WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY
As we mark World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2024, the global spotlight shifts to this year’s timely theme: “It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.” In India, where workplace culture is often synonymous with long hours, immense pressure, and a deeply ingrained stigma around mental health, this theme serves as a critical call to action. From bustling corporate offices to quiet rural enterprises, the issue of mental health in the workplace is one that cuts across industries, sectors, and geographies. Our commutes are brutal, workplaces are toxic and we have a large unorganized sector.
In my years as a mental health counselor in India, I’ve seen first-hand how the workplace can either be a source of stress or a sanctuary of support. Unfortunately, more often than not, it’s the former. Many of my clients report feelings of burnout, anxiety, and depression directly linked to their professional lives. They talk about relentless expectations, toxic work cultures, and an overwhelming sense of inadequacy. The issue isn’t that workplaces are inherently harmful—it’s that mental health, as a vital part of employee well-being, is often neglected or undervalued.
India’s workforce is one of the largest and youngest in the world, making it uniquely vulnerable to the pressures of modern employment. The statistics are alarming: a 2023 study by Deloitte revealed that over 80% of employees in India have reported feeling stressed due to work-related factors. More than 40% have experienced burnout, and around 60% feel that their workplace does not provide adequate mental health support.
These numbers are more than just statistics—they reflect a silent epidemic that’s taking a heavy toll on workers’ well-being and productivity. Burnout has become so normalized in our culture that we often fail to recognize it as a serious mental health issue. It manifests in chronic exhaustion, lack of motivation, and a sense of detachment from work, yet is frequently dismissed as part of a “hustle culture.”
Employees, particularly in competitive industries like IT, media, finance, and manufacturing, are often expected to work long hours, meet impossible deadlines, and remain “always available” in the era of remote work and hyper-connectivity. All this comes at the cost of their mental well-being. Add to this the stigma around seeking help for mental health issues, and it becomes a recipe for widespread suffering.
It is clear that the time has come to prioritize mental health in the workplace. But how can organizations—big and small—effectively do this? The answer lies in creating a workplace culture that values the mental and emotional well-being of its employees just as much as their productivity.
A supportive work environment is one where mental health is normalized, not stigmatized. It is a space where employees feel safe discussing their struggles without fear of being judged or penalized. In such workplaces, mental health policies are not an afterthought but an integral part of the company’s framework. This could involve implementing Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), offering regular mental health check-ins, and ensuring that managers are trained to recognize signs of distress in their teams.
However, it’s important to note that mental health interventions should not be limited to reactive measures like counseling or therapy. Proactive strategies, such as promoting work-life balance, flexible working hours, and creating opportunities for regular breaks, can make a significant difference. In fact, something as simple as allowing employees to disconnect from work after hours or encouraging them to take time off when needed can go a long way in preventing burnout.
Leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping workplace culture. When senior management openly discusses mental health and models healthy work practices, it sends a powerful message to the entire organization. Leaders who are transparent about their own mental health journeys, who take mental health days, and who encourage their teams to prioritize self-care help dismantle the stigma that so often surrounds mental health in professional settings.
Moreover, organizations should conduct regular mental health audits to assess the well-being of their employees and identify areas where additional support may be needed. This can be done through anonymous surveys, focus group discussions, or one-on-one check-ins. It’s essential for companies to treat mental health as they would physical health—by offering preventive care and providing resources to employees before crises emerge.
At the national level, India’s mental health framework is gradually evolving. The Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 was a significant step forward, granting citizens the right to access mental health care and making it mandatory for insurance companies to cover mental health conditions. However, more needs to be done to ensure these policies translate into tangible benefits for workers.
Corporations, in particular, have a responsibility to play a larger role in addressing mental health challenges. They can do this by collaborating with mental health professionals, offering regular workshops, and creating awareness campaigns within the organization. Engaging employees in conversations around mental health not only fosters a sense of community but also helps to reduce stigma.
As we observe World Mental Health Day this year, let us remember that mental health is not a luxury but a necessity. The workplace, where many of us spend a significant portion of our lives, should be a place where mental health is nurtured, not neglected.
The message for 2024 is clear: It’s time to make mental health at work a priority—not just for one day, but every day.
(The Author is Academic Director, IIMM Delhi. www.poojapriyamvada.com. https://linktr.ee/soulversified. https://amzn.to/3acQbMM)
