Office Mental Health: Study Shows Working from Office is Better for Indians

A recent global study highlights a key aspect of office mental health for Indian workers. Research by the US-based Sapiens Labs reveals that Indians working from office environments report better mental health compared to those in hybrid or work-from-home setups. These findings provide new insights into the ongoing debate about how work arrangements influence mental wellbeing.

Key Findings of the Study

The study, titled Work Culture & Mental Wellbeing, surveyed over 54,000 employees across 65 countries. It highlighted that strong workplace relationships and a sense of pride in one’s work significantly enhance mental health. Interestingly, these factors mattered more than traditional issues like workload or job flexibility.

The report revealed that poor workplace relationships and lack of purpose are leading contributors to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and low motivation. In contrast, workers with meaningful connections and pride in their work reported the best mental health outcomes.

India Stands Out in Office Mental Health

For Indian workers, the study found a stronger link between poor relationships at work and mental distress compared to the global average. On the brighter side, only 13% of Indian employees reported unmanageable workloads, which is lower than the global average of 16% and the United States’ 18%.

One surprising outcome was the contrast between India and Western countries. While hybrid work arrangements appeared to boost mental health in Europe and the Americas, office work proved to be the better choice for Indians.

“Relationships with your colleagues and feeling a sense of pride and purpose in your work came in at the top of the list in terms of impact to mental wellbeing, regardless of what type of job you do,” the report stated.

Why Relationships Matter

The findings suggest that strong relationships and social interaction in offices contribute greatly to mental wellbeing. Neuroscientist Tara Thiagarajan, founder of Sapiens Labs, explained, “Our relationships with people matter profoundly to our mental health and wellbeing regardless of their nature and context.”

Thiagarajan emphasized that workplace culture needs to evolve to prioritize human connections and a sense of purpose. This approach could have a deeper impact on employee mental health than simply addressing workload or offering flexible work arrangements.

Lessons for Indian Workplaces

The study’s conclusions hold valuable lessons for Indian companies. By fostering better workplace relationships and encouraging a culture of purpose, organizations can create happier, more productive teams. Employees who feel connected and motivated are more likely to perform better and face less risk of remote burnout or work isolation.

For Indian workers, the research underscores the importance of office productivity combined with healthy social interactions. As companies navigate work policies in the post-pandemic era, prioritizing mental health through meaningful workplace relationships may be the key to success.

What’s Next?

The data from this study is publicly available, allowing organizations to use it to reshape workplace culture. Instead of focusing solely on treating mental health issues, companies can adopt a proactive approach by fostering strong bonds among employees and providing opportunities for pride and purpose in their work.

This study serves as a reminder of the profound impact a positive work environment can have, not just on mental health but on overall performance and satisfaction.

The research by Sapiens Labs highlights the undeniable link between workplace culture and mental health. While the global trends vary, the Indian workforce has shown that office environments, with their opportunities for social interaction and meaningful work, provide a significant boost to mental wellbeing. It’s time for organizations to rethink priorities and invest in stronger workplace relationships.