A recent Kerala Youth Commission survey has revealed that young employees in IT (84.3%) and media (83.5%) sectors are experiencing higher levels of work-related stress, highlighting concerns about workplace well-being. The survey, conducted among 1,548 employees aged 18-40 years, also found significant stress levels in the banking and insurance (80.6%) and gig economy (75.5%) sectors.
Kerala Youth Commission chairman M Shajar presented the survey findings to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Minister for Youth Affairs Saji Cheriyan on Thursday, emphasizing the urgent need for mental health interventions in workplaces.
Work Stress Levels Vary by Industry and Demographics
The survey noted that employees in retail and industrial sectors reported comparatively lower stress levels than their counterparts in IT, media, and financial services.
Among different age groups, the 30-39-year bracket reported the highest levels of work stress, while stress was slightly higher among women (74.7%) than men (73.7%).
Additionally, a majority of both male and female employees (68.25%) admitted that their work-life balance was compromised due to workload pressures.
Also read: White-Collar Hiring Rises 4% Despite Flat IT Growth
Key Recommendations for Mental Health Support at Work
The Kerala Youth Commission has proposed several policy recommendations to help mitigate workplace stress and improve mental well-being:
- Recreational Spaces at Work: Encouraging companies to set up active recreational corners to help employees unwind.
- Mental Health Officers in Corporations: Large companies should appoint dedicated mental health officers or organizational psychologists to oversee employee well-being initiatives.
- Government-Supported Mental Health Programs: Small businesses and startups should receive government-backed guidance and resources to implement mental health initiatives.
- Mandatory Mental Health Insurance: Employers should be mandated to provide mental health coverage, including therapy, counseling, and psychiatric treatment, as part of standard employee benefits.
