Issue of overwork and its impact

Source: The post issue of overwork and its impact has been created, based on the article “Transform workplaces into supportive spaces” published in “The Hindu” on 10th October is 2024 

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2– Governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.  

Context: The article discusses the rise of suicides among young professionals due to workplace stress. It emphasizes the harmful effects of overwork and highlights the need for companies to prioritize employee well-being, promote work-life balance, and improve mental health support. 

For detailed information on The Issue of Overwork in India read this article here 

What is the issue of overwork and its impact? 

1. Overwork has led to an alarming rise in suicides among young professionals globally.
2. In Japan, 2,900 people committed suicide due to overwork in 2023, a situation known as “karoshi.”
3. In India, 11,486 private sector professionals ended their lives in 2022 due to workplace stress.
4. Companies prioritize profit and productivity, pressuring employees to meet unrealistic targets.
5. Overwork causes chronic stress, burnout, anxiety, and sometimes suicide.
6. High-pressure industries like technology and finance glorify overwork, ignoring its human cost.
7. This harmful culture prioritizes activity over mental health and personal well-being.

Why do companies promote overwork? 

1. Companies focus on profit and productivity. This leads to employees being pressured to meet unrealistic targets. 
2. Industries like technology, finance, and law celebrate overwork, with success tied to a “hustle” culture.
3. This has roots in Max Weber’s idea of linking hard work to moral virtue. 
4. Employers may believe pushing employees hard will increase competition and filter out “weak” workers.

How can companies improve employee well-being? 

1. Companies need to shift their focus to employee well-being. Research shows that happier employees are more productive. 
2. Organisations should reduce working hours, offer flexible schedules, and provide mental health support. 
3. Promoting work-life balance and eliminating the stigma around seeking help is important.

What role do managers play in reducing workplace stress? 

1. Supervisors and managers should be trained to spot signs of burnout. 
2. They should prioritize mental health check-ins and create a supportive work environment.
3. Companies should measure work quality, not just time spent on tasks. 
4. Reducing constant busyness improves both employee health and productivity.

What steps can employees take to protect their mental health? 

1. Employees can build resilience through mindfulness, exercise, and social support. 
2. They should also seek professional help when stress becomes overwhelming. 
3. Setting clear boundaries at work, including saying “no” to unmanageable workloads, is essential for maintaining mental health.

Question for practice: 

Discuss how overwork impacts young professionals and what steps companies can take to improve employee well-being.