.
The Call for Collective Action
India’s workplaces stand on the precipice of a revolution in how mental health is perceived and addressed. However, this transformation requires collaboration among the government, corporations, and society at large. Employees also bear a responsibility to advocate for their mental well-being and support their peers in doing the same. Changing the narrative around mental health necessitates collective action, where every small step toward openness and acceptance can create ripples of change.
Workplace mental health in India transcends corporate responsibility; it is a societal imperative. As the nation progresses toward becoming an economic powerhouse, mental well-being must be acknowledged as integral to workforce productivity and overall success. Organizations prioritizing mental health not only foster a happier, more engaged workforce but also contribute to a more resilient and innovative economy.
In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “It is health that is real wealth, and not pieces of gold and silver.” Investing in the mental health of India’s workforce today is not just an ethical obligation; it is an investment in the country’s future prosperity and social stability. By taking decisive action to address mental health issues, India can pave the way for a thriving society where the true wealth lies in the health and happiness of its people.
(The writer can be reached at dipakkurmiglpltd@gmail.com)
