Indian Women in Corporate Jobs 3x More Likely Than Men to Seek Therapy

A recent survey conducted by ekincare, an AI-powered digital health platform, has uncovered a significant gender disparity in mental health consultations within India's corporate sector. The findings indicate that women are three times more likely than men to seek mental health support, despite representing only about 25% of the workforce. This underscores the heightened mental health challenges faced by women in professional environments and their greater willingness to seek help.

The Wellbeing Index at India Inc report analyzed data from over 45,000 employees across more than 90 companies spanning 15 sectors. It revealed that women accounted for over 50% of mental health consultations, with a usage rate of 11.88%, compared to 4.24% among men. This disparity highlights the pressing need for organizations to recognize and address the unique mental health needs of their female employees.

Generational differences also emerged from the survey. Employees aged 19 to 30, primarily Gen Z, exhibited the highest engagement with mental health services, with a usage rate of 9.22%. This suggests a growing openness among younger employees to discuss and address mental health concerns.

The report further identified personal stress as the primary driver for mental health consultations, accounting for over half of the 2,095 cases reported. This emphasizes the need for holistic mental wellness approaches that address both personal and professional stressors. Notably, the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors showed the greatest engagement with mental health services, likely due to increased awareness and stress levels inherent in these industries.

Despite improvements in access to mental health services, the report highlights that mere availability is insufficient. Organizations must actively work to reduce stigma and foster environments where employees feel comfortable seeking support. Noel Coutinho, cofounder and chief business officer at ekincare, emphasized the importance of organizational culture, leadership behavior, and the creation of psychologically safe environments in promoting mental well-being.

These findings align with other studies highlighting the mental health challenges faced by Indian women in the workplace.^[1] Additionally, a study revealed that stress levels among Indian working women are relatively higher than in other countries, citing factors like societal expectations, workplace harassment, and lack of proper mental health care as contributing factors. ^[2]

In conclusion, the ekincare survey sheds light on the pressing mental health needs of women in India's corporate sector. It calls for organizations to implement inclusive and accessible mental health resources, promote open conversations, and create supportive environments that prioritize the well-being of all employees.

References:

1. Sarkar S, Menon V, Padhy S, Kathiresan P. Mental health and well-being at the workplace. Indian J Psychiatry. 2024 Jan;66(Suppl 2):S353-S364. doi: 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_608_23. Epub 2024 Jan 24. PMID: 38445278; PMCID: PMC10911318.

2. Singh, G. (2023). Stress Among Working Women: A Literature Review. International Journal of Indian Psychology, 11(1), 176-182. DIP:18.01.019.2023110 1, DOI:10.25215/1101.019

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sakshi Thakar/MSM)

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