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Economic Survey shows concern for workplace mental health issues, calls it both a personal and economic hazard

Jan 31, 2025

Synopsis
The Economic Survey highlights the significant impact of workplace culture, working hours, and lifestyle on mental health and worker productivity. It stresses the urgent need for improved workplace conditions and healthier lifestyles to boost employee well-being, which in turn, can enhance economic growth.

Workplace mental health issues have been a hot topic lately, and the Economic Survey has given them special attention. The report, released on Friday, a day before the Union Budget 2025, highlights how mental well-being is not just a personal issue but an economic one too. It discusses how factors like work culture, long working hours, and lifestyle choices impact mental health and, in turn, worker productivity and the economy.

Mental well-being: More than just a personal issue

The survey recognises that mental health is influenced by several factors, including "workplace culture, hours spent working, and lifestyle." It even conducted a study to understand how family bonds, eating habits, and the work environment affect people’s mental well-being in India. While earlier studies have examined mental health, the survey states that they "do not allow us to have this understanding."

A key takeaway from the report is that prioritising mental health at work benefits not just employees but also the economy. "Prioritising mental health in the workplace not only matters for overall well-being and a harmonious society but can also enhance worker productivity."

Why workplace culture matters

The survey highlights that work culture plays a significant role in mental health. Factors like workload, relationships with managers and colleagues, and a sense of purpose at work can make a big difference. Employees who had the best relationships with their managers and peers had a "100-point higher (or 33 per cent) mental well-being score" than those with poor workplace relationships.

Workload also matters. Employees who felt their workload was manageable had "80 points or 27 per cent greater mental well-being" than those who were overwhelmed. Additionally, workers who found pride and purpose in their jobs reported a "100-point greater mental well-being score (or 33 per cent)" compared to those who lacked motivation.

Remote work, however, seemed to have some downsides. The survey found that "individuals in fully remote work situations have a mental well-being score about 50 points (17 per cent) lower" than those working in-office or in a hybrid model. This suggests that social interaction in the workplace is important for mental health.

Long working hours can be harmful

Many believe that working long hours leads to higher productivity, but the survey points out the negative effects of excessive work hours. Citing studies, it states that working "55-60 hours per week" can harm mental health. Sitting at a desk for long hours is also problematic. "Individuals who spend 12 or more hours at a desk have distressed/struggling levels of mental well-being," with scores nearly "100 points lower" than those who spend only a couple of hours sitting.

Lifestyle choices and mental well-being

Beyond work culture, lifestyle choices also play a role in mental health. According to the survey, those who avoid ultra-processed and packaged junk food have better mental well-being than those who consume them regularly. Similarly, people who rarely exercise, spend too much time on social media, or lack close family ties tend to struggle with their mental health.

The economic impact

Poor mental health doesn’t just affect individuals—it impacts the economy too. The survey found that people with low mental well-being scores "are unable to work about 15 days a month," whereas those with higher scores miss only 2-3 days. Globally, "about 12 billion days are lost annually due to depression and anxiety," leading to a financial loss of $1 trillion. In India, this amounts to nearly "Rs 7,000 per day."

The way forward

If India wants to achieve its economic goals, the survey suggests that urgent attention is needed on lifestyle habits and workplace conditions. "Hostile work cultures and excessive hours spent working at the desk can adversely affect mental well-being and ultimately put the brakes on the pace of economic growth."

The Economic Survey makes it clear—mental health is a national concern, not just an individual one. Addressing workplace issues and encouraging healthier lifestyles can not only boost well-being but also drive economic progress.

[The Economic Times]

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