Addressing the Stress Epidemic in Indian Workplaces

According to the 2024 Gallup State of the Global Workplace report, 86% of Indian employees are either struggling or suffering at work, while only 14% are thriving. This is significantly lower than the global average of 34%.?

The report categorizes respondents into three levels: thriving, struggling, or suffering. Respondents who rated their current life situation positively and had an optimistic outlook for the next five years were classified as "thriving".?

Some say that many Indian employees don't trust their workplace's grievance-redressal processes. They fear that reporting toxic behavior from managers will stall their professional growth.

Imagine that!

From my own experiences, I’ve pinpointed some major issues leading to such struggling or suffering. Here they are:

1. Bad top management
2. Toxic bosses
3. Unresponsive HR
4. Unreasonable demands on employees
5. Corporate greed and disregard for work-life balance
6. The pressure to stay late, feeling that work is never "done"
7. A culture lacking empathy and support
8. Mindset that supports "time spent" rather than efficiency

I've been through this stress cycle at least three times in my career in almost all the organizations I have worked at. The experiences came in different shapes and proportions.

The first experience was particularly rough—I had a severe accident, broke my knee and was on bed for 30 days. My employer (a large international strategy consulting company), rather than offering support, sent representative to my home to "inspect" if I was genuinely hurt and subsequently told me that they can't allow a 30 day leave. I quit soon after that.

From someone who once was a stressed-out employee and chose to become an entrepreneur, here’s my advice: leave. Your mental well-being, family, and happiness are worth far more than any job. And, don’t let the fear of finding another position trap you in yet another toxic environment.

Consider taking the leap into entrepreneurship or becoming a solopreneur. Work at your own pace, build something meaningful, and craft your own future. That may sound challenging or scary at first, but remember they are only temporary but extremely fulfilling as you go.

Don’t waste your life making someone else wealthy. Invest in yourself, your dreams, and your own growth instead.

Need advice, support, or a nudge in the right direction? Message me.

Or email me at [email protected]

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