We Need to Address India’s Workplace Culture
Why in News?
In September, the mother of Anna Sebastian, the young chartered accountant who passed away in July allegedly due to work stress, said, “They say we have received freedom in 1947, but our children are still working like slaves.” Her anguished cry goes to the heart of the issue of workplace culture in India’s corporate world.
Work Culture
Work culture refers to the overall environment and atmosphere of an organization, determined by various factors such as leadership practices, employee behavior, workplace facilities, and organizational policies. When these elements come together harmoniously, they create a healthy work environment that benefits everyone involved.
In a healthy workplace culture, employee behaviors and company policies are aligned with the organization's goals, while also prioritizing the well-being of individuals. This balance is essential for fostering a positive and productive atmosphere.
Importance of Positive Work Culture
- Better Hiring Choices: Healthy work cultures attract like-minded professionals who share similar values and goals. This alignment makes it easier to find candidates who will thrive in the organization and contribute to its success.
- Employee Happiness: A workplace culture that recognizes and appreciates its employees fosters a sense of meaning and pride in their work. When employees feel valued, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated, leading to higher levels of satisfaction.
- Employee Retention: Good work cultures provide stability and growth opportunities for talented employees. When individuals feel supported and see a clear path for advancement, they are more likely to stay with the company long-term.
- Performance Quality: The work atmosphere plays a crucial role in motivating employees to invest in their work. A positive environment encourages individuals to give their best effort, leading to improved performance and overall quality of work.
- Reputation: An enjoyable workplace environment is a valuable asset for attracting top talent. A strong reputation for having a positive work culture can set a company apart in a competitive job market.
About Toxic Work Culture
A toxic working environment is characterized by negative attitudes, behaviors, and practices that undermine an employee's overall well-being, job satisfaction, and productivity. Such an environment can have detrimental effects on both the mental and physical health of employees, as well as the overall effectiveness of the company.
Work Culture in India
According to the International Labour Organisation Report, India has the most overworked workforce in Asia, with a significant portion of employees working over 49 hours weekly. The 2023 report on India's Best Workplaces in Health and Wellness indicates a decline in workplace wellness scores across industries, particularly in areas such as mental health support, professional growth, and effective management.
Higher Ranked Industries: Construction, infrastructure, real estate, and retail sectors have been recognized for their better workplace practices.
Low Ranked Industries: NGOs, education and training, and professional services have received lower ratings in terms of workplace wellness.
Attributes of Toxic Work Culture
Components of Healthy Work Environment
- Encourage Open Communication: Workplaces should focus on maintaining clear and honest communication by setting up regular feedback sessions and constructive discussions for sharing concerns.
- Support Work-life Balance: To promote a good work-life balance, companies can offer flexible working hours, options for remote work, paid time off, a five-day work week, and designated 'no meeting' days.
- Lead by Example: Leaders play a crucial role in shaping workplace culture. It is vital to build loyalty and trust within the team by demonstrating positive behavior and valuing employee growth.
- Set Clear Policies and Code of Conduct: Having a well-defined code of conduct, which includes policies against bullying, harassment, discrimination, and workplace politics, helps in managing inappropriate behavior.
- Prioritize Employee Well-Being: A healthy work environment should include a safe and comfortable workspace, opportunities for breaks and movement, and access to mental health resources like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or mental health days to combat stress and burnout.
- Foster Interpersonal Trust: Companies should organize team-building activities or social events to create a sense of community and belonging among employees.
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The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 5th November 2024
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New Trends In Work Place Culture
- Hybrid Workplace: Workplaces globally have adjusted to a mixed-style of working after COVID-19, where working from home and the office has become a normal practice.
- AI Reshaping Work: Artificial Intelligence is changing job roles to include new tasks, such as using GenAI tools. This helps employers reduce the time it takes for workers to become skilled in new technologies and specializations.
- Decreasing Workweeks: More individuals are asking for shorter workweeks. The standard workweek has already shifted from six days to five. A four-day workweek, which used to seem unusual, may soon become standard.
- Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs): Large companies like Google and Accenture have started to remove many degree requirements from their job listings to attract talented individuals who do not have a degree.
Constitution on Healthy Work Environment
The Constitution of India establishes the Directive Principles of State Policy, which outline goals for a healthy work environment.
- Article 43: Workers are entitled to a living wage and working conditions that guarantee a decent standard of living.
- Article 42: Provides for just and humane working conditions along with maternity relief.
- Article 43-A: The government will take measures to ensure that employees can participate in the management of businesses and organizations in any industry.
- Fundamental Right: The right to work and have a healthy working environment is a fundamental right under Article 21.
- The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2019:
- Coverage: This code applies to establishments that have at least 10 workers.
- Working Hours: The working hours for different types of establishments and employees will be set by the central or state government.
- Overtime Work: Workers must be paid twice their daily wage for overtime, and they need to give their consent before working overtime.
- Female workers are allowed to work past 7 PM and before 6 AM with their consent and if the government approves it.
- Leave: Workers cannot be made to work more than six days a week and are entitled to one day of leave for every 20 days of work in a year.
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Way Forward
- Acknowledge Employee Feedback: Companies should respond quickly, thoroughly, and with care to employee complaints, treating all feedback seriously.
- Preventative Measures: Establish policies and programs aimed at preventing future issues, including anti-bullying training and clear ways for employees to communicate concerns.
- Corrective Actions: Find out the causes of negative behavior and take suitable corrective steps, such as disciplinary actions, conflict resolution, or cultural training.
- Framework for Well-Being: All stakeholders, including lawmakers, businesses, labor groups, and mental health advocates, should work together to create a complete framework that supports worker well-being. This includes updating labor laws to match current situations, like remote work, and enforcing stricter penalties for companies that break these laws.
- Cultural Shift: The trend in corporate India to praise long working hours needs to be questioned. Instead, companies should value their employees' personal time.
- Stop Victim Blaming: The common belief that work stress is solely the employee's fault and that any problems are not the organization's concern should change to promote better discussions on the issue.
- Example: Dismissing Anna Sebastian's death as a lack of inner strength is a troubling viewpoint that needs to be addressed.