The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 5th November 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

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

• Non-Inclusiveness: Toxic work cultures often exhibit inequities by discriminating against individuals based on factors such as LGBTQ status, disability, caste, religion, gender, age, favoritism, and nepotism. Inclusiveness and diversity are crucial for a healthy work environment.
• Unethical Work Culture: Promoting unethical conduct, dishonesty, and a lack of regulatory compliance contributes to a toxic atmosphere. Employees should feel that their workplace adheres to ethical standards and legal requirements.
• Cutthroat Competition: Backstabbing behavior and office politics fueled by ruthless competition create a hostile environment. Healthy competition should encourage collaboration rather than undermining colleagues.
• No Recognition or Appreciation: Lack of recognition and appreciation for employees' work and progress can lead to decreased productivity for both the company and the individual. Valuing and acknowledging contributions is essential for motivation.
• High Turnover Rates: A revolving door of employees due to microaggressions and workplace politics can lead to absenteeism and increased turnover rates. A stable workforce is crucial for organizational success.
• Corporate Donkeys: Indian corporate employees are often viewed as "corporate donkeys" due to the glorified culture of being overworked and underpaid. This perception highlights the need for a better work-life balance.
• No Work-Life Balance: A culture that discourages taking breaks or personal days and focuses solely on work can lead to burnout and exhaustion. Work-life balance is vital for employee well-being.
• Culture of Blame: A culture where employees fear making mistakes can stifle innovation and growth. Encouraging a culture of learning from mistakes is essential for progress.
• Micromanagement: Micromanagement, where management does not trust employees to perform their jobs, can hinder creativity and lead to job alienation. Empowering employees fosters a more positive work environment.
• Discrimination and Harassment: Discriminatory behavior such as gender bias, caste bias, verbal abuse, and intimidation can create feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety. Zero tolerance for such behavior is crucial for a healthy workplace.
• Unrealistic Expectations: Setting unattainable goals or deadlines and promoting toxic positivity while dismissing valid concerns can create a stressful and unproductive environment. Setting realistic and achievable targets is essential for employee satisfaction.

• Overall, addressing these attributes is crucial for fostering a positive and productive work culture.

• Impacts

  • Toxic Work Environment: A toxic workplace leads to various health issues. According to a 2022 report from the McKinsey Health Institute, over 60% of negative outcomes in workplaces come from toxicity.
  • Physical Health Effects:
    • Headaches, tiredness, and general body aches
    • Problems with sleep, including insomnia
    • Burnout affects more than 62% of employees in India, which is three times higher than the global average, as reported by the ILO.
    • Unhealthy ways to cope, like using drugs or alcohol
  • Mental Health Issues:
    • Increased levels of stress and higher chances of anxiety and depression
    • A widespread feeling of negativity, doubt, and low morale
    • Loss of motivation and reduced productivity
    • Suicides: In 2022, data from the National Crime Records Bureau showed that 38.5% of suicide cases related to work stress were among individuals aged 18-30.
  • Impact on Organizations:
    • Higher rates of absenteeism and employee turnover, which negatively affect productivity
    • Harm to the organization’s reputation and the company’s goodwill
  • Social Behavior Changes:
    • Increased conflicts and arguments between coworkers
    • Less teamwork and strained relationships among colleagues
    • Feelings of isolation or withdrawal from group activities

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. 

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. 

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.