I just read an article on Outlook Business titled: Mental Health Is Central to a Healthy Work Environment, says Amazon’s Shantanu Chakraborty.
To figure out and implement the things that help your employees and their mental health you need to know why is mental health at workplace important.
86% Indian employees struggling at workplaces, higher than world average: Gallup
The Gallup Workplace report highlighted that globally, employee wellbeing declined in 2023 from 35 per cent to 34 per cent. It was felt more by younger workers under 35.
Despite being the second largest “thriving” working population in South Asia, 86% of Indians felt they were either struggling or suffering, way above the global average, according to the 2024 Gallup State of the Global Workplace report.
Only 14% of Indian employees felt they were thriving, which is significantly lower than the global average of 34%, it added. Globally, only 34% of employees felt they were thriving, down from 35% in 2023.
Regarding worker wellbeing, Indian employees report high levels of negative emotions, similar to regional averages. In South Asia, 29% of workers felt lonely, 34% were angry, and 42% were sad. Remote work could be contributing to these feelings, with 25% of remote workers experiencing loneliness compared to 16% on-site workers.
“This percentage is higher for employees under 35 and lower for those over age 35,” the report said.
(Source: Mint, Gallup)
“When you spoke about work-life balance, your seniors at work would dismiss your concerns and say that young people have to do the grind,” Shreyas Gowda (name changed on request) says. Worse, his boss would not even let him take proper breaks.
Devashish Sharma (name changed on request), a 24-year-old techie, shares pain of dealing with a toxic manager. At his first job, his boss would call him at odd hours to inquire about projects. “Once he called at 11.30pm. I did not take the call. The next day he insulted me in front of the entire team at a meeting which took place at 8am,” he says.
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2022 reveals that salaried employees constituted 10% of total suicides in the country. There are myriad reasons for mental health struggles, but several surveys are flashing red flags in India Inc. Gallup State of the Global Workplace Survey 2024 showed that 86% of Indians surveyed are struggling at their workplaces.
(Source: Mint, Outlook Business)
To summarize the above, the employees struggle with their mental health because of various reasons, mostly concerning the work environment, overburden and nature of their managers and how they treat them. Many times, we may not have the power to manage stress the way we should. We take people’s opinions seriously; we start doubting ourselves and much more. This affects how we view ourselves and what we tell ourselves and our inner dialogue affects the way we see ourselves, maintain social connections and also how effectively and efficiently we work. This requires attention, counselling and various engaging workshops can help the employees manage their emotions which can be done via Employee Assistance Programs EAPs.
Now going back to what Amazon did and is doing for its employees
They strive to create a culture where mental health can be talked about openly, employees can invest in mental health benefits and communicate any resources they have available. They are dedicated to creating tools and practices that support and encourage mental and emotional health of their employees. They recognize the important role mental health plays within the workplace.
They have created programs that are available 24*7 to the employees and are easily accessible to them. These programs take care of their physical and mental health.
“Fostering a positive work environment requires collaboration between employers and employees. Organizations can enhance mental well-being by encouraging open dialogue about mental health, which reduces stigma and helps employees feel safe seeking support. Providing access to mental health resources, such as counselling services and digital platforms, equips employees with essential tools for managing stress. Prioritizing work-life harmony, offering flexibility, and empowering employees with choices that contribute to their well-being. By implementing these strategies, organizations can create a workplace that values and supports the mental well-being of employees.” says Amazon’s Shantanu Chakraborty.
How can psychologists help you in creating a work environment like that of Amazon?
We can help you deal with all the emotions part of the working culture. We step in when you want your employees to have the best of emotional health, self-confidence and productivity.
We can handle their emotional aspects by 1-1 counselling, engaging in interactive and practical do-able workshops that help them manage their emotions that stir within them. We can help them with their confidence, their ability to manage stress, their emotions that are within and outside office, etc. Counselling can help the employees open up to their feelings so that they can manage them well.
So, when are you becoming a company that fosters emotional and mental wellbeing of your employees like amazon did?
