How Can Corporate Life Affect Your Mental Health
Undoubtedly, India’s GDP has risen, all three sectors of our economy have seen a boom and of course the number of successful startups is now more than ever. However, the cases of depression, anxiety and stress related disorders too are skyrocketing, especially amongst young adults.
Almost 42% of the Indian population is engaged in corporate jobs and sometimes the work environment can get a little hard to bear. Most people work tirelessly day in and day out without even realising the value of their physical and mental health. Families are often neglected, diet is made to suffer and sleep schedules are erratic. Once in a while, we must step back and take time to reflect upon our actions. Take a break to replenish your mind and body. If you’re a corporate worker or someone to join the world soon, read on to know the reasons for mental health issues at the workplace and how to deal with them.
Reasons for mental health issues at workplace
There can be a number of reasons you might be facing psychological problems because of your corporate job. Here are some of the commonly reported ones:
- Toxic environment- Sometimes the work environment of a particular company might seem harsh to you. The people there could be too rude and not empathise with you at all. The seniors or HR could be too demanding and it is exhausting you beyond your limits. It is important to be surrounded by people who are compassionate and welcoming.
- Hectic schedule and irrational deadlines- It is often seen that companies tend to overburden their employees and set irrational deadlines for them to meet. This creates stress and a lot of mental pressure. You might have to work overtime and yet not get paid extra. This can get frustrating in the long run and affect a person’s mental health.
- Harassment- Employees especially females often face harassment at the workplace. They’re asked for physical favors in order to get better positions and salaries. This in turn can lead to serious mental health issues. It can make females feel vulnerable, guilty and shatter their self-confidence. Bullying as well is another form of harassment at the workplace. It might take a long time for the victims to completely heal and grow out of this trauma.
- Irrelevant tasks- Sometimes you might be asked to do tasks that are out of your job responsibilities. The roles could be tedious, tiring and straining for you. It is normal to work a little extra on some days but if such practices go on for long, you must learn to stand up for yourself and respectfully resist things that do not suit you.
- The pandemic- After COVID-19, people’s mental health has only deteriorated. People had to start working from their homes and the hassles became more complicated. At times there were family disturbances, lack of proper infrastructure, network issues in remote places etc.
How can you manage your mental health?
Maintaining a state of well-being and keeping your mental health in check is a skill that every individual must master. Here are some of the tips you can try to live a more healthy and meaningful life.
- Taking breaks when needed- Working and staying focused on a project can help you achieve a sense of purpose in life. However, you must not work at a stretch and get obsessed over something. Take casual breaks whenever you feel burnt out. Working for 5 or maximum 6 days per week should be your goal. The duration of your break totally depends upon you, it could be for a few hours, days or weeks. Choose whatever you want and replenish your brain cells.
- Sustainable work strategy- Adopt a sustainable strategy towards getting work done. Focus on one task at a time and ask your employees for some extra time if you feel you cannot meet the set deadlines. Talk to your HR if you feel you’re being overburdened or being asked too much. Learn to respectfully demand what’s rightfully yours.
- Communicating yourself well- Communication is the key to all successful mantras. An ability to communicate your ideas to others and in return understanding theirs is a core corporate skill. You must be a good listener and speaker to voice out your opinions and be heard. You might take some time learning this process but remember slow progress is still progress. Learn the art of communication gradually and watch how things change around you.
- If not satisfied, search for other opportunities- If you feel that you can no longer sustain in the work environment of a particular company, you can always choose to walk out. It is not quitting but it is an opportunity to take upon challenges that are more worthwhile. Do not stay in a toxic work environment for long as it not only hampers your growth but also depreciates your health. There are plenty of better jobs available that would match your profile. Try not to fixate yourself and always be confident about your skills.
- Don’t hesitate while seeking professional help- There is a lot of stigma around mental health professionals in our country. However, you should never succumb to social pressure and suffer in silence. In case you feel that your mind is cluttered and you cannot stop feeling absurd symptoms, reach for help. A mental health practitioner can facilitate you and guide the trajectory of your life in a better direction.
Conclusion
Investing yourself in a corporate job can be a lot hectic and demanding but if you establish good relations with people in your company, the journey can get a lot easier. Prioritize yourself and your mental health needs before they take a heavy toll on you. Spend some quality time with your family and try to maintain a work life balance. Take care of your well-being and your body, shall function as per you. Good mental health can improve your efficiency and productivity manifolds. Keep in mind that work is not your life but just a part of it!
Author: Hardika narang
Hi I'm Hardika Narang, a student of psychology from Chandigarh. I'm an ardent reader, writer and dreamer.
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