- Private-sector employees in India suffer from various mental health problems at work.
- An untreated mental health condition can negatively impact work performance and productivity.
According to a study by Assocham Trade Association, around 43% of private-sector employees in India suffer from various mental health problems at work. Shockingly, 18% of depression worldwide originates from India, as per a 2017 World Health Organization report.
Employees having mental health issues in the workplace are quite natural for most companies, but the stigma and stereotypes associated with it make it difficult for individuals to share their problems with others and seek professional help.
It is also observed that many employees hide their mental health problems from others even in quite progressive workplaces. Most of them have the fear that opening up about their mental health issues may have a negative impact on their work relationships, reputation, or even put their job at risk, as mentioned in The Logical Indian.
The study says that employees with an untreated mental health condition tend to have more severe health consequences. A person with mental health issues is two times more likely to experience strokes, heart attacks, and type 2 diabetes. Over time it leads to employees missing office days, having poor work performance and productivity that can primarily affect the overall performance of the organization. Hence, helping to improve the mental well-being at work not only benefits the employees but also the organization as well.
Mental health experts suggest that every company should reduce negative stereotypes, stigma, and discrimination associated with mental health in their respective organizations by raising mental health awareness.
It is also important to maintain a safe environment at the workplace for the employees so that they can talk freely about their mental health challenges without the fear of being judged. Similarly, leaders can set the tone for this issue by talking about their own experiences. Companies should also support employees by providing direct access to reliable mental health resources, apps, and even referrals to certified psychologists.