Indian Employees Face Burnout Crisis: Call for Improved Wellness Programs

A report by MediBuddy and CII reveals that 62% of Indian employees experience burnout, significantly higher than the 20% global average. Factors include work-related stress and poor work-life balance. The report stresses the necessity for tailored wellness programs and more comprehensive employer-provided healthcare options.

A shocking 62 per cent of Indian employees experience burnout, tripling the global average of 20 per cent, due to work-related stress and inadequate work-life balance, according to a report by MediBuddy and CII.

The report, released on Friday, highlighted that job seekers place high importance on employee wellness programmes when making career decisions. Titled 'Mapping India's Corporate Health and Wellness Landscape', it underscored the critical need for customised wellness initiatives based on employee demographics and personalised prevention strategies.

The findings show that 71 per cent of employees spend around 5 per cent of their annual income on out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, highlighting the necessity for more comprehensive employer-provided healthcare options. Only 24 per cent of employees are satisfied with current workplace health initiatives, signalling a considerable gap between employee needs and available corporate wellness programmes.

The report also emphasised that effective wellness programmes should extend benefits to employees' loved ones, including dependents, and offer convenient options like tele consultations. Employees favour adaptable wellness programmes that provide flexible work options, virtual fitness classes, and mental health apps.

'The landscape of employee well-being is evolving rapidly; traditional wellness initiatives, while valuable, are no longer enough. This report highlights a significant opportunity for Indian corporations to enhance their approach to employee health and wellness,' said MediBuddy Co-founder & CEO Satish Kannan.

The report aims to guide the transformation of corporate wellness in India, offering insights that can shape its future, Kannan added. The report drew on data from employees of almost 1,000 companies using MediBuddy's services.