Rajiv, a talented software engineer, joined an organisation in Pune two years ago. Despite his brilliance, Rajiv’s relentless dedication often left him drained and demotivated. A burnout scare made him realise the critical need for balancing professional and personal life. With his employer’s support through flexible work policies and mental health resources, Rajiv regained his enthusiasm for work without compromising his well-being.
Addressing the ever-increasing burnout among Indian tech professionals, it is imperative to promote employee health and wellness
While Rajiv’s story is one among many, it underscores a broader narrative affecting India’s tech workforce. It’s time we delve deeper into this issue and understand its implications on India’s tech geniuses.
Numbers speak volumes
Addressing the ever-increasing burnout among Indian tech professionals, it is imperative to promote employee health and wellness.
The recent white paper titled, “Burying the Burnout among India’s tech geniuses”, highlighted alarming trends in the tech industry. Over 50% of techies we surveyed work more than 9 hours daily. Around 43% experience health concerns due to work, 45% are affected by stress and depression, and 26% face degraded sleep patterns because of work pressure.
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These statistics is a reminder that success cannot be measured solely by productivity or profit margins. True success lies in fostering an environment where employees thrive personally and professionally. Building a culture of people over profits has proven to deliver better results.
Proactive initiatives for a conducive work environment
The importance of proactive initiatives by employers to create a conducive environment for employee well-being cannot be stressed enough. It’s crucial to include policies, programs, and resources to promote well-being and build a supportive work culture, given the duty employers have towards employees.
By partnering with an employee health and wellness platform, companies can initiate additional measures encompassing strategies to promote physical and mental health. Further, more companies are realising the positive impact hybrid work model has on productivity, especially for tech teams. Offering such flexibility can go a long way. This also ensures that your team inches towards achieving work-life balance, which could otherwise be difficult.
Investment in workplace wellness programs
Investing in comprehensive wellness programs is vital. These should include regular health screenings, fitness and mental health sessions, and awareness campaigns to promote a culture of preventive healthcare. By allocating resources towards these programs, employers can help employees keep track of their health and prevent burnout, which has a direct implication on productivity.
Access to mental health support
Providing easy access to mental health and therapeutic support is essential. Equipping employees with the right resources ensures their mental well-being. Additionally, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are an effective way to offer counselling services and mental health resources, ensuring no one suffers in silence.
Progressive insurance coverages
Offering insurance plans that adapt to the evolving lifestyles of employees is crucial. These plans should ensure comprehensive coverage for diverse needs, on-the-go access, and easy claims processing. Progressive insurance coverages contribute significantly to employee satisfaction and well-being, especially at the time of medical emergencies.
Healthcare plans that go beyond the basics
Healthcare plans should include benefits such as doctor consultations, discounted health check-ups, doorstep delivery of medicines, and discounted dental health consultations and screenings. Offering comprehensive healthcare plans ensures that employees have access to necessary healthcare services.
Encourage physical activities
Providing wellness benefits such as discounts at top gyms offering various workout formats, including Yoga and Zumba, keeps employees energised, motivated, and healthy. Encouraging physical activities promotes a healthier lifestyle and reduces stress. Regular physical activity is known to enhance mood, increase energy levels, and improve overall mental health. By offering diverse workout options, companies can cater to different preferences, ensuring that all employees find an activity they enjoy. Moreover, group activities like Yoga and Zumba can foster a sense of community and camaraderie among employees, further boosting morale and teamwork.
Regular nutritional guidance and support
Implementing programs that offer regular nutritional guidance and support helps employees make informed dietary choices for a healthier lifestyle. Nutritional support is a key component of overall well-being. Adequate nutrition is essential for maintaining energy levels, cognitive function, and emotional stability. By providing access to nutritionists or dietitians, companies can help employees develop personalised meal plans that meet their specific needs.
Additionally, workshops on healthy eating, cooking demonstrations, and resources on meal planning can empower employees to make better food choices. This holistic approach to nutrition not only enhances individual health but also contributes to a more vibrant and productive workplace.
Setting realistic expectations
Setting realistic expectations is crucial. While KPIs (key performance indicators) and other metrics are important, unrealistic deadlines and excessive workloads fuel burnout. For instance, we encourage managers to set achievable goals and distribute workloads evenly among team members. Quality always trumps quantity in our book.
Leading by example
When it comes to leaders, actions speak louder than words. As leaders, prioritising well-being and demonstrating healthy work habits sets a positive example for your teams. By valuing health and wellness, you create a ripple effect throughout the organisation.
Addressing tech burnout involves more than implementing policies; it’s about fostering a culture of support, understanding, and empathy. By prioritising the well-being of Indian tech professionals, companies like ours paves the way for a healthier and more productive workforce, shaping a brighter future for all.
Guest contributor Dinesh Menon leads the Founders’ office at Onsurity and heads business governance, strategy & investor relations. Onsurity is a healthtech company providing monthly, comprehensive employee healthcare to SMEs, MSMEs, startups and growing businesses. Any opinions expressed in this article are strictly those of the author.
