The unfortunate and untimely death of a young professional employed at the EY Pune office highlights the high risks associated with today’s corporate environment. Work-stress-related deaths in high-profile global firms have drawn attention to the intense work pressure within consulting and corporate sectors as companies struggle with clients imposing tight deadlines, the growing complexity of audits, an increase in regulatory disclosures and scrutiny, and an unfavorable risk-reward ratio.
These deaths come amid a nationwide uproar over toxic work environments, particularly within software and consulting firms. The World Health Organization has dubbed work stress the “health epidemic of the 21st century.” Stress appears across various work scenarios, often intensified when employees lack support from supervisors and colleagues, and have little control over work processes. Confusion between pressure or challenge and stress frequently leads to poor management practices.
A well-being survey revealed that India ranks highest in workplace burnout. Below are two bar charts showcasing global differences: one shows the countries with the worst work-life balance, while the other highlights the countries with the best work-life balance.
THE COUNTRIES WITH THE WORST WORK-LIFE BALANCE
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) ranked countries with the poorest work-life balance in 2020 (10 = best balance).
THE STATISTICS OF WORK STRESS IN INDIA
The National Sample Survey Office found that over 60% of Indian employees report experiencing workplace stress. Similarly, the World Health Organization (WHO) found nearly one in four Indian employees suffer from work-related stress. A survey by the All India Management Association also reported that 53% of employees in India feel stressed while at work.
THE COUNTRIES WITH THE BEST WORK-LIFE BALANCE
Internationally, countries in Europe, Japan, and Australia have implemented robust work-life balance legislation to mitigate these concerns.
AMBEDKAR AND THE LABOUR LAW REFORMS
In the wake of young professionals’ deaths linked to work stress, looking at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s legacy in fighting for humane workplace conditions is enlightening. Ambedkar improved working conditions for laborers nationwide, establishing the eight-hour workday, a hallmark of his legacy. During his time as Labour Member of the Viceroy’s Council (1942-1946), he amended the Factories Act 1934 to mandate water supply, fire escapes, and regulated working hours for laborers and children.
THE CURRENT WORK-LIFE CHALLENGES
After 75 years of independence, many offices are modernized and air-conditioned. Employees today enjoy quality facilities and décor, yet challenges such as work stress, employee burnout, and the untimely deaths of young professionals persist.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recently issued a show-cause notice to the Ministry of Labour & Employment (MOLE) regarding non-compliance at a platform-based establishment employing gig workers, raising concerns about employee well-being. Following the EY incident, another notice was served, urging NHRC to make the Ministry’s response public. Transparent actions could drive improvements in work culture, addressing employee mental health and burnout.
Labor reforms remain overdue, with existing drafts focused on the manufacturing sector. For ease of doing business to benefit all stakeholders, reforms must prioritize employee wellness. Imbalanced policies risk proving counterproductive long-term. While China’s 996 policy is known, some Indian firms seem to operate around the clock. With ample evidence that happy employees are the most productive, it’s time for government intervention.