Mental health and well-being in the workplace

Over the years, mental health issues have seen a steady rise globally, accentuated further by the onset of COVID-19. The scale of mental disorders in India accounts for nearly 15 percent of the global mental health burden. India also faces a vast treatment gap. While this can be attributed to several factors, the core and underlying reason is stigma. Conversations around mental health have been shrouded in taboo and a lack of lack of awareness. This has contributed to a wide treatment gap, with increased time to access resources or treatments.

A National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) study revealed that stigma inhibits nearly 80 percent of those afflicted from receiving treatment, despite being ill for over 12 months. This alone is an alarming statistic, given the social and economic impact of poor mental health.

Through the interviews with mental health experts, employers, and employees, we aim to bring forth an unbiased overview of employees’ mental health in the workforce, the challenges they face in this context, and present a case for change. Our findings suggest a needle shift in employer and employee attitudes towards mental health—we are at the cusp of heralding larger change, and it is our hope that this report helps propel this momentum.