YourDOST’s latest report, titled “Emotional Wellness State of Employees,” reveals significant insights into workplace stress among different age groups. According to the study, employees aged 21-30 face the highest levels of stress, with a striking 64.-% experiencing significant stress. Close behind are those aged 31-40, where 59.18% reported high stress levels. Surprisingly, employees aged 41-50 were found to be the least stressed demographic.

The findings suggest that younger employees may be more willing to discuss emotional and mental health compared to their older counterparts. However, they also indicate that younger employees face heightened stress due to familial, social, and other personal pressures.

Dr Jini Gopinath, Chief Psychology Officer at YourDOST, said, “The shift in workplace dynamics, the evolution of remote and hybrid work models, has had an impact on the 21-30 age demographic. To support them, organizations should prioritize regular communication and engagement. Implementing frequent pulse surveys allows us to keep a finger on the pulse of our employees’ needs and challenges. We’ve also seen hosting regular webinars and company-wide programs fosters a sense of community and synergy, bridging the gap between age groups”

The report highlights key reasons for seeking counseling among employees, with self-improvement (35%) and relationship issues (33%) ranking highest, followed by career anxiety. This underscores the necessity for comprehensive employee support programs covering diverse areas such as career counseling, mental health, diversity, and personal development.

Additionally, the study reveals that women experience higher levels of stress than men in the workplace. A significant 72.2% of female respondents reported high stress levels, compared to 53.64% of male respondents. Factors contributing to this gender disparity include lack of work-life balance, insufficient recognition, low morale, and fear of judgment.

Overall, the report identifies a concerning 31% year-on-year increase in employees reporting high to extreme stress levels, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions to support emotional well-being in the workplace.

“Organizations must implement comprehensive strategies that go beyond DEI workshops for women.  By implementing targeted leadership development programs, fostering mentorship networks, offering comprehensive maternity support, and actively addressing unconscious biases, organizations can create an environment where women not only participate but thrive”

“While we’ve seen counseling plays a huge role in balancing stress- a supportive and inclusive environment in the workplace goes a long way in helping women at work manage their responsibilities in and out of work”, Dr Gopinath added.

The report was prepared after collecting responses from over 5,000 employees across India. They work in IT and Manufacturing, Transportation, staff and recruiting, Tech and media, Legal Services, Business Consulting and Services and more.