The Business Bytes
Dr. Udit Kumar Panda
As we celebrate World Mental Health Day 2024 on October 10, our focus turns to a critical aspect of modern work life: mental health in the workplace. The theme, “It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace,” serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address this often-overlooked element of employee well-being, particularly in the Indian context.
India’s evolving and competitive work environments have seen a rise in mental health challenges, worsened by COVID-19, which blurred the boundaries between work and personal life, introducing new stressors. Identifying and addressing mental health concerns in the workplace is essential. Neglecting these issues comes at a significant cost: a 2019 Assocham study found that 42.5% of private-sector employees suffer from depression or anxiety, resulting in substantial economic impacts. Beyond economic losses, mental health issues affect individuals, families, and communities across the nation.
Focusing on employee mental health is not only an ethical responsibility but also crucial for business success and productivity. Companies in India that invest in workers’ psychological well-being experience improved efficiency, fewer unscheduled absences, and stronger employee loyalty. A mentally healthy workplace fosters creativity, collaboration, and innovation — essential components for success in India’s dynamic business landscape.
Here are some ways organizations can support mental health in the workplace:
First, encourage open conversations about mental health to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. Flexible working hours and options to work from home can help employees balance family duties and reduce stress. Employers should provide free counseling services and stress management programs in local languages.
Supervisors should be trained to identify mental health issues and assist employees in seeking help early. Employees should be encouraged to take breaks and use their leave to prevent burnout. Regular assessments of workplace stress should be conducted, with strategies for mitigation implemented. Moreover, fostering a culture of social connection and team-building activities can create a more supportive and engaging workplace.
Mental health professionals in India play a unique role in this effort. They must continue advocating for workplace mental health, providing expert guidance to organizations, and supporting individuals as they navigate the challenges of modern work life in our country. The time to act is now.
We must envision a future where every Indian workplace champions mental health and wellness, allowing employees to thrive both personally and professionally. As we move forward, let us draw inspiration from our rich cultural heritage of holistic well-being by integrating modern psychological approaches with traditional Indian wisdom. In doing so, we can create a uniquely Indian approach to workplace mental health that respects our values while addressing the challenges of the 21st-century workplace.
(The author is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Bhubaneswar.)
