Need for Work-Life Balance Awareness Programs in South Asia
Need for Work-Life Balance Awareness Programs in South Asia
December 26 2024 TalktoAngel 0 comments 207 Views
The mental health of employees across South Asia is increasingly becoming a matter of concern, as the region grapples with the dual challenges of rapid economic development and the pressures of a competitive work environment. Mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and burnout, are alarmingly prevalent among employees in South Asia, driven by long working hours, career issues, societal expectations, and a lack of workplace wellness initiatives.
Mental Health Impact in South Asia
A 2020 report by the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that South Asia experiences some of the highest rates of work-related stress globally, with India reporting over 42.5% of corporate employees suffering from depression or anxiety disorders. A study by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) found that 80% of the workforce in urban centres across India experienced stress due to long working hours and rigid workplace policies.
In Pakistan, mental health issues such as depression and anxiety affect around 34% of the workforce, as highlighted by a survey conducted by Aga Khan University. Similarly, in Bangladesh, a study published in BMC Psychiatry indicated that 57% of garment workers reported symptoms of depression linked to poor working conditions and lack of work-life balance. Sri Lanka and Nepal, too, have seen rising cases of workplace stress, with employees reporting that financial insecurity and excessive workloads were significant contributors.
Growing Need for Work-Life Balance in South Asia
The fast-paced economic growth in South Asian countries has intensified workplace challenges. The region's rapidly expanding middle class is under immense pressure to meet professional ambitions while managing familial and societal obligations. For instance, the shift toward knowledge-based economies in India and Bangladesh has increased the demand for skilled professionals, often requiring employees to work beyond the standard 40-hour week.
According to a 2022 study by Deloitte, 54% of employees in South Asia feel that work-life imbalance has negatively impacted their mental health, with India recording the highest percentage at 67%. The same study showed that job-related stress leads to physical health problems such as hypertension, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases among employees in these regions.
A 2023 survey by McKinsey on workplace well-being in Asia found that countries like India and Bangladesh faced a unique challenge—balancing the aspirations of younger employees, such as Gen Z and millennials, who prioritize work-life balance, with the economic demands of companies focused on growth and output. In Sri Lanka and Pakistan, economic instability adds a layer of stress, as employees struggle to manage financial burdens alongside work expectations.
Factors Driving the Need for Work-Life Balance Awareness
- Long Working Hours: Many industries in South Asia, such as IT, finance, and manufacturing, are notorious for demanding long working hours. Employees in India, for instance, work an average of 48 hours per week, significantly above the global average.
- Rigid Schedules: A lack of flexible work arrangements exacerbates work-related stress. A report by PwC (2021) highlighted that only 28% of South Asian companies offer flexible working hours, compared to 65% in Western countries.
- Societal Expectations: In South Asia, cultural norms often place a higher value on professional success than personal well-being. This results in employees prioritizing work over their mental and physical health.
- Economic Pressures: Financial insecurity, especially during periods of economic downturn, such as in Sri Lanka and Pakistan, pushes employees to work extra hours, often at the expense of their well-being.
- Digital Overload: The advent of remote work has blurred the boundaries between professional and personal lives. A survey by LinkedIn in 2022 revealed that 47% of professionals in South Asia struggle to unplug from work due to constant connectivity.
Research-Based Evidence Supporting Work-Life Balance Initiatives
A study conducted by the University of Delhi in collaboration with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) (2021) found that implementing work-life balance programs including EAPs improved job satisfaction and reduced burnout rates by 38% in Indian IT companies. Similarly, in Bangladesh, the implementation of flexible work hours in garment factories led to a 22% increase in employee productivity and a 17% reduction in absenteeism, according to research published in the International Journal of Health Management in the Workplace.
In Pakistan, the introduction of stress management workshops in corporate offices resulted in a 25% improvement in employee mental health scores, as reported by a study from Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). These findings underscore the need for structured work-life balance initiatives to address the mental health challenges faced by employees in South Asia.
Addressing the Growing Crisis
Governments, employers, and policymakers must collaborate to create work environments that prioritize mental health and work-life balance. This includes offering flexible work arrangements, online counselling services like TalktoAngel, and promoting self-improvement and resilience. Access to the best psychologist in India can also support employees in managing stress and enhancing productivity.
Conclusion
As South Asia's economies grow, addressing mental health and work-life balance is key to fostering a productive workforce. By implementing evidence-based initiatives and prioritizing employee well-being, countries can create a more balanced work culture, leading to sustainable growth and long-term success.
Contribution: Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist, life coach & mentor TalktoAngel & Mr. Utkarsh Yadav Counselling Psychologist.
References:
- Aga Khan University. (2020). Mental health issues in the workplace: A survey of the Pakistani workforce. Karachi, Pakistan: Aga Khan University Press.
- BMC Psychiatry. (2020). Depression and anxiety in garment workers in Bangladesh: The impact of working conditions and lack of work-life balance. Retrieved from BMC Psychiatry website.
- Deloitte. (2022). Work-life imbalance and its impact on employee mental health in SouthAsia. Deloitte Insights. Retrieved from www.deloitte.com.
- Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER). (2020). Stress among the urban workforce in India: Key challenges and solutions. New Delhi, India: ICRIER.
- International Journal of Workplace Health Management. (2020). The impact of flexible working hours on employee productivity and well-being in Bangladesh. Emerald Publishing.
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