India’s Work-Life Crisis Exposed
Features
Anna Sebastian and Sadaf Fatima who died of workplace pressure Courtesy: Internet
By Aryan Katiyar and Narayana Karthik
Do you also hear “submit the report by tomorrow. I need it by the end of the day. We need more productivity from you,” or staying at the office beyond working hours, even getting shouted at by the boss and salary cuts. Or you will be occupied with PPTs and reports which the senior employees dump on you while they enjoy their weekends. Will this circumstance change soon or people will continue to suffer is something that has to be viewed seriously.
Work-life balance has been seen as a rare commodity in the workplace environment, especially in India. We have heard some very shocking news of the death of some employees owing to workplace pressure. For instance, the death of 26-year-old Ernst & Young (EY) employee, Anna Sebastian Perayil, who worked as a CA in the company in Pune, and the death of HDFC employee Sadaf Fatima who served as an additional deputy vice-president in the firm at Lucknow. Even a mind-boggling death case from Chennai of an employee named Karthikeyan, who electrocuted himself citing depression on account of workplace pressure. These cases have brought attention to the toxic workplace environments and the need for better labour laws.
It has become a point for debate- Are workplace environments too harsh in India? Are long working hours depressing the employees? How much is too much work? There have to be laws for fair treatment, compensation, and safety as well as employee contracts. According to experts, In India, labour laws are highly fragmented and need to be reformed. On August 26, in Australia, the government brought into force the “Right to Disconnect” which gives employees the right to refuse their employer’s calls and messages or any work-related contact outside work hours. If similar laws can be enforced in India, it could lead to a sustainable workplace ecosystem.
A few months ago, Narayana Murthy, co-founder and retired chairman of Infosys, gave a controversial statement that youngsters should work for 70 hours to boost the country's economy. This statement received a lot of backlash and many questioned his idea of a work-culture. Sparking controversy on this statement, Robin Sharma, a popular author and leadership expert, said that just working is depleting our mental focus, creativity, and productivity. Nevertheless, these statements can be brought into action by revisiting and redefining our labour laws.
Highlighting the need of the hour, work-life balance, some laws can be adopted in India such as the right to disconnect, mandatory vacations, workplace counseling, and recreational activities. Overall, emphasizing the urgent need for India to prioritize employee well-being will create a more sustainable work environment. It highlights the importance of reforms in labor laws and the steps to be taken which promote work-life balance. By fostering a healthy work environment, India can not only drive economic progress but also empower its workforce to lead fulfilling and balanced lives.
