Transform workplaces into supportive spaces

• In recent years, a troubling trend has emerged in several countries: the rise in suicides among young professionals due to overwhelming workplace stress. This mirrors the Japanese phenomenon of "karoshi"—death from overwork.
• The issue, once confined largely to Japan, has spread globally. For instance, in 2023, 2,900 people in Japan ended their lives due to overwork. In India, the suicide rate among professionals in the private sector was 11,486 in 2022, according to a Statista report.

The Roots of Overwork Culture

Profit-Driven Work Environment:

• The primary reason behind the growing culture of overwork is profit. In today’s hyper-competitive economy, businesses focus on cost-cutting, efficiency, and productivity.
• This creates immense pressure on employees to meet unrealistic expectations, often requiring them to work excessive hours under intense conditions. The pervasive “hustle culture” assumes that continuous activity equates to better results, leading to the glorification of overwork.

Historical and Sociological Perspective:

• This mindset is deeply rooted in historical ideologies. The work of sociologist Max Weber, particularly his book "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism," connected hard work with moral virtue.
• According to Weber, diligence was a marker of both professional capability and moral worth. Today, this ethos thrives in high-stakes industries like technology, finance, and law, where overwork is not only common but often celebrated. The result, however, is devastating.

The Psychological Toll: Cognitive Dissonance and Hyper-Competition

Cognitive Dissonance in Overwork Culture:

• The persistence of this grueling work culture can be explained through cognitive dissonance theory. Employers often justify the demanding work environment by rationalizing that overwork is essential for business growth.
• This belief fosters a culture of hyper-competition, where employees are pushed to their limits, and those unable to keep up are seen as “weak.” However, this distorted view overlooks the human cost—chronic stress leading to burnout, anxiety, depression, and in severe cases, suicide.

The Case for Employee Well-Being

Reassessing Work Culture:

• Research has consistently shown that happy employees are more productive. The early 20th-century Human Relations Movement emphasized the importance of employee satisfaction in improving organizational efficiency.
• Today, there is a slow shift towards adopting work cultures that prioritize well-being, with more companies introducing flexible work hours, mental health initiatives, and policies to promote work-life balance.

Rethinking Productivity Metrics:

• Companies should reassess how they measure productivity. Instead of focusing on quantity of hours worked, they should emphasize work quality and its impact. This approach will help shift the culture from one that values busyness to one that values meaningful contributions.

Steps Towards Sustainable Change

Reducing Overwork and Stress:

• To break the cycle of overwork, companies must take proactive steps:
  • Reduce excessive working hours and allow for flexible schedules.
  • Encourage regular breaks and vacations to prevent burnout.
  • Invest in mental health support, such as employee assistance programs, to provide psychological help when needed.
  • Building a Supportive Work Environment

Empowering Employees to Set Boundaries:

• One of the biggest challenges in the modern work environment is the inability to set boundaries. Employees should feel empowered to say "no" when workloads become unmanageable. Setting clear boundaries around work hours is crucial to maintaining mental health and achieving work-life balance.

A Shared Responsibility: Employers and Employees:

• Addressing workplace stress requires collective effort from both employers and employees. While employees can build resilience through mindfulness, exercise, and strong social networks, it is essential that employers foster an environment where seeking professional help is encouraged and mental health is destigmatized.

Conclusion: A Path Forward:

• The issue of workplace stress is both a societal and personal concern. The relentless drive for profit and productivity should not come at the cost of human well-being. Employers must embrace a long-term view that treats human capital as a core asset, and employees should take concrete steps to protect their mental health.
• Only through a balanced approach can we create sustainable productivity and a future where life is valued above profit.