A new survey shows that India tops the world in workplace burnout, with 59% of respondents reporting symptoms. While a range of factors – from the competitive job market to urban stress – can be blamed, burnout can have worrying physical and emotional impacts. The social stigma around mental health doesn’t help either. Focusing on work-life balance, as well as physical and emotional wellness, is vital. And it’s not just up to the individual; the organisation must do its bit too. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.
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[00:00:03] Hello and welcome to All Indians Matter. I am Ashraf Engineer.
[00:00:15] A recent survey has revealed that India tops the world in workplace burnout. According
[00:00:19] to the McKinsey Health Institute's 2023 survey, I quote, India respondents reported
[00:00:24] the highest rates of burnout symptoms at 59 percent, stop quote. The global average was
[00:00:30] It seems to be a contagion affecting all ages and companies in India. Even younger workers
[00:00:35] aged 18-24 and employees of smaller companies reported high burnout rates. Indian employees
[00:00:40] also reported the highest level of workplace exhaustion at 62 percent followed by Japan
[00:00:45] at 61 percent.
[00:00:56] The survey, which had 30,000 employees in 30 countries as respondents, said also that
[00:01:00] employees of larger companies, those with more than 250 staff, did better on holistic health
[00:01:05] than those in smaller firms. As expected, employees with positive work experiences reported
[00:01:10] better holistic health and performed better.
[00:01:13] So what is burnout and how does it affect you physically and mentally? It is a state
[00:01:17] of physical, emotional or mental exhaustion resulting in decreased motivation, sub-power
[00:01:21] output and negativity towards most things. Especially younger employees in urban areas
[00:01:26] who tend to be from the middle class face immense pressure to deliver and often in
[00:01:30] trying work environments. There could be tough managers, not enough rewards or lack of tools
[00:01:35] to do their job. Long commutes, irregular meal times and the lack of exercise also
[00:01:39] take a toll and can lead to even substance abuse. Broadly speaking, you can classify
[00:01:43] the causes as
[00:01:44] 1. Workload and work culture. Too much to do and unrelenting pressure. The Indian
[00:01:49] work culture often romanticizes long working hours and overwork.
[00:01:53] 2. Lack of control. Employees feel they have little control over their work or decision
[00:01:57] making.
[00:01:58] 3. Insufficient support. Not enough support from managers or colleagues.
[00:02:01] 4. Unrealistic expectations. Impossible expectations can set employees up for failure and increase
[00:02:07] stress.
[00:02:08] 5. Lack of work-life balance. Not enough time for the family or interests.
[00:02:12] 6. Competitiveness. The job market is very competitive which means employees are
[00:02:16] always uncertain and under pressure to retain their jobs. This too can lead to
[00:02:20] overwork and emotional challenges.
[00:02:22] 7. Urban life. Long, difficult commutes leave little time for recreation and personal pursuits.
[00:02:27] 8. Stigma around mental health. Those suffering from mental health issues are ridiculed
[00:02:32] or looked down upon which makes it tougher for employees to seek their help.
[00:02:36] So what is the impact of burnout on your body? Initially, you'd feel symptoms like
[00:02:40] fatigue, poor sleep and decreasing appetite. Then come the emotional symptoms ranging
[00:02:44] from rising anxiety to self-doubt, loss of motivation, a sense of isolation and
[00:02:48] dissatisfaction.
[00:02:49] Behaviourally, it could manifest itself in the form of withdrawal, unable to motivate
[00:02:53] yourself to work or an increasing dependence on alcohol. All of this could in turn lead
[00:02:58] to ailments such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, high cholesterol,
[00:03:03] headaches, sexual dysfunction and infertility. In such a situation, the importance of
[00:03:08] physical and mental wellness as well as nutrition cannot be stressed enough.
[00:03:12] If you are experiencing burnout, make sure you get regular exercise, adequate sleep
[00:03:16] and a balanced diet. Physical exercise releases endorphins that can lower stress levels while
[00:03:20] the right diet fuels the body as well as the mind. Think hard about emotional wellness,
[00:03:25] practice mindfulness and take up something that balances you such as yoga or meditation.
[00:03:29] Don't be afraid to seek help. Your emotional resilience will be the key in stressful
[00:03:34] situations. Proper nutrition is the key to well-being. It can improve cognitive
[00:03:38] function, boost energy levels and stabilise your mood.
[00:03:41] Workplace burnout has reached epidemic proportions while it is essential to understand
[00:03:45] the causes. Prioritising mental and physical health is critical too and it's not just
[00:03:50] the individual's responsibility but also that of the organisation they are part of.
[00:03:54] Everybody stands to gain from healthier, more productive work environments.