Not an Option

The theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10, ‘Mental Health at Work,’ highlights an often overlooked yet crucial issue that deserves urgent attention. The numbers are staggering: 12 billion working days are lost annually due to depression and anxiety, costing the global economy a trillion dollars in lost productivity. For India, where 80% of the workforce reported mental health issues in the past year, the situation is even more alarming.

Studies indicate that between 10% and 52.9% of Indian workers suffer from depression, while 7% to 57% struggle with anxiety. These statistics reveal a distressing truth about the Indian workplace: the environment is toxic for many. Long hours, lack of work-life balance, excessive workloads, and hostile team cultures are only some of the factors that contribute to poor mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic further compounded these issues, blurring the lines between work and home, and intensifying stress levels.

What’s concerning is that while many organizations offer mental health benefits—such as counselling services and wellness leave—low utilization rates show a clear gap between availability and accessibility. This disparity indicates the absence of a structured framework that encourages employees to use these resources without fear of stigma. A recent survey by Great Place To Work India shows that one in four Indian employees feels unable to speak up about mental health struggles like stress, burnout, and anxiety, fearing judgment. Such an environment stifles open conversations and discourages workers from seeking help.

It’s not just productivity that’s at stake. Poor mental health at work affects overall well-being, damages personal relationships, and even leads to physical health issues. Indian employees are reportedly 60% more likely to leave their jobs due to negative workplace environments than their global counterparts. This exodus points to the urgent need for Indian workplaces to rethink their approach.

The WHO outlines ways workplaces can promote mental health by fostering financial stability, inclusivity, and a sense of community, as well as providing a routine and opportunities for achievement. However, for these measures to be effective, leaders must be willing to model vulnerability and prioritize holistic health approaches. Traditional hierarchies and rigid corporate structures often prevent leaders from showing empathy, which perpetuates a cycle of stress and fear. The shift must begin at the top, with leaders taking proactive steps to create safe spaces for employees to share their struggles without repercussions.

Moreover, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The diversity of work environments and individual needs calls for flexible, personalized approaches to mental health. Companies need to develop tailored strategies that focus on the specific issues their workforce faces, whether it’s job insecurity, discrimination, or excessive working hours. Failing to address these factors not only endangers employees' health but also hinders an organization’s ability to thrive.