Workplace and Wellness
Workplace, a means to challenge and
develop oneself, provides one with a sense of identity and meaning. The Indian
youth spent an average of 52 hours a week at work, which was higher than that
of other countries, stated a 2016 Wall Street Journal report.
Mental health status
According to a study conducted by the Live Love Laugh
Foundation, 71% of the respondents used terms associated with stigma against
mental illness. However, 87% of the respondents had an awareness of mental
illness. This indicates adequate levels of awareness alongside a lack of sensitization.
Bridging this gap is the need of the hour. According to a study by Optum in
2016, 46% of the workforce in Indian organizations suffers from stress that
requires assistance, Among these employees, two-thirds faced discrimination at
work, stated a 2017 study in Indian Journal of Medical Research. Even though
the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 prohibited discrimination on the basis of
mental illness, organizations are not equipped enough to implement the same.
Such high numbers might lead to
conjectures that employers would naturally be taking steps to combat the same.
Reconsider this. In an interview conducted by Firstpost, no employee reported
policies at the workplace regarding employees’ mental health. In organizations,
with policies in place, the employees were unaware of the same. Policies
regarding physical illnesses and data regarding the same are collected during the
induction stage; medical leave was sanctioned for physical illness but not for
mental illness.
Disclosure: A dilemma
The unwillingness to positively respond to mental illnesses of
employees mirrors of attitude towards mental health in general. This creates a
sense of hesitation regarding the revelation of mental health issues because
employees believe that they will be looked upon as incapable and unfit. While
revelation would help in the risk reduction and promote sensitization and
empathetic interactions, the chances of discrimination keeps employees at bay.
In such a scenario, accommodation and assistance from an external source would
help in the improvement of employee mental health which in turn would
positively impact work performance.
What can organizations do?
A number of organizations
have policies to promote mental well being. Steps from recruiting people with
disabilities to providing regular assistance to employees have been taken by
various private sector organizations ranging from consumer goods industries to
online service providers. However, there aren’t adequate policies and
programs in place at these organizations. Those in place might not be well
articulated or emphasized on, to be utilized by the employees.
Installation of policy-level changes
to combat mental health stigma is required to successfully implement assistance
programs. With regular stress-buster sessions, sensitizing employees and
managers, counseling sessions, and employee engagement activities, mental health
issues at work can be tackled in order to enhance well being, combat stigma, and
improve performance.
Dr Sangeetha Madhu , a clinical psychologist and Leadership expert & Shivani RK presenting articles related to well being, leadership/personal development, cognitive mastery, positive emotions, building resilience, and relationships.
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