Is Workplace Mental Health A Silent Crisis?

In recent months, tragic cases have shaken the Indian corporate world, bringing attention to the rising mental health crisis in workplaces. A young EY (Ernst & Young) employee passed away due to cardiac arrest, sparking conversations about the extreme pressure employees face in high-stakes corporate environments. Similarly, an HSBC employee suffered a fatal cardiac arrest, attributed to work stress. Even more recently, a Bajaj Finance employee died by suicide, reportedly due to intense work pressure and burnout.

These incidents are not isolated. A survey by the Indian Psychiatric Society revealed that since the Covid-19 pandemic, mental health disorders in India have risen by 20 per cent. What was once a taboo subject has now become a pressing issue that can no longer be ignored. The workplace, which was once considered a place of productivity and collaboration, has now become a significant source of stress for many employees, making mental health a priority like never before.

The Pandemic's Impact: A New Normal?

The pandemic altered the way we work and live. While remote work offered flexibility, it also blurred boundaries between personal and professional lives. Many employees reported working longer hours, juggling multiple responsibilities, and feeling disconnected from their teams. A report by the National Mental Health Survey 2024 found that 65 per cent of employees felt that their mental health had deteriorated post-pandemic.

During the pandemic, employees often feared for their job security, which added another layer of anxiety to the existing pressures. A Deloitte report titled Mental Health and Employers: The Case for Investment 2024 noted that workers reported significantly higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression during and after the pandemic. Employees who once had coping mechanisms in place struggled to adapt to the rapid and often overwhelming changes.

“The 2023 Great Places to Work assessment in India indicates that one in four employees feels unable to discuss stress, anxiety or depression for fear of being judged or deemed unfit for greater responsibilities, which can hinder their career advancement. Although mental health benefits are increasingly available in workplaces, their low utilisation rates highlight the need for a more structured support system,” says Abhishek Gupta, Vice President & Head of HR, ZebPay.

Moreover, a McKinsey & Company report 2024 indicated that over 45 per cent of workers cited mental health concerns as their primary challenge, with nearly 30 per cent considering leaving their jobs due to workplace-related stress. 

Why It’s More Serious Than Ever

Mental health has always been a concern, but today, the problem has intensified. The pandemic acted as a catalyst, but even beyond that, the modern workplace has evolved in ways that can contribute to mental health challenges.

One such reason being the increased workload. The rise of technology and the ‘always-on’ culture has meant that employees are expected to be available around the clock. According to the Assocham India Survey 2024, 70 per cent of professionals reported working beyond their contracted hours regularly, leading to burnout.

“Despite ongoing discussions around mental health, it is unfortunate to witness some of the most unfortunate incidents in the recent times. Workplace stress management remains crucial and calls for an addressal more seriously and immediately. Advancement in digital technology tends to create a behavior of ‘always on’ and has blurred the lines of a balanced work and personal life adding,” highlights Arvind Raj, CHRO, Mindsprint. 

Another trigger is performance pressures. With heightened competition and constant performance evaluations, employees are pushed to their limits. EY’s recent case serves as a chilling example of what happens when employees feel that they are not meeting impossible expectations.

Lastly, lack of support. A survey by LinkedIn Workforce Confidence Index 2024 revealed that 56 per cent of employees felt that their workplaces do not offer adequate mental health support, which leaves them struggling to cope with stress and anxiety on their own.

“High manager expectations, long hours, and increased competitive pressure to perform more, has led to greater stress and burnout. Offering mental health resources is now more urgent than ever to ensure a healthier, more productive workforce. There is a deeper need for organisations to plan and provide EAPs, flexible work schedules, wellness workshops and training for managers on mental health,” adds Raj. 

What Employees Are Seeking Today

Employees today are not just seeking better salaries or perks. They want workplaces that acknowledge the importance of mental health and provide support:

Employees want clear boundaries between work and personal time. According to a 2024 Microsoft Work Trend Index, 61 per cent of employees stated that they would prioritise mental health over higher pay if they were given the option, while 78 per cent of employees would prefer employers who offer access to mental health resources, such as therapy, counseling and mental health leave.

After experiencing remote work during the pandemic, many employees now seek hybrid models that allow them to maintain a healthier work-life balance.

What Can Leadership & HR Do?

Leaders must create a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health struggles. Regular check-ins and an open-door policy can encourage employees to seek help when needed.

Companies can no longer afford to neglect mental health. Providing access to counseling services, mental health days, and wellness programmes can significantly improve employee well-being. According to a Deloitte Report 2024, for every $1 invested in mental health, companies can expect a $4 return in productivity.

“Managers play a significant role in creating a conducive culture as they are in a position to quickly identify signs of stress amongst their teams in the workplace. Equipping managers with the right tools and training on the requisite skills is the next step towards creating a healthy work culture that upholds values such as empathy and transparency in communication. All the above factors are crucial for building a strong rapport within a team which plays an essential role in reducing workplace stress and promote overall physical and mental well-being for employees. At the organisational level, availability of counselling services and EAPs are some great mechanisms,” shares Richa Dubey, Chief People Officer, Nayara Energy. 

HR should ensure that managers are trained to recognise signs of mental health struggles among their teams. Despite growing awareness, mental health issues are still stigmatised in many workplaces. Leaders must make it clear that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a step toward better health and productivity.

Laws & Regulations: What’s in Place?

India has taken some steps to address workplace mental health. The Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 mandates that mental health treatment must be available, accessible and affordable. Additionally, the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code 2020 includes provisions for workplace safety, including mental health. However, there is still a lack of strong enforcement and awareness of these regulations among employers.

Mental health is no longer an issue that can be swept under the rug. The tragic cases of corporate employees underscore the pressing need for change in the way companies approach mental well-being.