Workplace Mental Health in 2025: How Many More Lives Will It Take?
A Tragic Wake-Up Call
On March 19, 2025, Dwaipayan Bhattacharya, a senior manager at an Indo-American IT company, jumped from the sixth floor of his office building in Kolkata. His death sent shockwaves through the corporate world, highlighting a growing yet often ignored crisis—workplace mental health.
Sadly, Dwaipayan’s case is not an isolated one. Just months earlier, Anna Sebastian Perayil, a young chartered accountant at EY India, died from stress-induced cardiac arrest. In Bengaluru, Atul Subhash, an IT professional, took his own life, leaving behind a 24-page note detailing both workplace and personal stress.
What’s happening in our workplaces? Why are more employees feeling trapped under relentless pressure? And, more importantly, what can we do to stop it?
The Hidden Epidemic: Why Workplace Stress Is at an All-Time High
1. The IT & Corporate Pressure Cooker
If you work in IT, finance, or consulting, you’ve probably heard it before:
“Work hard now, enjoy later.”
“You’re lucky to have a job—push through.”
“If you can’t handle the pressure, you don’t belong here.”
But what happens when "pushing through" means 14-16 hour workdays, impossible deadlines, and no room to breathe?
Many high-pressure industries glorify overwork. Employees are expected to be available 24/7, sacrifice personal time, and endure mental exhaustion—all for the sake of company profits.
Dwaipayan’s case is a prime example. A senior leader handling multiple projects, teams, and clients, he was under constant stress. Reports suggest he had been battling depression, but like many employees, he kept going until it became unbearable.
Anna Sebastian’s case was just as tragic. A fresh chartered accountant at EY India, she worked 16-hour days with no breaks, even on weekends. When she collapsed from exhaustion, her company initially refused to acknowledge any wrongdoing. Her mother’s heartbreaking letter to EY’s leadership went viral, forcing a response.
This isn’t ambition—it’s exploitation.
2. The Mental Health Stigma at Work
Despite India’s growing awareness of mental health, seeking help is still seen as a weakness.
Did you know?
43% of Indian employees report facing mental health issues (Clarion India, 2024).
Only 20% of companies have mental health programs (Forbes India, 2024).
Employees fear that talking about stress will hurt their careers.
Atul Subhash, who died by suicide in Bengaluru, left behind a 24-page note and video explaining his struggles. He mentioned workplace harassment, unmanageable workloads, and feeling completely isolated.
Like him, thousands of employees stay silent—until it’s too late.
The Real Cost of Ignoring Mental Health at Work
Employers often dismiss mental health concerns, believing that stress is “part of the job.” But they fail to realize that ignoring it has serious consequences:
❌ Mass Burnout: Employees become exhausted, unproductive, and disengaged.
❌ Decreased Productivity: Mental health issues cost Indian companies $14 billion annually (The Hindu, 2024).
❌ Higher Turnover: Workers quit toxic workplaces, increasing recruitment and training costs.
❌ Reputation Damage: Companies that ignore mental health get bad press—like EY India did after Anna’s death.
If businesses care about profits, they should care about mental health too.
What Needs to Change?
We need a fundamental shift in workplace culture. Here’s what companies and employees must do:
1. Employers: It’s Time for Action
Companies must take responsibility for employee well-being. Here’s how:
✅ Implement Mental Health Programs – Regular counseling, stress management workshops, and support groups should be part of every workplace.
✅ Set Workload Limits – No more glorifying overwork. Employees need realistic deadlines and defined working hours.
✅ Offer Mental Health Days – Just like sick leave, employees should get mental health leave without fear of judgment.
✅ Create a Safe Space – Employees should feel comfortable discussing stress without fear of losing their jobs.
Example: Accenture and Kellanova now offer “Mental Health Days” and counseling services, setting a new industry standard (Financial Express, 2024).
2. Employees: How to Protect Your Own Mental Health
While companies must change, employees also need to prioritize their well-being. If you’re struggling at work:
✔️ Speak Up – If your workload is unmanageable, communicate with your manager. If they don’t listen, escalate the issue.
✔️ Set Boundaries – Don’t check emails after work hours. Take breaks. Say no when necessary.
✔️ Seek Help – Therapy isn’t a luxury; it’s essential. If your company doesn’t offer it, seek external resources.
✔️ Change Jobs if Needed – No job is worth your mental health. If your workplace is toxic, explore better opportunities.
India’s Changing Landscape: Are We Making Progress?
The Indian government has acknowledged the workplace mental health crisis, but policies are still lagging behind.
The 2025 Labour Codes are set to improve working conditions, but mental health isn’t a priority in the new regulations.
The Ministry of Labour has launched investigations into companies like EY after Anna’s case.
Startups and global firms are leading the way by offering flexible work and mental health support.
But is this enough? Not yet. Until every workplace prioritizes mental health, tragedies like Dwaipayan’s will keep happening.
Your Mental Health Matters
The stories of Dwaipayan Bhattacharya, Anna Sebastian, Atul Subhash, and countless others should not be forgotten. They are a reminder that we must demand better workplaces.
Employers must stop normalizing burnout.
Employees must put their mental health first.
India must make mental health at work a legal priority.
Because at the end of the day, no job is worth your life.
What do you think? Have you faced workplace stress? Let’s discuss in the comments.
FAQs: Addressing Workplace Mental Health Concerns
1. How do I know if my job is affecting my mental health?
If you feel constantly exhausted, anxious, unmotivated, or physically ill due to work, it’s a sign that your job is taking a toll on your mental health.
Extreme fatigue, loss of motivation, frequent illness, difficulty concentrating, and a sense of hopelessness.
2. What should I do if my boss ignores my stress concerns?
Document everything and escalate the issue to HR. If your company refuses to act, consider changing jobs or seeking legal advice.
3. Are there laws in India protecting workplace mental health?
India lacks strong workplace mental health laws, but some companies are voluntarily offering mental health support. The 2025 Labour Codes may bring some improvements.
Currently, Indian labor laws do not have strong mental health provisions, but discussions are ongoing to push for reforms.
4. How can companies create a better mental health environment?
By offering counseling, reducing workloads, enforcing work-life balance, and normalizing discussions about mental health.
By implementing policies like mental health support programs, flexible working hours, and encouraging open conversations about stress.
5. Where can I get help for work-related stress?
iCall (TISS Mumbai): Free mental health support (www.icallhelpline.org)
Snehi: Mental health NGO in India (www.snehi.org)
Manas (Govt Initiative): National mental health platform (www.manas.gov.in)
6. Why is workplace mental health a growing issue in India?
Work stress, long hours, and toxic work environments contribute to increased cases of burnout, depression, and even suicide.
7. How can employees protect their mental health?
Setting boundaries, seeking professional help, taking breaks, and speaking up about workplace issues can help.
No More Excuses
Workplace stress is a silent killer—and we can’t afford to ignore it any longer. Companies, employees, and policymakers must take action now.
Your mental health matters. Prioritize it. Protect it. Demand better.
Share this article to raise awareness. Let’s start the change.
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