Balancing Work And Well-Being: A must For Today's Professionals

By addressing the challenges of work-life balance, providing adequate mental health resources, and fostering a culture of understanding and support, we can ensure that our workplaces become healthier, happier, and more productive places to be

Every year on October 10, the world observes World Mental Health Day, and in 2024, the theme is "Mental Health at Work." This emphasizes the need to address mental well-being in the workplace, which significantly impacts individuals and organizations. As we spend much of our lives at work, our mental health is closely tied to our professional environments. It is crucial to recognize that mental health cannot be left behind at the office door—it follows us everywhere.

Recently, a 26-year-old employee in Pune passed away, with her family alleging that "work pressure" and long hours were responsible for her death. However, EY, where she had been employed for four months, denied these claims. The incident gained attention after a letter from her mother, to EY's India head went viral. Similarly, I met a client with over 15 years of corporate experience, who, despite being a high performer, struggles with severe mental health issues. She shared, "I often wake up with doubts about my career, experiencing both mental and physical burnout countless times. No amount of motivation helps, yet I keep pushing myself to work."

These incidents are far from rare. Many professionals today are working under immense pressure, constantly pushing themselves to meet rising expectations. Surveys among Indian professionals show that work-life balance is severely distorted, with India ranking 48th out of 60 countries in the 2024 Global Life-Work Balance Index.

This imbalance was highlighted further when, the Karnataka government proposed extending daily work hours in the IT/ITES sector to 14 hours a day. In October 2023, Infosys co-founder N R Narayana Murthy’s statement urging young Indians to work 70+ hours a week sparked widespread debate. Many employees, already working beyond their designated hours, feared being pushed to work even more, further blurring the lines between work and personal life.

A common theme that emerged from these debates was the need to prioritize mental and physical health to avoid burnout. It is not about working longer hours but about working smarter. Instead of measuring success by the number of hours logged, employers should focus on the quality and quantity of work produced. Long hours contribute to stress and other lifestyle-related ailments, and it is essential to ensure employees have time for themselves, including physical exercise and rest.

Another challenge facing today’s workforce is a lack of true purpose. Many employees, especially those working long hours, feel unproductive and exhausted, questioning the meaningfulness of their work. This sense of dissatisfaction can lead to further mental health challenges, making the need for a balanced lifestyle even more critical.

The younger generation must embrace a healthy, balanced lifestyle for several reasons. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help prevent lifestyle diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart problems. Also, proper sleep, physical activity, and stress management can reduce anxiety, depression, and stress, which are common among young professionals. Healthy habits enhance focus and productivity, leading to success in both academic and professional life.

Access to mental health resources like counselling services, assistance programs, and workshops is essential. Mental health education should be part of training for all staff, ensuring that everyone, from entry-level employees to senior management, understands its importance. Managers should also be trained to identify early signs of stress and burnout in their teams. While stigma and cost still deter many from seeking help, fostering a supportive work environment is key to promoting mental well-being, even if policy changes alone may not suffice. The dialogue around mental health in the workplace must continue. It is not just about increasing work hours but ensuring that employees can thrive in a balanced, healthy environment. For both current and future generations, a focus on mental well-being will not only boost productivity but also lead to a happier and more fulfilling professional life.

(The author is a senior psychologist and counsellor, at DY Patil International University, Akurdi, Pune)