Buzzwords like great resignation, quiet quitting, and moonlighting were trending topics of debate in 2022. Although people have polarising views about the above trends, one factor that everyone unequivocally agrees on is the importance of mental health. 

A recent global survey looking at workplace issues indicated that employees are increasingly feeling anxious and burned out, highlighting the need for mental health resources for employees.

Here in India, the situation is no less different. Microsoft’s 2020 Work Trend Index suggested that India is one of the top countries facing burnout and stress issues at work.

So, here are ten reasons why it is high time to focus on mental health in the workplace:

1. According to data revealed by Headspace Health, 83% of CEOs and 70% of employees report missing work due to burnout, stress, and mental health challenges.
2. Globally, more than half of the employees use digital mental health tools and services. Blue-collar workers and CEOs report the highest usage rates.
3. Top global stressors for employees:
   
   

               1.COVID-19

               2. Burnout due to heavy workload or lack of staff

               3. Unhealthy work-life balance

               4. Poor management and leadership.

4. Women are more vulnerable to burnout (40%) than men (33%).
5. The World Health Organisation estimates that depression and anxiety- among the more prominent mental health issues- cost the global economy $1 trillion annually in lost productivity.
6. Microsoft Work Trend Index study shows that at 29 percent, India has the second-highest number of employees dealing with corporate burnout.
7. Assocham reports that 42.5 percent of Indian corporate employees suffer from depression or generalised anxiety disorder.
8. The effects of the pandemic and the uncertainty around economies and jobs have taken a toll on mental health.
9. The age group below 30 years reported a poorer work-life balance than other age groups.
10. According to a survey by Deloitte, Indian working women (48%) face higher burnout than the global average (46%).

Find out how your genes affect your mental health

Young and Burnt-Out Needs Support

Studies show that Gen Zers speak more openly about their mental health than their previous generations. They also prioritize and recognise the importance of mental wellness. Tracking signs of mental health issues in the early stages will help prevent those symptoms from worsening.

A person‘s work-life balance positively correlates with mental well-being. So, organisations play a significant role in society’s overall mental well-being since many people spend much of their time and energy in the workplace. 

People who use positive coping mechanisms like exercise, meditation, and yoga are much healthier than the rest. Several surveys noted that organisational leaders are willing to lead the charge towards better mental health. Still, they need support balancing their well-being and their team’s emotional and functional capacity.

Remember when you are overwhelmed, tired all the time, or not as motivated as you once were. Take a step back and figure out what you need to do to overcome your burnout and stress.

Mapmygenome’s preventive genomics solutions, like Genomepatri, and BrainMap can be used as supportive aid to help corporate leaders and their teams balance their work and well-being. These health and wellness solutions provide user-friendly reports that contain insights about an individual‘s susceptibility to health conditions, and response to medications, based on their genetic makeup. It covers health conditions like hypertension and lifestyle factors such as resilience, memory power, diet pattern fitness, etc. 

After getting an overall view of an individual’s physical and mental health, a free genetic counseling session helps them understand the causes of stress and burnout. The genetic counselor also provides personalised recommendations and encourages the individual to achieve long-term health goals. 

References:
https://www.headspacehealth.com/press-release/new-research-from-headspace-health-calls-on-leaders-to-double-down-on-employee-mental-health-support
https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/latest-studies/story/36-indian-employees-suffering-from-mental-health-issues-survey-1727303-2020-10-01
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/relationships/work/india-is-the-second-largest-country-to-face-employee-burnouts-with-29-per-cent-survey/articleshow/78532285.cms
https://online.sbu.edu/news/gen-z-mental-health