The world post pandemic has changed drastically. What was once a routine office-based work model has now evolved into ‘work from anywhere’. While hybrid working is still in its infancy, numerous organizations across the country are pushing for a return to the office. This shift has had a significant impact on the workforce, particularly among Gen Z. As per the Deloitte Global 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, India Gen Z respondents mentioned that return-to-office policies have negatively impacted their mental wellbeing as well as financial health.
Issues such as these coupled with rising fears of job loss, inroads of artificial intelligence at work, a tightening economy and layoffs in certain sectors has led to an alarmingly high anxiety- and depression-related complaints from the Gen Z and overall workforce. With this context, World Mental Health Day, which was observed on October 10, serves as a crucial reminder of the urgent need to prioritize mental health globally. This year’s theme Mental health at Work highlights the critical intersection between mental well-being and our professional environments. As we spend a significant portion of our lives at work, creating a healthy culture is crucial not only for individual well-being but also for overall organizational productivity and success.