Mental Health In Focus: How Education & Workplaces Can Drive Change

One of the silent epidemics that kills all positivity within the human population is mental health. In 2019, 1 in every 8 people or 970 million, worldwide lived with a mental disorder, of which anxiety and depressive disorders are the most common.

World Mental Health Day is observed every year on the 10 October to improve mental wellbeing and decrease stigma among populations. The theme for World Mental Health Day 2024 is 'Mental Health At Work'. Mental health has emerged as an increasingly major concern, particularly among students who bear a mounting burden of academic pressures, social calamities and uncertainty about the future. The WHO report of the year 2023 states that more than 20 per cent of young people had a period of illness that would meet the criteria of mental disorders and it has been observed in India that problems of mental health begin by the age of 14 years, in 50 per cent of the young.

The impact of mental health on students

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF advocate for mental health awareness programmes as a critical component of student development. Mental health literacy equips students with the skills to manage stress and anxiety, reducing long-term mental health issues. The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly increased people living with anxiety and depressive disorders in 2020. 

Jitin Chawla, Director, Centre for Career Development, highlighted how mental health issues can significantly affect students' academic and career progression, sharing instances where students took longer to complete degrees due to mental health struggles. He observes a noticeable increase in mental health challenges among students post-pandemic, attributing it to heightened stress and sensitivity. He critiques the lack of robust counselling services in educational institutions, noting that many schools have inadequate support, with one counsellor responsible for thousands of students. To improve wellbeing among students, he advocates for regular physical activities. “ Children need to spend time outside — walking, running, cycling or any physical activity at least one hour every day. They can take up some hobby or creative classes like singing, sketching, painting or yoga, he advised. 

Prof Rajeshwari K, Professor of Marketing, Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai, emphasises the crucial role of education in promoting mental health awareness among students. By integrating mental health education into the curriculum, institutions can help students recognise and address issues like stress and anxiety early on. Workshops, peer support programmes and access to counselling services provide essential tools for managing mental wellbeing. He also stated the stigma surrounding mental health among employers. “Providing access to confidential mental health services and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) also encourages a culture where seeking help is seen as a strength. Ongoing education, empathy and open communication are essential to breaking down barrier,” he added.

Abhijeet Chore, Programme Head, MIT World Peace University, pointed out how the pandemic significantly impacted the youth, demanding flexibility in their approach, skills and attitudes toward work. This transition has led to setbacks and feelings of helplessness, but fostering resilience can help young people better cope. He also stresses that early detection of mental health issues is crucial, though access to care in low-income populations remains limited due to financial constraints, lack of awareness, social stigma and demographic factors. He calls for better standards among mental health practitioners and preventive measures in primary education for early detection and management of mental health issues.

Dr Vibhav Singh, Associate Professor, Human Resource Management, Great Lakes Institute of Management, Gurgaon, highlighted the significant rise in the use of digital mental health tools, such as Headspace andCalm, post-pandemic, with their user base growing by over 200 per cent. These apps offer personalised health plans using algorithms based on individual activities and provide data-driven insights into users' mental health through real-time tracking. Additionally, certified mental health professionals on these platforms offer virtual therapies, making mental health services more accessible to a broader community.

Employee wellbeing in changing workplaces

Mental health, in the current fast-paced and competitive professional environment, is eventually emerging as a high priority for organisations. As more and more cases of stress and burnout come to light, companies come to realise the need to cultivate a work culture that is supportive and inclusive.

In comparison with global counterparts, Indian workers are more likely to feel under stress; 62 per cent of workers have experienced burnout, whereas the world average is 20 per cent. This means that there is an emergent need for companies to enact support systems. Further, the culture of the workplace must call for compassion and acceptance so that employees feel at ease and can freely report mental health issues.

Abhishek Gupta, Vice President & Head - HR, ZebPay, emphasised the importance of workplace wellness, noting that 62 per cent of Indian employees experience work-related stress, which is three times the global average. He also highlights the stigma that prevents one in four employees from discussing mental health concerns. Gupta calls for structured support systems and compassionate leadership, explaining that ZebPay offers inclusive benefits like paternity, menstrual and adoptive leave. The company recently launched ‘ZEBCARE’ a comprehensive wellness programme that includes free therapy and counselling to support employees' mental and physical health.

Atul Tiwari, CHRO, Spice Money, stressed the importance of prioritising mental wellbeing in the workplace, especially given the rise in mental health issues among Indians, as highlighted in the 2023-24 Economic Survey. He advocates for a flexible work environment where employees can take mental breaks and receive consistent support, promoting both professional and personal growth. Tiwari affirms Spice Money's commitment to fostering an employee-first approach and creating a transparent and supportive workplace, emphasizing that mental wellbeing should be integral to company values.

Sharad K Sharma, Chief Human Resources & Ethics Officer, Pramerica Life Insurance, argued that prioritising mental health is essential for sustainable business growth. He emphasises the need for supportive, flexible work environments that allow employees to thrive both personally and professionally. Sharma highlighted Pramerica Life Insurance's wellness programme, ‘Swasthum,’ which focusses on physical and mental health. As part of this initiative, employees are encouraged to take time off for mental wellness. The company's focus on wellbeing has led to high employee satisfaction and recognition as a ‘Great Place to Work’, demonstrating its commitment to creating a healthier workplace.

Musharrat Shahin

BW Reporters The author is working as correspondent with BW CIO