New Delhi: A growing number of jobseekers appear willing to talk openly about mental health at work, but that openness often comes with underlying anxieties regarding career progression. A survey conducted by Naukri involving nearly 10,000 jobseekers across eight cities and 83 industries found that 61 percent of respondents would openly disclose taking a mental health day. However, 33 percent noted that missing out on career opportunities was their primary concern when considering whether to discuss mental health in the workplace.
The findings point to an environment where conversations surrounding mental well-being are gaining momentum, though reservations regarding how employers might react persist. The survey was released ahead of World Mental Health Day, which focuses on drawing attention to mental health awareness and the necessity of supporting psychological well-being across different sectors.
For 42 percent of survey participants, a poor work-life balance stood out as the leading workplace factor negatively impacting their mental health. A lack of managerial support followed closely behind, cited by 27 percent of respondents, while heavy workloads and tight deadlines were identified by 20 percent. These insights indicate that everyday professional pressures and the struggle to maintain personal boundaries are the most significant hurdles for employees.
Despite the 61 percent who expressed willingness to be transparent about taking mental health leave, distinct fears tied to social and professional repercussions remain prevalent. One in three participants worried about losing advancement paths, and 32 percent expressed concern that management or colleagues simply would not care about their circumstances. Additionally, 19 percent feared being viewed as weak, and 16 percent worried that private struggles might turn into office gossip.
When asked what concrete actions companies could take to enhance mental well-being, 53 percent of respondents emphasized the importance of establishing clearer boundaries between professional responsibilities and personal time. Training managers to better identify the signs of burnout was selected by 22 percent of participants, while 13 percent called for dedicated mental health leave. Furthermore, 12 percent expressed a desire for improved access to professional counselling support.
The survey results collectively illustrate that while jobseekers are increasingly prepared to acknowledge mental health needs, they do not always feel secure from professional penalties. For organizations and employers, the persistent challenge lies in cultivating environments where staff can communicate openly without anxiety that doing so will jeopardize their careers.