Shifting Employee Support Dynamics Influence Work Productivity And Wellbeing: Report

Stress and poor mental health remain a persistent issue in the workplace, but worryingly, workers say they are getting less support from their managers than last year, reveals the ADP Research Institute’s People at Work 2023: A Global Workforce View. The report explores employees' attitudes towards the current world of work, examines their expectations, and hopes for the workplace of the future.

Almost two-thirds (65 per cent) of global workers say stress adversely affects their work and almost half (47 per cent) echo similar concerns regarding their mental well-being, down slightly from 53 per cent last year, according to the survey of over 32,000 workers in 17 countries.

Delving into regional perspectives, 76 per cent of Indian workers indicate that stress has a negative impact on work performance with 49 per cent expressing similar sentiments about their mental health.

However, what’s particularly striking, is the proportion of workers who say they feel supported by their managers when it comes to mental health at work - globally this has fallen from 70 per cent in 2022 to 64 per cent in 2023. Similarly, in India, the percentage has decreased from 80 per cent to 71 per cent within the same timeframe.

Rahul Goyal, MD, ADP, comments: “Numerous employers showed tremendous support for mental health and stress during the pandemic, but it is crucial for them to continue their vigilance. Workers still face significant levels of strain. A compassionate workplace culture holds immense value for both employers and employees. When individuals feel safe and supported, they are significantly more likely to perform better in their roles, require fewer sick leaves, and develop a positive outlook toward the company they work for.”

The study reveals that even though 71 per cent employees in India mention that they can openly talk about their mental health at work, but almost six in 10 (56 per cent) also believe that their managers or colleagues may lack the necessary tools to engage in mental health conversations without preconceived notions. This delicate balance underscores the evolving dynamics of mental health discourse within India's professional landscape.

Rahul further adds, “Implementing measures like employee assistance programs and wellbeing initiatives can indicate that employers are rationalizing and formalizing their wellbeing support initiatives, potentially even outsourcing them, which can be beneficial. However, they must also integrate support into their daily work practices and educate and train managers on how to manage stress and alleviate mental health issues in the workplace.”

The research also emphasizes how organisations are attempting to implement employee assistance programmes and team-building exercises that keep mental health in mind, but it seems like more effort has to be done to improve continuing employee support.