86% Of Indian Employees Struggling Or Suffering In Workplace, Says Gallup 2024

India, with its rapidly growing economy, is making headlines on the global stage in a somewhat paradoxical manner. According to a comprehensive survey conducted by the McKinsey Health Institute in 2023, India finds itself in the second position in the global ranking of employee well-being, measured by assessing physical, mental, social, and spiritual health.  While this achievement is meritorious, it comes with a sad reality as well: a staggering 59% of Indian respondents have reported experiencing symptoms of burnout, placing India at the forefront of a global concern that deeply impacts both employees and employers.

Another recently published Gallup State of the Global Workplace study for 2024 dives into the complicated fabric of employee mental well-being, providing an in-depth evaluation of the current scenario. The Life Evaluation Index is essential for this analysis since it divides respondents into three groups: thriving, struggling, and suffering.

Understanding the Life Evaluation Index

The Life Evaluation Index, a cornerstone of the Gallup report, serves as a barometer of individual perceptions of present life situations and future prospects. Individuals who express positivity towards their current life situation, coupled with optimism for the future, fall under the category of "thriving." Conversely, those struggling with uncertainty, stress, and financial concerns find themselves classified as "struggling." Finally, individuals harbouring negative sentiments towards both present circumstances and future prospects are deemed to be "suffering."

How Indians Are Feeling

When we look specifically at India, the picture isn't as bright as we might hope. Only 14% of Indian employees say they're "thriving," which means the vast majority—86%—are dealing with some level of struggle or suffering.

Comparing with South Asia and Beyond

Zooming out to the larger South Asian region, we see similar patterns of struggle. Only 15% of people in this region feel they're "thriving," which is 19% lower than the global average. Within this region, India stands out with its low rate of thriving employees, coming in second to Nepal.

“This trend is true across all countries in the region surveyed, with India reporting the second-highest rate of thriving at only 14%, behind Nepal at 22%,” Gallup said in a press release.

35% of Indian respondents acknowledged feeling angry on a daily basis, more than any other South Asian country. On the other side, India scored last among South Asian countries in terms of stress, with only 32% of respondents reporting daily stress, compared to 62% in Sri Lanka and 58% in Afghanistan. However, India maintained a high employee engagement rate of 32%, well exceeding the global average of 23%.

Demographics of Distress: Who Is Affected?

As companies strive to keep up with the ever-changing demands of the modern world, workplace well-being has become a top priority. The survey conducted by the McKinsey Health Institute reveals a powerful scenario highlighting the importance of investing in the health and wellness of employees.  The demographics that bear the most profound impact of burnout are revealed.

Notably, the younger workforce, those between the ages of 18 and 24, bears a significant burden of this phenomenon. Likewise, employees in smaller companies and those in non-managerial roles face a greater risk of burnout. These statistics invite a closer look at the unique stressors and pressures that these specific groups encounter in today's dynamic work environment.

Global Contrasts: India in Comparison

Intriguingly, the global stage showcases a contrasting picture: 

While India grapples with a 59% burnout rate, a remarkable 62% of Indian employees shows the highest level of workplace exhaustion. Japan closely follows at 61%. In stark contrast, Switzerland reports a notably lower level of workplace exhaustion, standing at a mere 22%.

This highlights the dynamic nature of global workplace well-being and the differing factors at play.

Overwork Culture Controversy: A Thought-Provoking Debate

The revelation of these survey results closely follows a contentious statement made by Infosys co-founder, NR Narayana Murthy. He ignited a heated debate by suggesting that young individuals should dedicate a staggering 70 hours a week to enhancing the country's productivity. While this notion garnered support from some business leaders, it also drew vehement criticism for what appeared to be an endorsement of an "overwork culture." This issue stirs a critical debate concerning the fine balance between productivity and the well-being of employees, underscoring the need for sustainable work practices & balance.

Holistic Health And International Rankings: A Silver Lining

India's paradoxical position in employee well-being doesn't end there. Despite the alarming statistics on burnout, India secures a noteworthy second place concerning the holistic health of its employees, ranking just below Turkey.

The survey, encompassing 30,000 employees across 30 countries, offers a promising view of overall holistic health in workplaces worldwide. Japan stands at the opposite end of the spectrum with a mere 25% well-being score, while Turkey takes the lead at a remarkable 78%. India closely follows at 76%, with China securing 75%. The global average for holistic health stands at 57%.

Company Size and Role Significance

The survey's findings also shed light on a fascinating connection between company size and holistic health. Respondents from larger companies, those with more than 250 employees, consistently report higher scores for holistic health in comparison to their counterparts in smaller enterprises. What's particularly noteworthy is the revelation that managers consistently exhibit the highest scores for holistic health, while other non-managerial employees tend to report relatively lower levels of well-being. These insights can guide organizations in their quest to foster a healthier workplace.

The Impact of Positive Work Experiences: Nurturing Well-Being

A critical takeaway from the McKinsey survey is the profound impact of positive work experiences on holistic health. Employees who report favourable work experiences consistently demonstrate superior holistic health, increased innovation in their work, and enhanced job performance. This underscores the critical significance of cultivating a positive work environment that nurtures employees' physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being. Employers can play a pivotal role in fostering this positive environment.

The Role of Employers: A Game-Changer

"For most adults, the majority of waking daily life is spent at work," as pointed out by the report's authors. This highlights the pivotal role that employers play in influencing their employees' physical, mental, social, and spiritual health. Creating a positive work environment and addressing the well-being of their workforce can be a game-changer in today's world.

Looking ahead, India and the global community must tackle the issue of workplace burnout and prioritize holistic well-being. India's position in terms of employee well-being and burnout highlights the complex nature of well-being in today's world. The way forward involves recognizing dissonance, addressing issues, and working collectively to create a future where both employees and organizations thrive.