Is Your Job Making You Sick? Experts Warn Of Rising Mental Health Disorders In Workplaces (Image Credits: iStock)
Mental health in the workplace is no longer just a side topic. It has become a serious concern, especially for young professionals. A new report shows that more than 90 per cent of corporate employees under 25 are facing symptoms of anxiety. This is much higher than the 67 per cent reported among those over 45.
These numbers come from the State of Emotional Well-being Report 2024. And they highlight an urgent need for action.
“Work-related stress is turning into a health crisis,” says Ms Pritika Singh, Mental Health Expert and CEO at Prayag Hospital. “We are seeing more young employees struggle with anxiety, depression, and emotional burnout.”
The Growing Mental Health Problem at Work
Stress at work is not just about tight deadlines or long hours anymore. It’s becoming a major health issue. Mental fatigue is showing up in the form of reduced performance, poor decision-making, and even increased employee resignations.
Singh explains that simply offering mental health services is not enough. “Many companies give access to counselling, but employees often don’t feel safe enough to use it. The fear of being judged or seen as weak still exists,” she says.
A recent survey by Great Place to Work India also supports this. It found that 1 in 4 Indian employees avoids talking about stress, anxiety, or burnout due to fear of judgment.
Stigma Is Still a Big Barrier
Even though more companies are talking about emotional wellness, the stigma around mental health has not gone away. Many employees feel they have to choose between their mental health and job security.
“Employees worry that taking a break for mental health could affect their performance reviews or career growth,” Singh says. “That silence leads to bigger problems like burnout, loss of productivity, and even health emergencies.”
The 2024 well-being report showed a 15 per cent increase in mental health-related counselling sessions over the last year. Among these, workplace relationships were the most common reason people sought help—making up 23 per cent of all sessions.
But perhaps the most worrying number is this: 59 per cent of people referred by managers for mental health support were found to be at suicide risk.
“This number should make every leader stop and think,” Singh says. “We must act before things reach that point.”
Mental Health Affects Physical Health Too
Just because emotional distress doesn’t always show up in medical tests doesn’t mean it’s not serious. Mental health problems can lead to headaches, sleep issues, low immunity, and heart problems.
“Mental health is directly linked to physical health,” Singh explains. “A person under constant stress may not sleep well, eat poorly, and get sick more often. These are real effects.”
That’s why it’s important to treat mental well-being just like physical health.
According to the same report, 53 per cent of people who showed early signs of depression improved after just three counselling sessions. Another 48 per cent showed reduced anxiety. These results prove that early support works.
Gender Differences in Mental Health NeedsThe report also found clear differences between men and women when it comes to the kind of help they seek.
“Men often ask for financial counselling, while women are more likely to seek support for relationship issues,” Singh says. “This tells us that emotional stress varies depending on social roles and expectations.”
Understanding these patterns can help companies offer better, more personalised support.
The Way Forward for Companies
Many companies now provide wellness leave, tele-counselling, or even on-site therapy. But many employees still don’t use these benefits.
“Support systems need to go beyond policies on paper,” Singh explains. “Managers should be trained to spot mental health issues. Leadership programs must include mental wellness. Confidentiality must be protected. And employees must feel safe asking for help.”
Singh believes that building a mentally healthy workplace is not just the HR department’s job. “Mental health is everyone’s responsibility—leaders, managers, and co-workers,” she says.
When employees feel safe and supported, their performance improves. They become more creative, motivated, and loyal to the company.
Mental Wellness Is Not a Luxury—It’s a Necessity
For years, success in the corporate world has been linked with working long hours and never showing weakness. But people are tired of that now.
“Young professionals want more than just a paycheck. They want workplaces that care about their well-being,” Singh says. “They’re willing to work hard, but they also want to feel respected and emotionally safe.”
As more companies realise this, the hope is that mental health will finally become a key part of how workplaces are run.
“Mental wellness is not a bonus. It’s the foundation of a healthy, productive team,” Singh adds. “We can’t expect people to bring their best to work if they feel emotionally broken.”
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