Thiruvananthapuram, February 28: A recent survey by the Kerala Youth Commission has unveiled alarming levels of workplace stress among young employees in the state, particularly within the IT and media sectors.
The detailed findings were presented by Kerala Youth Commission Chairman M Shajar to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday. State Minister for Fisheries, Culture, and Youth Affairs, Saji Cheriyan, was also present during the event.
High Stress in IT and Media Sectors
The survey highlighted that a significant 84.3 percent of young IT professionals and 83.5 percent of employees in the media industry reported experiencing substantial stress related to their work environment. Not far behind were those in the banking and insurance sectors, with 80.6 percent reporting high stress, while 75.5 percent of employees in the gig economy also expressed concerns about stress levels.
In contrast, retail and industrial sector employees reported relatively lower stress levels compared to their counterparts in other surveyed sectors.
Age and Gender Insights
The Kerala Youth Commission’s survey involved 1,548 employees aged between 18 to 40 years, across five key sectors: IT, media, gig economy, retail/industrial, and banking/insurance. It found that individuals aged 30-39 experienced the highest levels of stress among all respondents.
Notably, the data indicated a marginally higher prevalence of stress among women employees (74.7 percent) compared to men (73.7 percent). Moreover, a substantial majority of respondents (68.25 percent) across both genders highlighted compromised work-life balance due to excessive workloads.
Recommendations for Stress Reduction
In addressing these concerns, the report recommended several actionable steps. It urged businesses to introduce efficient and active recreational spaces within workplaces, aiming to help employees manage stress and achieve relief during busy schedules.
The Commission emphasized the importance of appointing dedicated mental health officers—ideally organizational psychologists—in large corporations to monitor and promote employee well-being proactively.
For smaller enterprises and start-ups, the survey suggested government intervention by providing expert guidance and resources, enabling businesses lacking the capacity to independently implement wellness initiatives to address employee stress effectively.
Government-Mandated Mental Health Coverage
Additionally, the report proposed making mental health insurance a mandatory component of employee benefits. Such policies should cover therapy, counselling, and psychiatric treatment, thus ensuring comprehensive support for employees facing mental health challenges.
Upcoming National Seminar
To further deliberate on these findings, a national seminar titled “Modern World of Work and Mental Health of Youth”will be organized at Kazhakkoottam on March 3 and 4. Experts and stakeholders are expected to discuss strategies to improve mental health conditions for Kerala's youth workforce.
This survey underscores the critical need for immediate measures to enhance workplace mental health across sectors, ensuring a healthier and more productive workforce in Kerala.