Written by: Dr Shaunak Ajinkya
3 min readFeb 2, 2025 09:34 PM IST
First published on: Feb 1, 2025 at 07:05 AM IST
The recent Economic Survey 2023-24 underscores a critical yet often overlooked aspect of India’s economic landscape: workplace mental health. It emphasises that mental well-being is not merely a personal concern but a significant economic issue. The survey revealed that mental health disorders affect approximately 10.6% of adults in India, with urban areas reporting higher rates than rural regions. This prevalence translates into substantial economic implications, as mental health issues can lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism and higher healthcare costs.
Prioritizing mental health in the workplace is, therefore, essential not only for individual well-being but also for enhancing greater work productivity and, by extension, economic growth. The survey also highlighted the profound impact of work culture, extended working hours and lifestyle choices on employee mental health and productivity.
Workplace culture significantly influences mental health. Factors such as workload, relationships with managers and colleagues, and a sense of purpose at work play pivotal roles. The survey found that employees with strong relationships with their managers and peers had a 33% better mental well-being than those with poor workplace relationships. This finding underscores the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.
To address these challenges, employers should consider implementing the following strategies:
1. Encourage reasonable working hours and provide flexible work arrangements to help employees manage their personal and professional lives effectively.
2. Cultivate a culture of respect and collaboration, ensuring that managers and colleagues support one another.
3. Establish clear guidelines on mental health support, including provisions for therapy, counselling, and paid mental health leave. Implement periodic mental health check-ins to identify stressors and provide necessary interventions before burnout occurs.
4. Set up confidential Employee Assistance Programmes to provide staff with access to professional mental health services. Offer mental health days, and wellness programmes to support employees’ mental well-being.
4. Create an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health concerns without fear of stigma or retribution. Conduct regular training and workshops to destigmatize mental health issues and educate employees on recognizing and managing stress.
5. Listen to what your employees need and act on their feedback. When employees feel they have a voice in organisational decisions, they’re more likely to remain in those jobs. For this companies should use tools like anonymous surveys, town hall suggestion boxes, and focus groups.
There is also a need for systemic change, a shift towards a community-based approach to mental health, with improved awareness, education and better implementation of existing policies. This requires determined efforts from both the public and private sectors. For example, the government could encourage companies to prioritize mental health by offering tax incentives and certifications for mental health-friendly workplaces. Ensure that corporate health insurance covers mental health treatment, including therapy sessions and psychiatric consultations.
(The author is a psychiatrist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai)
The survey highlighted the profound impact of work culture, extended working hours and lifestyle choices on employee mental health and productivity. (Source: Pexels) 
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