21% of Indian Gen Z See Work-Life Imbalance as a Mental Health Issue

A recent survey indicates that 21% of Gen Z in India perceive work-life imbalance as a serious mental health concern. This statistic highlights the increasing awareness among young professionals about the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. As the pressures of modern work environments rise, this finding underscores the need for greater support and resources to promote mental well-being among this demographic.

World Mental Health Day 2024 provides a timely opportunity to address the significant influence of mental health on various aspects of life.

As a topic that remains relatively taboo in the country, World Mental Health Day 2024 offers a timely opportunity to address its extensive impact on all facets of our lives. The mind can be compared to an operating system for the body; similar to how a computer can experience strain, bugs, and viruses, mental health can also be affected by various factors. An overload can lead to a breakdown in the body’s operating system, ultimately influencing its physical functioning. Despite this, a significant portion of the Indian population still does not fully grasp the importance of optimal mental health and its effects on daily life. Supported by data from ITC's Fiama Mental Wellbeing Survey 2024 in collaboration with Nielsen, we will examine current perceptions and realities of mental health in India.

For most Indians, work occupies a considerable part of the day, directly impacting their mental well-being. Among those surveyed who have faced workplace stress, 90% expressed a desire for improved work-life balance policies. Moreover, 21% of Gen Z respondents in India identified work-life imbalance as a key factor contributing to their mental health challenges. This issue has sparked intense discussions on social media regarding the seriousness of well-being in the workplace and labor laws, particularly following the tragic death of a 26-year-old EY employee in July 2024.

Even individuals who have managed to persist in their jobs recognize that their mental health struggles will eventually catch up with them. Among those who have dealt with workplace stress, 71% feel they experience burnout due to societal pressures to succeed. Furthermore, 69% report that mental well-being issues adversely affect their physical health, while 65% believe these issues negatively impact their sleep.

However, seeking therapy in India is often easier said than done, as factors like cost, social stigma, and lack of awareness make it difficult to access. Regarding affordability, 77% of respondents consider therapy too expensive, and 74% do not pursue it because health insurance typically does not cover mental health services. As for stigma, 55% believe that therapy is for the weak, highlighting the negative perceptions surrounding mental health support.

When someone’s operating system does fail, it is crucial to have a strong support network capable of identifying mental health issues. A notable 82% of Gen Z participants in India feel that people often overlook the symptoms of mental health problems, underscoring the need for increased awareness and education.

The true solution lies in educating individuals about mental health; only then can it be treated with the seriousness it warrants.

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Source: NDTV‍