Companies in India urged to prioritise employee health and wellbeing

Although 80% of the workforce has reported mental health issues over the past year, only around 30% of the affected have taken steps to manage symptoms.
By: | September 13, 2022
Topics: Employee Experience | Health and Wellness | India | News

This was according to a survey on mental health and wellbeing in the workplace by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP (DTTILLP), which said that societal stigma prevented those affected from seeking help.

The survey found that 47% of respondents considered workplace-related stress to be the biggest factor affecting their mental health, followed by financial and COVID-19 challenges.

In addition, the survey also found that 33% of all respondents continued to work despite poor mental health, 29% took time off work and 20% resigned to better manage their mental health.

The survey also estimated that poor mental health among employees costs employers around US$14 billion per year due to absenteeism, presenteeism and attrition.

Punit Renjen, Deloitte Global CEO, said, “This study demonstrates that businesses must prioritise the mental health and wellbeing of their people. Senior leaders must play a major role in de-stigmatising mental health challenges within their organisations.”

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Charu Sehgal, Partner and Life Sciences and Health Care Leader, DTTILLP added, “Mental health-related challenges are not new to the India workforce, but these have come to the forefront in light of COVID-19, and a younger workforce that is open to speaking about their wellbeing.”