Employee well-being is stagnating as professionals find navigating the challenges of work-life balance, mental health, and overall well-being increasingly challenging, according to a recent report from analytics firm Gallup. Among Indian employees, the numbers are even more stark – a staggering 86% are either “struggling” or “suffering” in their personal and professional lives.
The struggle is real for Indian employees
The Gallup 2024 State of the Global Workplace report, which surveyed employees across the world, paints a concerning picture for India. While the global average of “thriving” employees stands at 34%, the report reveals that a mere 14% of Indian workers feel they are truly “thriving” in their lives. This stark contrast highlights the significant challenges faced by the Indian workforce.
Gallup’s Life Evaluation Index categorizes respondents into three distinct groups: “thriving,” “struggling,” and “suffering.” The report found that a mere 14% of Indian employees fell into the “thriving” category, meaning they had a positive view of their current life situation and a optimistic outlook for the next five years.
The remaining 86% of Indian employees were classified as either “struggling” or “suffering.” These individuals reported an uncertain or negative view of their present life situation, with more daily stress, financial worries, and a bleak outlook for the future. Alarmingly, Gallup noted that these respondents were more likely to lack access to basic necessities, experience physical pain, and grapple with a higher disease burden compared to their “thriving” counterparts.
One particularly concerning finding from the report is the high incidence of daily anger among Indian employees. A staggering 35% of respondents from India admitted to experiencing anger on a daily basis – the highest rate in the South Asian region.
The Gallup report reveals that the struggle is not limited to India alone, but is a regional concern. Across South Asia, only 15% of respondents classified themselves as “thriving” – a staggering 19 percentage points lower than the global average. India, with its 14% “thriving” rate, ranked second-lowest in the region, behind Nepal’s 22%.
While India’s daily stress levels were relatively lower compared to other South Asian countries, with only 32% of respondents reporting daily stress, the report highlighted a curious contrast. Despite the struggles, India maintained a high employee engagement rate of 32%, well above the global average of 23%.
Exploring the factors behind the struggle
The Gallup report suggests that the high rates of “struggling” and “suffering” among Indian employees may be attributed to a complex interplay of factors, including financial insecurity, lack of access to healthcare, and the overall socioeconomic challenges faced by the country.
These findings have serious implications for businesses and organizations operating in India. A workforce that is predominantly “struggling” or “suffering” can significantly impact productivity, employee retention, and overall business performance.
The report serves as a wake-up call for Indian employers and policymakers to prioritize the mental health and overall well-being of the workforce. Investing in comprehensive employee assistance programs, mental health support, and fostering a positive work culture could be crucial steps in addressing this pressing issue.
As India navigates this challenging landscape, it will be crucial for organizations to adopt a holistic approach to employee well-being. This may involve implementing stress management initiatives, providing access to counseling services, and fostering a work environment that prioritizes work-life balance and overall employee satisfaction.
Creating a healthier, happier workforce
The Gallup Global Workplace report 2024 has put the spotlight on the urgent need to address the mental health and well-being of Indian employees. By taking proactive measures to support and empower the workforce, businesses and policymakers can work towards creating a more resilient, engaged, and thriving employee population, ultimately contributing to the overall prosperity of the nation.
