86% of Indians Feel They Are “Suffering” or “Struggling” at Their Workplace: Gallup State of the Global Workplace Report

India, celebrated for its dynamic startup ecosystem and growing corporate sector, is grappling with a significant workplace crisis. 

The 2024 Gallup State of the Global Workplace report reveals that a staggering 86% of Indians feel they are either "suffering" or "struggling" at work. 

This stark figure is alarmingly higher than the global average of 34%, painting a grim picture of employee well-being in one of the world's fastest-growing economies.

The Gallup report categorizes respondents into three groups based on their mental health and well-being: thriving, struggling, or suffering. 

To be classified as "thriving," employees had to rate their current life situation positively (7 or higher) and have an optimistic outlook for the next five years. 

Conversely, those with negative or uncertain perceptions of their present and future life situations, often coupled with stress and financial worries, fell into the "struggling" or "suffering" categories.

In India, only a mere 14% of employees feel they are "thriving" at their workplace. 

This is significantly lower than the global average, indicating a severe disconnect between Indian workers and their work environments.

One of the primary factors contributing to the dismal state of workplace satisfaction in India is poor employee engagement. 

The report reveals that 48% of India’s workforce lacks engagement in their roles, while only 32% feel actively engaged. 

Although this is higher than the global average of 23%, it still leaves a substantial portion of the workforce feeling disengaged.

Employee engagement is crucial as it reflects the commitment and motivation employees feel towards their tasks, directly influencing productivity and job satisfaction. 

Archana, a marketing supervisor based in Delhi, encapsulates this sentiment: "I am getting a salary from this work. So, I have to do it, but there is a bit of boredom in doing the same work every day." 

This sense of monotony and lack of enthusiasm is pervasive among Indian employees.

The well-being of Indian employees is further marred by heightened negative emotions at work. 

According to the report, around 35% of Indian employees experience daily anger at work, the highest in South Asia. 

Additionally, 31% report deteriorating mental health, including anxiety and depression. 

These figures highlight the urgent need for mental health support in the workplace.

Loneliness is another significant issue, with 29% of workers in South Asia feeling lonely. 

The report indicates that remote work exacerbates these feelings, with 25% of remote workers reporting loneliness compared to 16% of on-site workers. 

Younger employees, particularly those under 35, are more affected by isolation, with both men and women equally impacted.

The report also underscores a high rate of job dissatisfaction and turnover intentions among Indian employees. 

Despite 57% viewing the job market favorably, 52% are actively seeking new opportunities. 

This is slightly lower than the regional average but still a cause for concern for employers.

Gallup’s global research director, Rajesh Srinivasan, emphasized the critical need for employers to engage and support their workforce more effectively. 

"The region’s high rate of employees looking to leave their current positions underscores the critical need for employers to engage and support their workforce more effectively," he stated.

To combat this crisis, Gallup recommends that employers prioritize creating effective teams and offering benefits and flexibility to enhance employee well-being. 

Addressing dissatisfaction in the workplace can significantly reduce stress levels and negative emotions, thereby improving overall job satisfaction and productivity.

"Employers should provide appropriate benefits and flexibility to support employee well-being without neglecting their greatest lever on employee life evaluation: building productive, high-performing teams," the report suggests.

The findings of the Gallup report serve as a wake-up call for Indian employers. 

The high levels of employee dissatisfaction and mental health struggles cannot be ignored. 

Employers must take proactive steps to improve engagement, provide mental health support, and foster a positive work environment. 

By doing so, they can help their employees transition from "struggling" or "suffering" to "thriving," ultimately benefiting both the workforce and the broader economy.