In India, the conversation around mental health in the workplace has gained significant momentum. As stress, burnout, and work-life imbalance become pressing issues for employees across industries, organisations are beginning to recognise the importance of mental well-being. With a large portion of the workforce dealing with anxiety and stress-related issues, addressing mental health is no longer just a corporate responsibility—it’s essential for productivity and employee satisfaction.
On World Mental Health Day, NewsMobile spoke to Dr. Mamta Shah, a clinical psychologist, about ‘Mental Health in the Workplace’. Shah shed light on the pressing mental health challenges employees face in our conversation. “The most common mental health issues faced in the workplace are depression, anxiety, emotional/physical burnout, exhaustion, irritability, anger and sleep difficulties,” she explained. According to The Workplace Health Report 2023 by Champion Health, around 60% of working professionals have experienced mild symptoms of anxiety, while 1 in 4 meet the criteria for clinical anxiety.
Shah explained that burnout can manifest both mentally and physically. Mental burnout often presents as feelings of self-doubt, failure, helplessness, and dissatisfaction, while physical burnout is characterised by fatigue, low energy, frequent illness, and other physical discomforts.
Warning about the long-term effects of neglecting mental health at work, Shah stated that it can lead to decreased productivity, frequent absenteeism, negative work culture, and high employee turnover rates. “This will have severe consequences for both the organisation and the employees,” she added.
Shah highlighted the importance of colleague support in addressing mental health challenges. She emphasised the need to approach affected individuals gently, offering a listening ear and providing support in a way that makes them feel safe. “First and foremost, be gentle and listen. Ask your co-workers how they’re doing warmly and authentically, and assure them you’re there for support. Be sensitive by giving them time and space before starting a conversation. Remember, everyone’s experience of mental health is different, so adapt your support to suit them.”
“Remember that everyone’s experience of mental health is different; hence, adapt your support to suit them. Treat them with dignity and respect,” Shah added.
Employers also play a vital role in promoting mental well-being in the workplace. According to Shah, this requires creating an environment that prioritises work-life balance and includes clear mental health policies, such as flexible hours, paid time off, and access to mental health resources.
“Promoting mental health in the workplace cannot be achieved overnight. It requires a shift in culture and mindset, wherein employers must create an enabling environment for change. Employers must foster an environment that promotes positive work-life balance and mental well-being. Clear mental health policies such as flexible working hours, paid time off for self-care, and access to resources like therapy and counselling are essential.”
Shah also stressed the importance of reducing the stigma around mental health by encouraging open communication and offering workshops or training programs to promote self-care. “Employers can lead by example by prioritising their own mental health wellbeing, being open about their own mental health struggles, and encouraging others to do the same. This normalises the conversation and creates a healthier work environment,” she stated.
Dr. Mamta Shah underscored the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance for employees and businesses. She says achieving this balance enhances productivity, improves overall health, and boosts employee retention. It leads to greater job satisfaction, reduces stress and burnout, and strengthens the bond between employees and their organisations.
Dr. Shah outlined several strategies to help individuals establish a healthy work-life balance:
- Clear Boundaries: Set distinct limits between personal and work time by avoiding work-related tasks at home, turning off work phones, and resisting the urge to check emails outside working hours.
- Regular Breaks: Taking short breaks, such as going for a walk, can prevent burnout. These breaks help recharge energy levels, allowing employees to return to tasks with renewed focus.
- Delegating Tasks and Responsibilities: It is crucial to avoid overwhelming workloads. Seeking help when feeling overwhelmed is also an important step in preventing burnout.
- Hobbies, Exercise, and Relaxation: Allocating time for personal hobbies and interests promotes relaxation and personal development. Shah suggests pursuing activities such as reading, art, or sports while recommending yoga, mindfulness, and meditation for stress management.
