43% of Indian tech professionals experience health concerns due to their work, with long work hours identified as one of the major contributors to poor health. This was revealed in a study by Onsurity, a monthly subscription-based employee healthcare benefits platform, in partnership with the Knowledge Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).
The study titled ‘Burying the Burnout: Decoding the Health Challenges of India’s Tech Geniuses’ highlights the soaring health concerns among Indian tech professionals arising from work-related issues. With the Indian government focused on increasing the contribution of technology to the country’s GDP, it is imperative for companies to make employee well-being a key focus.
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An alarming 50% of tech professionals in India are working an average of 52.5 hours per week, surpassing the national average of 47.7 hours per week. A staggering 55% of these professionals have reported that working late hours significantly impacts their health, leading to concerns such as acidity, gut problems, back and neck pain, erratic sleep cycles, muscle stiffness, eyesight-related issues, weight gain, and intense headaches.
Additionally, nearly 45% of tech professionals have disclosed that their mental health is suffering, with stress, anxiety, and depression taking a toll on their well-being.
Over 26% of techies are experiencing exacerbated sleep patterns, with more than 51% of them getting only an average of 5.5 to 6 hours of sleep per day. Furthermore, a significant 74% of techies are sacrificing family events and celebrations due to work demands. These findings shed light on the serious health and well-being challenges faced by tech professionals in India.
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Earlier in February, Saurabh Kumar Ladhha, a 25-year-old consultant at McKinsey & Company’s Mumbai office, jumped off his 9th floor in Matunga. The police remarked that he died by suicide due to work pressure.
Commenting on the findings of the study, Yogesh Agarwal, Founder and CEO, Onsurity said, “As we continue to progress as an economy, our dependence on tech talent is only going to increase, making it imperative for companies to provide the right environment for their techies to thrive in. It's crucial that we don't overlook the daily struggles of tech professionals in our pursuit of success, as neglecting their well-being could not only render technology jobs unappealing but also hinder the true potential of these individuals. Our findings serve as a wake-up call for tech-led companies, and we hope that it inspires more companies to prioritise the health and well-being of their teams.”
Bharat Patel, secretary general of KCCI said, “Our social responsibility to prioritise employee welfare extends beyond mere ethical considerations. Frankly, working in the IT/ITES sector is exceptionally demanding, akin to traversing a tightrope. With tight deadlines and inevitable setbacks, employees' health often bears the brunt. Therefore, focusing on preventive measures is paramount. By fostering a supportive work environment, companies can ensure that employees feel comfortable, stress-free, and satisfied. Prioritising employee welfare isn't just a preference, it's a necessity.”
Employers have a vested interest in the well-being of their employees, as it directly influences productivity, morale, and overall organisational success. Recognising this, employers must prioritise the implementation of additional measures and efforts to safeguard the health and well-being of their workforce, especially their tech employees.
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