Work Pressure: A Growing Concern for Mental Health

 Work Pressure: A Growing Concern for Mental Health

Work pressure is emerging as a significant concern in modern society, especially as industries become increasingly competitive and demanding. The expectations placed on employees to meet deadlines, deliver results, and maintain high performance have escalated, leading to detrimental effects on mental health. Across various sectors, from corporate jobs to public service, the pressure to succeed is pushing many to the edge, sometimes resulting in severe consequences like burnout, anxiety, depression, and even suicide.

The Impact of Work Pressure on Mental Health

Work-related stress is known to trigger a variety of mental health issues, including insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Prolonged exposure to excessive workloads, a lack of work-life balance, and unrealistic expectations contribute to these problems. Employees often feel isolated in their struggles as corporate environments can foster a "work at all costs" mentality. The idea of being constantly "switched on" for work, even outside office hours, has normalized stress as an unavoidable part of professional life. As one corporate employee noted, “people working there are expected to completely forget their personal lives”.

Recent Cases Highlighting the Crisis

Recent incidents in India have spotlighted the severity of work pressure on mental well-being. For example, Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old EY employee, tragically died in September 2024, with family members attributing her death to the relentless work culture in multinational companies (MNCs). This is not an isolated incident; in February 2024, Saurabh Kumar Laddha, a consultant at McKinsey & Company, took his own life after being overwhelmed by the pressures of his highly demanding job. These cases exemplify how the pressure to meet professional expectations can escalate to life-threatening situations.

Public sector employees are not immune either. In March 2024, two employees from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh committed suicide due to overwhelming workload and staff shortages. The stress caused by insufficient resources in such environments adds to the emotional toll workers face​.

Why Work Pressure Is a Serious Concern

The rising number of work-related suicides underscores the urgent need to address the mental health impact of work stress. A 2022 report revealed that over 11,000 private sector employees in India committed suicide due to work pressure. The situation is exacerbated by societal expectations and financial responsibilities, which leave many feeling trapped in their jobs​(


Employers need to take action to combat these trends by promoting healthier work environments. This includes offering mental health resources, reducing excessive workloads, ensuring employees have a healthy work-life balance, and creating a culture that recognizes the importance of personal well-being over profit.

Looking Forward: Building Healthier Workplaces

The conversation around work pressure is gaining momentum, but more needs to be done. Businesses must prioritize mental health by offering support programs, encouraging time off, and creating realistic performance goals. Encouraging employees to speak up about stress and mental health issues without fear of stigma is essential in preventing workplace tragedies.

In conclusion, work pressure is a serious concern that can have devastating consequences if left unchecked. Companies and society must come together to address the root causes, promote mental well-being, and ensure that no one feels forced to choose between their career and their life.


Work-related stress has become a significant concern in India, with increasing cases of suicide linked to overwhelming pressure in professional environments. The recent tragic death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old employee at EY (Ernst & Young), has brought renewed attention to the harsh realities of workplace stress. Anna's passing has prompted public discussions about the intense work culture in many multinational corporations (MNCs), particularly in sectors like accounting and consulting. The demanding environment often leads employees to prioritize work over personal well-being, with long hours and high expectations contributing to mental health struggles

Another notable case occurred in February 2024, when 25-year-old consultant Saurabh Kumar Laddha, who worked at McKinsey & Company, ended his life due to the intense pressure from his job. Laddha, an IIT Madras and IIM Calcutta graduate, had been facing immense stress from a high-stakes project with tight deadlines​.



Beyond MNCs, public sector employees have also suffered from overwork. In March 2024, two employees at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh took their own lives, citing workload and staff shortages as the main contributors to their stress​.

These cases illustrate the broader issue of mental health and work pressure in India, where long hours, job insecurity, and personal responsibilities often push individuals to the brink. Addressing workplace stress through better support systems, mental health initiatives, and more balanced work cultures is essential to prevent further tragedies.

Dealing with work pressure effectively is crucial for maintaining mental health and achieving long-term success. Here are some methods to tackle work pressure:

1. Prioritization and Time Management

Organize tasks based on urgency and importance. Using tools like to-do lists, calendars, and project management apps can help track progress and deadlines. Breaking large tasks into smaller, manageable parts also prevents feeling overwhelmed.

2. Setting Boundaries

Establishing clear work-life boundaries is key to reducing stress. Avoid responding to work emails or taking calls after working hours. Communicate with your employer about maintaining these boundaries, ensuring a balance between professional and personal life.

3. Delegation

If your workload becomes unmanageable, delegate tasks when possible. Asking for help is a sign of efficiency, not weakness. Learning to trust colleagues with tasks can improve productivity and reduce pressure.

4. Taking Regular Breaks

Frequent short breaks during the workday can rejuvenate mental energy and boost productivity. The Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused work followed by a short break) is a popular method that can help manage work pressure and prevent burnout.

5. Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness exercises and meditation can reduce stress levels and improve focus. Taking time to practice deep breathing, yoga, or other relaxation techniques helps in managing anxiety and staying calm during stressful situations.

6. Physical Exercise

Regular physical activity is one of the best ways to relieve stress. Exercise helps produce endorphins, which improve mood and reduce the mental impact of work pressure. Even a short walk can provide a significant mental reset.

7. Communicate with Management

If work pressure becomes too much, have an open conversation with your supervisor. It’s important to express your concerns about workload or deadlines. Constructive dialogue can lead to more reasonable expectations and support from management.

8. Set Realistic Goals

Unrealistic expectations often lead to work pressure. It's important to set achievable goals based on the available resources and time. Aiming for perfection can cause unnecessary stress—sometimes "good enough" is sufficient.

9. Seek Support

Don't hesitate to ask for professional help if you're struggling with work pressure. Mental health professionals or workplace counselors can offer valuable coping strategies. Additionally, sharing your experiences with friends, family, or colleagues can provide emotional relief.

10. Maintain Work-Life Balance

Ensure that you're dedicating time to hobbies, socializing, and relaxation. This balance ensures that work stress doesn't spill over into personal life, allowing you to recharge and stay motivated.

11. Embrace a Positive Mindset

Developing resilience and maintaining a positive attitude toward challenges can help reduce feelings of being overwhelmed. A growth mindset, where setbacks are viewed as learning opportunities, can also aid in coping with stress.

By incorporating these strategies, employees can better manage the demands of their work environments and maintain their mental well-being while staying productive. Employers should also play a role in fostering supportive work cultures that prioritize health and balance.







 

 
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