Anto George T, Chief General Manager – HR & Operations at South Indian Bank, discusses the progress in mental health at corporates:
Ravi Lalwani: Mental health is becoming a matter of rising concern. Is it seen more among people working from home as compared to those at the workplace? Is the root cause WFH or something else?
Anto George T: Mental health challenges have shown up a lot more for people working from home. And it’s not hard to see why. While WFH offers some flexibility, it also brings this weird blend of isolation and over-connection. Many people end up working longer hours, often without realizing it, and that’s a heavy load to carry over time. Add to that the lockdowns – a time when even a simple coffee run felt like a luxury – and it is clear why stress and anxiety surged. But let’s not simplify things too much. The root cause isn’t just about working from home or the lockdown; it’s a mix. People lost that daily, in-person social connection and boundaries blurred. Unknowingly, work and life merged into one, thereby disturbing the natural rhythm of life. Resultantly, many people experienced an undercurrent of loneliness, despite work being right there, filling up the days.
Again, the lockdowns and WFH increased the penetration of technology in our lives to unmanageable levels. Over-exposure to social media has made people live in an alternate world that feeds insecurities and exaggerates them. Also, on the pretext of connecting us to the world, technology takes us away from our loved ones causing an emotional deficit. Too much reliance on technology can impact our attention spans negatively and lead to a distracted existence.
What are the differences in mental health issues of those who have reduced income vs. those who have full income?
The stress of reduced income has a way of creeping into every corner of life. When income drops, there’s this constant background noise of financial worry. Paying bills and managing daily expenses becomes more intense and personal. On the other hand, people with steady incomes, while perhaps not worried about money, still deal with pressure, but it’s more about performance or stability. The worries are different, but that doesn’t mean one group has it easy. The weight of financial stress can be very isolating, while the high expectations and demands on those who are financially stable can bring its own kind of pressure.
Some companies have introduced mental health care programs. What have been the achievements and limitations of such programs?
Mental health programs have been a positive step. They’ve given employees access to resources like counselling or stress management tools and, maybe even more importantly, started to chip away at the stigma around discussing mental health at work. That’s a win in itself. However, the impact isn’t as straightforward. Many programs feel like a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution, which doesn’t always work because people’s needs are so varied. And sometimes, these programs are seen as a quick fix, rather than a lasting commitment to well-being. For instance, while there might be counselling options, people don’t always feel comfortable reaching out – especially in more traditional industries where mental health isn’t widely talked about. So, while we’re on the right track, there’s room to make these programs more tailored and consistently supportive.
Give examples of mental health preventive and curative solutions you have seen that center around family, friends, neighbors, community groups, etc.
I’ve noticed that the most effective support often comes from close-knit networks. Think of family check-ins or neighborhood fitness classes that keep people active and connected. There’s something very grounding about these small, regular interactions that make people feel part of a community. Family plays a huge role here too; at South Indian Bank, we’ve had family wellness events where employees are encouraged to bring loved ones to health seminars or yoga sessions. It’s about reinforcing that support circle. Community groups also make a difference – local clubs, religious groups, and even hobby clubs give people a place to belong. And sometimes, just having someone around to listen makes all the difference.
Is there any pattern of distribution of mental health problems based on age, income, gender, or other parameters?
Patterns do emerge when it comes to mental health. Younger employees, for instance, tend to experience high anxiety around career prospects and job security. Since they are early in their careers, they often find themselves having to deal with the pressures of ‘making it’ or ‘fitting in.’ Often, they find themselves under repeated pressure of having to prove their capabilities. Older employees, meanwhile, face stress around retirement, health, and sometimes, technological changes. Income level is also a pertinent dynamic. Financial stress hits those from the lower-income groups the hardest, while those from more well-to-do families may feel stressed by work expectations or having to maintain their intensity in high-demand roles.
Gender plays a role as well. Especially in a traditional society, women, for example, often carry the dual responsibilities of work and home, which can amplify stress. These aren’t hard rules, but they exhibit how mental health challenges vary by life stage and personal situation.
What is the success rate in treating mental health problems? Is it going up, down, or unchanged?
Treatment success rates are known to be gradually improving, which is encouraging. We’re seeing better outcomes due to increased awareness and more people being open to seeking help, which wasn’t the case years ago. But this success varies depending on the kind of support available. In urban areas with access to mental health resources, we find that outcomes are better. However, rural or underserved areas still lag, mainly due to limited availability of services. Overall, though, awareness about mental health is improving in India Inc. More companies are prioritizing mental health, and there’s less stigma around getting help. These are positive signs about India’s long-term progress in the field of mental health.
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