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Why Tech Workplaces Must Prioritize Mental and Physical Health
Why Tech Workplaces Must Prioritize Mental and Physical Health

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Work gives us income, purpose, and a sense of belonging. But when work environments are stressful, unsafe, or unfair, it can seriously damage both mental and physical health. This is the central message of a 2024 report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), which looked at global workplace conditions across 183 countries over 17 years.

And the data is worrying.
 

The Cost of Unhealthy Workplaces

In 2016 alone, 1.88 million people died due to work-related causes. Among them, over 745,000 deaths were linked to working more than 55 hours a week. Long hours can raise the risk of stroke by 35% and heart disease by 17%. The burden is heavier in low- and middle-income countries, where safety rules are weak, and healthcare access is limited.

Older workers (aged 55 and above) and men face the highest risks.

These numbers are not just statistics. Every loss reflects a family left behind and a life cut short—all due to conditions we can change.
 

The Tech Industry's Silent Crisis

India’s tech industry, often admired for its growth and innovation, is now facing a crisis of a different kind extreme overwork and burnout.

A 2025 survey by Blind showed that 72% of Indian IT professionals regularly exceed the legal 48-hour workweek, and a quarter of them work over 70 hours per week. Unsurprisingly, 83% report feeling burned out.

Despite growing awareness of these issues, some business leaders continue to praise long working hours as a sign of dedication. This sends the wrong message. When employees feel they must constantly over deliver just to stay relevant, it creates a culture of fear, not productivity.

Workplace culture starts at the top. When leaders promote balance and respect for personal time, it builds a healthier, more loyal workforce. When they don't, the result is exhaustion, low morale, and high attrition.
 

Safety Risks Are Real and Deadly

Beyond mental health, unsafe working environments continue to take lives, especially in high-risk sectors like construction, mining, and manufacturing.

Incidents like the 2023 Jharkhand coal mine tragedy and the 2024 chemical plant fire in Assam highlight what can go wrong when safety rules are ignored. Exposure to harmful gasses and poor safety standards turned routine workdays into disasters.

In tech, while physical risks may be lower, psychosocial risks are high. Constant deadlines, back-to-back calls, and the always-online culture can quietly damage mental health over time.
 

Informal and Older Workers Need Better Support

More people are working into their late 50s and 60s, often because they need to. But older workers are more likely to suffer from physical strain and chronic health conditions. Without proper workplace adjustments, they're put at risk.

Similarly, over 50% of the global workforce is in informal jobs. These roles often come with no job security, no healthcare, and no protection from exploitation. Many of these workers are also supporting formal sectors like tech through contracted services.

Without targeted policies, both groups will continue to fall through the cracks.
 

The Economic Impact We Can't Ignore

Neglecting employee well-being doesn’t just harm people, it hits the economy hard.

Mental health problems cost over ₹83 lakh crore (USD 1 trillion) in productivity losses every year. Depression and anxiety alone lead to 12 billion missed workdays annually. These conditions also increase the risk of suicide, which takes over 700,000 lives globally every year.

For companies, this means higher turnover, more sick leaves, and lower performance. Investing in well-being is not just ethical it makes business sense.
 

How Tech Leaders Can Lead the Way

To fix these problems, we need a multi-layered approach:

1. Stronger Workplace Laws

Governments must update and enforce rules around work hours, breaks, and mental health support. India’s Factories Act and Companies Act must evolve to include mental well-being, not just physical safety.

2. Health-Centric Company Policies

Tech companies can lead by example:

  • Set realistic goals and deadlines.
  • Offer flexible hours or remote work options.
  • Train managers to recognize mental health struggles and provide early support.
  • Build anti-harassment systems that actually work.
  • Provide access to protective equipment and safe office setups.

3. Mental Health Support for All

This includes:

  • Running awareness programs to reduce stigma.
  • Offering confidential counseling or mental health days.
  • Supporting those with existing conditions through return-to-work programs and reasonable accommodations.

4. Walk the Talk on Leadership

Senior leaders must show—not just say—that well-being matters. That means logging off on time, respecting weekends, and making room for open conversations about stress.

5. Enforcement and Accountability

Laws mean little without checks. Regular audits, workplace inspections, and consequences for rule-breaking are essential. Mental health should be included in these evaluations.
 

A Call to Action for the Tech Sector

The WHO/ILO report makes it clear: protecting mental and physical health at work is a human right and an economic priority. Especially in fast-paced, high-demand sectors like tech, it's time to ditch the hustle culture and embrace healthier, smarter ways of working.

Here’s what tech leaders, employers, and workers can start doing today:

  • Stop glorifying overwork.
  • Set boundaries and stick to them.
  • Speak up when something feels unsafe or unfair.
  • Push for better policies inside your company.
  • Support each other not just as coworkers, but as people.

Let’s create tech workplaces where health isn’t an afterthought but a core value. Because in the end, a thriving business starts with thriving people.

 

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