Breaking the Silence — Addressing Mental Health in the Indian workplace
The Indian workplace is varied and dynamic, with a wide range of businesses and sectors contributing to the country’s fast expanding economy. Workplace culture varies by firm and area, but some common characteristics include hierarchical structures, emphasis on punctuality and respect for authority, a rising emphasis on work-life balance and employee well-being. For millennials, the Indian workplace can be challenging for a variety of reasons, including:
Work Market Competition: The high rivalry in the job market is one of the key obstacles for millennials in the Indian workplace. India, with a population of over 1.3 billion people, has a huge and well-educated workforce. As a result, young professionals confront intense competition for career prospects, particularly in technology, engineering, and finance. Because competition is sometimes so fierce, many millennials find themselves unemployed or working in industries that do not correspond to their passions or degree.
Cultural Values: There is a great focus on hierarchy and respect for authoritative people in India. This might make it harder for younger workers to challenge existing conventions or speak up about workplace difficulties.
Moreover, the Indian workplace may be quite hierarchical, with a strict top-down structure. This might make it difficult for younger individuals to develop in their professions or take on leadership responsibilities since they may not be perceived as experienced or competent enough to do so.
Bullying and harassment: Unfortunately, bullying and harassment are widespread in many Indian companies, with employees being exposed to verbal abuse, physical intimidation, and even sexual harassment. This might result in a toxic workplace where employees feel unsafe and unsupported.
Lack of openness and communication: There may be a lack of transparency and communication in some Indian workplaces, with management neglecting to keep staff informed about crucial decisions or developments. This can lead to a poisonous work atmosphere in which people feel disconnected and unable to contribute to the organization’s success.
Work life Balance: Another factor that might make working in India difficult for millennials is a lack of work-life balance. Long work hours are the norm in many businesses, and it is not uncommon for professionals to work six or seven days a week. This makes it difficult for young professionals to maintain a personal life outside of work, which can lead to burnout and high levels of stress.
The expectation of being “always on” is another issue that contributes to a lack of work-life balance. With the advancement of technology and remote work, professionals are increasingly expected to reply to emails and messages outside of typical business hours. This can make it difficult for young professionals to disconnect from work and take time for themselves.
Technology: It can also contribute to the difficulties that millennials confront in the Indian workplace. While technology has made it simpler for professionals to work remotely and cooperate across time zones, it has also raised productivity and responsiveness demands. This might put pressure on young workers to be always connected and available, especially after hours.
Furthermore, the quick rate of technology development can make keeping up with new tools and platforms challenging for young workers. This might put people at a disadvantage in the labour market and lead to emotions of dissatisfaction and inadequacy, which can have an influence on employees’ mental health. The workplace may be a tough and stressful atmosphere for many individuals due to long work hours, fierce competition, and a focus on hierarchy and respect for authoritative people.
Extended Working Hours: Long working hours are one of the most difficult issues that employees confront in the Indian workplace. According to an International Labour Organization (ILO) report, Indian workers work an average of 48 hours per week, which is much more than the world average of 40 hours per week. Long working hours lead to a lack of work-life balance, which causes stress, anxiety, and despair.
Heavy Workloads: Heavy workloads are another important concern in the Indian workplace. Many staff are required to handle a significant volume of work under pressure. As a result, stress and anxiety levels rise, leading to burnout and decreased productivity. According to a poll performed by the Indian Psychiatric Society, about 46% of Indian employees suffer from stress-related disorders as a result of heavy workloads.
Lack of Job Security: Many employees in the Indian work environment are engaged on a contract or temporary basis, resulting in a lack of job security. Employees experience uncertainty and worry as a result, leading to lower job satisfaction and mental health issues.
Lack of Employer Support: Employers in India sometimes lack empathy for their employees’ mental health. Many businesses fail to create a healthy work environment, and mental health concerns are underserved. Furthermore, due to the stigma associated with mental illness in Indian society, employees frequently hesitate to address their mental health concerns with their employers.
Toxic Work Culture: Overwork and competitiveness are common characteristics of the Indian work culture. This results in a high-pressure work atmosphere in which people are continually pushed to perform to the best of their abilities, resulting in heightened stress and anxiety levels. There is also a lack of work-life balance, with individuals encouraged to prioritise work above their personal lives.
Gender Discrimination: Gender discrimination is a widespread problem in the Indian workplace, and it can have a negative influence on the mental health of female employees. Women are frequently subjected to gender-based discrimination and harassment, which causes stress, anxiety, and despair.
Lack of Awareness: In the Indian workplace, there is a lack of knowledge concerning mental health concerns. Because mental health is not given the same priority as physical health, there are less resources and help available to employees who are suffering from mental health issues.
Mental Illness Stigma: There is a huge stigma connected with mental illness in Indian society, which might deter employees from getting treatment when they are in need. Workers who suffer from mental health difficulties are generally ridiculed and shunned, leading to lower job satisfaction and social isolation.
To summarise, the Indian work environment is characterised by long working hours, heavy workloads, a lack of job security, and an unfavourable work culture, all of which can have a substantial influence on employees’ mental health. Companies must take measures to establish a supportive work environment that emphasises employee mental health, and employees must be encouraged to seek assistance when needed. We can develop a healthier and more productive workforce in India by tackling these concerns.
There are numerous ways to defend Indian employees’ rights. Here are a few ideas:
1. Assure labour law compliance: Companies must adhere to labour rules and regulations such as minimum pay, working hours, leave policy, and workplace safety. Employers should be aware of these regulations and avoid breaking them.
2.Offer a safe and healthy working environment: It is the obligation of employers to create a safe and healthy working environment for their employees. This involves ensuring that there is no harassment or discrimination in the workplace.
3.Offer fair and equitable treatment : Companies should treat all workers fairly and equally, regardless of gender, caste, religion, or race. They should not discriminate based on these variables and should give equal opportunities.
4.Respect workers’ rights: Companies must respect their employees’ rights, including their right to privacy, free expression, and free association. Employers must not infringe on these rights.
5.Put in place effective grievance redressal processes: Employers should put in place effective grievance redressal systems to resolve any complaints or grievances expressed by workers. These procedures should be simple to use, impartial, and equitable.
6.Provide training and development opportunities: Companies should give their employees with training and development opportunities to assist them improve their skills and knowledge. This will help not just the personnel, but also the corporation.
7.Promote a culture of respect and inclusion in the workplace: Employers should promote a culture of respect and inclusion in the workplace. They should establish a pleasant work atmosphere and support diversity and inclusion.
