According to Microsoft’s latest Work Trend Index Report, excessive work-from-home arrangements are causing an increase in emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion among Indians. Microsoft has also raised a red flag about Indians facing increased burnout as a result of the lack of work-life balance and growing concerns of contracting coronavirus.
Indians facing increased burnout amid pandemic
Over the past six months, nearly one-third of workers in India have complained about increased burnout rates amid the lockdown situation, according to the company.
As per the Microsoft study, the increased burnout rates have a lot to do with the lack of separation between work duties and personal obligations.
Failing to achieve the work-life balance is negatively impacting the wellbeing of Indian workers, Microsoft has cautioned.
The Redmond-based company surveyed more than 6,000 information and first-line workers across eight countries globally including Australia, Japan, India, and Singapore.
Microsoft found that the 29 percent burnout rate among Indian workers was second-largest in Aisa.
India has topped the list of countries where workers are emotionally, physically, and mentally exhausted due to the lack of separation between work and personal life, resulting in increased stress levels.
Key findings
Following are the key findings of Microsoft’s latest Work Trend Index Report:
- The pandemic increased burnout at work – in some countries more than others.
- Causes of workplace stress differ for firstline and remote workers.
- Six months in there are more communications and fewer boundaries.
- No commute may be hurting, not helping, remote worker productivity.
- Studies show meditation can fight burnout and stress during the workday.
“As businesses adapt to a new way of working, it is important to examine the multifaceted impact that the new working conditions are having on employees,” said Samik Roy, Country Head of Modern Work at Microsoft India.
How is Microsoft addressing mental health challenges?
Microsoft has partnered with Headspace to integrate mindfulness and meditation experiences into Teams. Microsoft has also launched new Teams experiences like Together Mode to address the sense of disconnect among colleagues.
In related news, a recent Microsoft study also found that cyberbullying and workplace harassment are common during the lockdown in India.
