Worrying: Workplace stress might cost India 8% of its GDP
What's the story
A new report from The Live Love Laugh Foundation, utilizing data from the McKinsey Health Institute, has sounded alarm bells over India's corporate mental health crisis. The study found that a staggering 59% of Indian employees are experiencing burnout, with nearly half citing workplace stress as their biggest mental health trigger. The impact on productivity and retention could cost India $350 billion annually, or about 8% of its GDP.
Business impact
Report urges businesses to prioritize mental health
In light of these findings, The Live Love Laugh Foundation has released a report titled "Transforming Mental Health in Corporate India: A Roadmap for Action." The document calls on Indian companies to view mental health as a core business priority rather than an HR formality. It stresses that employee well-being directly impacts productivity, retention, culture, and long-term competitiveness.
Action roadmap
Companies need to take systemic action
The report outlines a four-phase approach for companies to follow. It starts with rigorous data collection to understand employee sentiment and organizational maturity, followed by leadership alignment to build cultures of care and psychological safety. The document stresses the need for integrating mental health into everyday workflows, policies, and leadership behaviors. It also urges companies to focus on long-term resilience through continuous monitoring and empathetic management.
Generational impact
Mental health support influences job choices for Gen Z
The report reveals that 80% of Indian employees have experienced at least one adverse mental health symptom affecting their productivity. Anxiety or depression symptoms were reported by 42%. For younger professionals, mental health is becoming a decisive career factor with 71% of Gen Z workers saying employer-provided mental health support influences their job choices.