In the vibrant marketplace of modern corporations, employees often seem like tightrope walkers, balancing the heavy weight of deadlines while struggling to maintain mental well-being. A slight misstep and the fall can be deep, leading to stress, anxiety, or burnout. Despite Global awareness campaigns, including World Mental Health Day on October 10th, mental health care in workplaces still lacks the attention it demands.
A survey by Headspace Health revealed that 83% of CEOs and 70% of employees reported missing work due to burnout, stress, and mental health challenges. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted that 12 billion working days are lost annually to depression and anxiety, costing the global economy a staggering $1 trillion. The urgency of addressing mental health challenges in corporate settings is more evident than ever.
According to the Economic Times, one in five individuals has a mental health problem, making it even more concerning. It is a grim reality of the World today and an issue to be addressed on priority.
As per the World Economic Forum 2018 study, due to the stigma associated with mental illness, a lack of awareness, and limited access to professional help, only 10-12% of people suffering from mental health are able to seek help.
The Challenges Corporate Employees Face:
Corporate employees struggle with a wide range of mental health challenges, many of which come from the pressures of modern work environments:
- Emotional Exhaustion and Burnout: Statista reports that 55% of Indian employees experience emotional exhaustion or burnout. Long hours, tight deadlines, and excessive workload contribute to this condition.
- Depression and Anxiety: Based on Statista report, Depression affects 59% of corporate employees, while anxiety impacts 49%, making these the most widespread mental health issues. Such disorders not only reduce productivity but also damage decision-making and interpersonal relationships.
- Sleep Issues: 50% of employees report sleep disturbances (Statista), which can lead to irritability, anger, and cognitive dysfunction.
- Job Insecurity and Role Ambiguity: Unclear job roles and everyday multitasking create stress, according to an NCBI report, 91% of IT professionals state timeline pressure acts as the primary reason.
- Stigma and Fear of Disclosure: A CAMH study found that 39% of workers abstain from discussing mental health issues with their managers due to fear of judgment or consequences.
Root Causes of Mental Health Challenges:
- High-Pressure Work Environments: Competitive corporate cultures often emphasise performance at the expense of well-being causing stress and chronic anxiety to the employees.
- Inadequate Awareness and Support Systems: Based on the NAMI report, only 47% of employees know about the mental health services available, and only 38% feel comfortable accessing these resources. Which is one of the major reasons for discrimination in the workplace.
- Lack of Work-Life Balance: According to a survey by McKinsey, about 60% of working women expressed struggling to maintain a work-life balance due to additional duties, and in the case of men, it is 48%. This highlights the need in the industry for supportive policies and flexible working options.
- Stigma and Cultural Resistance: The WHO and People Matters report that stigma and negative cultural attitudes often hamper open conversations about mental health.
- Financial and Structural Constraints: Smaller organizations lack the resources or HR infrastructure to address employees’ mental health needs. And the inability to help makes it difficult to mitigate the problem.
What is Now Being Done by Corporates
- Proactive Mental Health Policies: Companies like Google and Microsoft have introduced comprehensive mental health policies that include Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and access to licensed counsellors.
- Flexible Work Models: Organizations such as Deloitte and Salesforce offer hybrid work arrangements, enabling employees to balance personal and professional responsibilities better.
- Leadership Training: Leaders at companies like Unilever and Tata prioritize mental health advocacy, encouraging open communication and help-seeking behaviour among employees.
- Well-being Resources: Firms like Accenture provide wellness apps, meditation sessions, and workshops to support emotional well-being within the workforce.
- Regular Assessments: Companies use employee feedback surveys to measure the effectiveness of their mental health initiatives and identify areas for improvement.
- Inclusivity and Support Networks: ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) at organizations like IBM focus on mental health awareness and create safe spaces for employees to share experiences.
- Enhanced Variable Packages: Many corporations are expanding their health insurance plans to cover therapy sessions, psychiatric care, and other mental health services.
The Importance of Action:
Mentally healthy workplace benefits are undeniable. Employees in organizations that prioritise mental health report being 34% more engaged, 22% more creative, and 28% more connected to their work. These environments also save organisations significant costs associated with employee turnover.
Call to Action: Building a Healthier Corporate Future
Mental health challenges in the workplace cannot be ignored.
Organisations must:
- Actively destigmatise mental health issues through continuous education.
- Provide accessible and confidential mental health resources.
- Cultivate a culture that values employee well-being as much as performance.
By taking these steps, corporations can not only improve employee mental state but also cultivate a more productive and resilient workforce. Let’s prioritise mental health and build a future where work supports, rather than hampers, our overall well-being.
All the best
Richa Mahendra (ICF Accredited PCC Coach, Business Coach, Life Coach)
Contact: +91 82333 33344