World Mental Health Day 2023: A new survey has revealed that workplace stress has been a trigger for mental health issues and impacts employee health and productivity.
According to the survey, 87 per cent of respondents who are stressed at the workplace would appreciate better work-life balance policies.
In India, attitudes towards mental health and mental well-being have been gradually evolving with increased awareness and conversations towards reducing the stigma.
In its third year on Mental Health Day, ITC’s Feel Good with Fiama Mental Wellbeing Survey unveils facts to further understand young India’s changing attitudes towards mental wellbeing and mental health. Commissioned with NielsenIQ, the survey covers a gamut of beliefs, behaviours, major stressors and de-stressors for GenZ and Millennials towards mental health.
For youth in India, whether Millennials or GenZ, men or women, stress and anxiety are a reality. According to the ITC’s Feel Good with Fiama Mental Wellbeing Survey 2023, GenZ surpassed Millennials by 18 percent in career anxiety. 58 percent Indians turn to Yoga, Meditation, and Exercise to combat stress. However, music is the preferred choice for 86 per cent Indians to cope with stress and negativity.
Key highlights of the survey:
- The survey findings indicate that toxic work culture and career decisions are the key factors that cause stress in India.
- Work-Life Balance and Career Stress: The survey states that 31 per cent of Indians attribute pressure at the workplace as one of the main concerns for mental health issues. 50 per cent of millennials attribute work-life imbalance as a reason for mental health concerns while 57 percent of GenZ are worried about career decisions.
- Flexibility in the work place: With companies becoming open to work flexibility, 62 per cent of Indians feel stressed about resuming work physically at the workplace after having worked from home or in a hybrid setup.
- De-stressors and Approach: Counselling and therapy are working for some Indians as 35 per cent of Indian Men are open to opting for online counselling and 31 per cent of Indian men are keen on taking counselling from therapists if their family or friends ask them to.
- 51 per cent of Indians who believe social media has a positive impact turn to online counselling as a treatment option.
- 1 in 2 millennials are likely to seek professional help immediately.
“It is heartening to note some of the positive shifts that have taken place in understanding mental health with the gradual increase in awareness campaigns and discussions. The Fiama Mental Wellbeing Survey continues to provide the spotlight on India’s youth and their attitude towards mental health and well-being. In its 3rd edition, the survey unveils some critical facts that can definitely be a catalyst for more widespread conversations, a more nuanced understanding of the issue as well as enhance mental health support. Fiama’s endeavour to make mental wellbeing a more proactive conversation goes beyond just provoking a thought. In collaboration with MINDS Foundation, it also enables access to subsidized virtual therapy,” Speaking about the survey, Sameer Satpathy, Divisional Chief Executive, Personal Care Products Business, ITC Limited, said in a statement.
ITC Fiama in collaboration with The Minds Foundation, has also launched its first Virtual Clinic. The Virtual Clinic is designed to enable affordable access to mental health therapy delivered by licensed professionals, it claimed.
