A growing concern leading to turnover and resignation, ETHRWorld

In today’s fast-paced world, employees increasingly find themselves juggling satisfaction and dissatisfaction, leading stressful and often depressing lives. There is a common perception that wealth leads to happiness, but this view is often challenged. As my mentors have reminded me time and again, true happiness does not come from financial success alone. I have come to deeply understand this lesson.The reality of workplace pressure

Pressure and competition at work have increased exponentially, severely impacting an individual’s mental health. Studies have shown that workplace stress is associated with a variety of health problems, including increased risk of heart attacks and premature mortality. The American Psychological Association reports that chronic stress can lead to long-term health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes.

The economic impact is equally worrisome. Rising health care costs put an additional strain on family breadwinners, increasing stress and anxiety. A report by the American Institute of Stress estimates that workplace stress costs U.S. employers $300 billion a year in absenteeism, turnover, lost productivity, medical, legal and insurance costs.

The story is no different in India, where 46% of Indian workers suffer from some level of stress, according to a study by Optum, a health services innovation company. The same study found that this stress has a significant economic cost, costing Indian companies about 11 trillion rupees (about $15 billion) annually due to poor employee health and reduced productivity.

Poor management of mental health

While traditional management often focuses on balancing material resources, modern organizations must recognize the importance of mental health and emotional well-being. Ignoring these aspects creates an unbalanced work environment, leading employees to feel overwhelmed and ultimately quit. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that promoting mental health in the workplace is essential to increasing productivity and reducing turnover.

Employees are overworked, leading to burnout and job dissatisfaction. As a result, employees leave their jobs in search of a less stressful environment, only to encounter similar problems elsewhere. This cycle of job dissatisfaction and frequent job changes highlights the urgent need for effective stress management strategies in the workplace.

Retention issues and short-term solutions

High employee turnover is a major challenge for many organizations. Employees often change jobs to escape stress, but if the root causes of stress aren’t addressed, they’ll end up in the same situation again. Short-term solutions like pay increases and superficial perks are not enough. Companies need to adopt long-term solutions that prioritize mental health and create a supportive environment.

Investing in mental health

Understanding the concept of investing in mental health is essential. Just as financial investments generate profits, investing in employee health increases productivity and loyalty. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), workplaces that prioritize mental health experience higher employee morale, greater job satisfaction, and lower turnover.

Instead of focusing solely on balancing material resources, organizations need to shift their focus to fostering a supportive, mentally healthy work environment. This includes providing access to mental health resources, encouraging work-life balance, and fostering an open, supportive culture.

Conclusion

Addressing employee stress is important for both individuals and organizations. By recognizing the importance of mental health and creating a supportive work environment, companies can reduce turnover and increase overall productivity. It is time for organizations to prioritize the mental health of their employees to ensure a healthier, more satisfied workforce that leads to long-term success and stability.

References
1. American Psychological Association (n.d.). Stress in America. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/
2. American Institute of Stress (n.d.). Workplace stress. Retrieved from https://www.stress.org/workplace-stress
3. World Health Organization (2020). Mental health in the workplace. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/mental_health/in_the_workplace/en/.
4. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) (2019). Overall Worker Health. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/twh/default.html
5. Optum. (2016). The state of mental health in Indian workplaces. https://www.optum.in/content/dam/optum3/optum/en/in/insight-reports/The-State-of-Mental-Health-in-the-Indian-Workplace.pdf

Author Dr. Indira Sharma is Assistant Professor (HR & Industrial Partnership), Department of Banking, Financial Services & Insurance Management, Symbiosis University of Applied Sciences, Indore.

Disclaimer: The views expressed are solely those of the author and ETHRWorld does not necessarily agree with them. ETHRWorld is not responsible for any damage caused directly or indirectly to any person or organization.