A staggering 43% of Indian tech professionals experience health concerns due to their work, with long work hours identified as one of the major contributors to poor health, according to a study by Onsurity, the subscription-based employee healthcare benefits platform, in partnership with the Knowledge Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).
The study titled “Burying the Burnout: Decoding the Health Challenges of India’s Tech Geniuses” highlights the soaring health concerns among Indian tech professionals arising from work-related issues.
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It added that with the government focused on increasing the contribution of technology to the country’s GDP, companies must make employee well-being a key focus. Findings from the Onsurity-KCCI study offer a window into the challenges that come in the way of maximising the full potential of the country’s tech professionals.
Key Findings:
- Over 50% of tech professionals in India are clocking an average of 52.5 hours every week, surpassing the overall national average of 47.7 hours per week.
- A staggering 55% of tech professionals have voiced that working late hours significantly impacts their health.
- Among their top concerns are acidity, gut problems, back and neck pain, erratic sleep cycles, muscle stiffness, eyesight-related issues, weight gain, and intense headaches.
- Nearly 45% of tech professionals have disclosed that their mental health is taking a hit. Stress, anxiety, and depression are chipping away at their well-being, leaving them struggling to cope.
- Over 26% of tech professionals face exacerbated sleep patterns, with over 51% of them sleeping an average of 5.5 to 6 hours a day.
- 74% of techies sacrifice family events and celebrations due to work demands.
Long Working Hours
The study said that it’s alarming to note that more than 50% of tech professionals in India are working an average of 52.5 hours per week, surpassing the national average of 47.7 hours per week.
A staggering 55% of these professionals have reported that working late hours significantly impacts their health, leading to concerns such as acidity, gut problems, back and neck pain, erratic sleep cycles, muscle stiffness, eyesight-related issues, weight gain, and intense headaches.
Mental Health
Additionally, nearly 45% of tech professionals have disclosed that their mental health is suffering, with stress, anxiety, and depression taking a toll on their well-being.
Over 26% of techies are experiencing exacerbated sleep patterns, with more than 51% of them getting only an average of 5.5 to 6 hours of sleep per day. Furthermore, a significant 74% of techies are sacrificing family events and celebrations due to work demands. These findings shed light on the serious health and well-being challenges faced by tech professionals in India.
Yogesh Agarwal, founder and CEO, of Onsurity, said, “It’s crucial that we don’t overlook the daily struggles of tech professionals in our pursuit of success, as neglecting their well-being could not only render technology jobs unappealing but also hinder the true potential of these individuals. Our findings serve as a wake-up call for tech-led companies, and we hope that it inspires more companies to prioritise the health and well-being of their teams.”
Bharat Patel, secretary general, KCCI, said, “Our social responsibility to prioritise employee welfare extends beyond mere ethical considerations. With tight deadlines and inevitable setbacks, employees’ health often bears the brunt. Therefore, focusing on preventive measures is paramount. By fostering a supportive work environment, companies can ensure that employees feel comfortable, stress-free, and satisfied. Prioritising employee welfare isn’t just a preference, it’s a necessity.”
Way Forward
Employers have a vested interest in the well-being of their employees, as it directly influences productivity, morale, and overall organisational success, the study underlines.
Recognising this, the study suggests that employers must prioritise the implementation of additional measures and efforts to safeguard the health and well-being of their workforce, especially their tech employees.
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