Only 14% of Indian employees consider themselves as “thriving” in life, while the remaining 86% admit to either struggling or suffering. This figure stands in stark contrast to the global average, where 34% of employees feel they are thriving, as reported in the Gallup 2024 State of the Global Workplace report.
The report, which offers a thorough evaluation of employee mental health and well-being on a worldwide scale, categorised respondents into three wellbeing groups: thriving, struggling, and suffering. Thriving employees rate their current life situation positively and hold an optimistic outlook for the future.
According to the report, 35% of Indian respondents reported experiencing daily anger, the highest percentage in South Asia. Despite this, India had the lowest daily stress levels in the region, with only 32% of respondents experiencing stress, compared to 62% in Sri Lanka and 58% in Afghanistan. This trend mirrors the broader situation across South Asia, where only 15% of respondents consider themselves thriving, significantly below the global average.
Despite the low percentage of thriving individuals, India has a high employee engagement rate of 32%, which is significantly above the global average of 23%. However, 41% of employees report experiencing high levels of stress, underscoring the urgent need for better management practices and workplace conditions.
“I am getting a salary from this work. So, I have to do it, but there is a bit of boredom in doing the same work every day,” said Delhi-based marketing supervisor Archana.
The report further stated that about 20% of the world’s employees experience daily loneliness, a condition exacerbated for those working fully remotely, where the figure rises to 25%. This chronic loneliness poses significant risks to both physical and mental health, with research linking social isolation to increased mortality rates.
A conducive working environment is crucial as we invest a significant amount of time in the office. Management must recognize that escalating stress levels among employees does not yield positive outcomes. Additionally, the compensation package should align with the job’s nature and the responsibilities it entails.”
Significantly, one in five employees report experiencing loneliness worldwide. Loneliness is more prevalent among employees younger than 35 than among those aged 35 and older. The percentages of working men and working women reporting loneliness are equal, with each at 20%. Job levels also appear to have little association with loneliness, the report said.
“Social isolation and chronic loneliness have devastating effects on physical and mental health. The risk of mortality among people who lacked community and social ties was two times greater than that of people who had many social contacts. These differences were independent of physical health, socioeconomic status and health practices,” said Dr T Tondon, a psychiatrist at Delhi-based Ganga Ram Hospital.
The report also highlighted a notable decline in overall well-being among younger employees. In 2023, the percentage of employees under 35 who reported thriving in life decreased, contributing to a global decline in employee well-being from 35% to 34%. This decrease is alarming, especially considering the steady improvements recorded in previous years.
Those with a positive view of their present life and future, rating their current situation at 7 or higher, are classified as “thriving.” In contrast, those with uncertainty or negativity about their current life, experiencing daily stress and financial concerns, are considered “struggling.” The “suffering” group includes individuals feeling miserable about their present life and future, often lacking basic necessities and experiencing significant physical and emotional pain.
The Gallup workplace report evaluates the mental health and well-being of employees worldwide, categorising them into three groups: Thriving, struggling, or suffering based on Gallup’s Life Evaluation Index.
Employees who rate their current life situation as 7 or higher and have a positive outlook on their future are classified as ‘thriving’. Those who are uncertain or negative about their present life, experiencing daily stress and financial issues, fall into the ‘struggling’ category. The ‘suffering’ group includes individuals who feel miserable about their current life and future, often facing significant physical and emotional hardships and lacking basic necessities.