Indian women more stressed at work than men, says report
Female employees are grappling with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt as they navigate the challenges of the workplace
Stress is becoming an overwhelming issue for women in India’s workforce, as they navigate demanding jobs and unpaid domestic responsibilities, says a report by YourDost, that a mental health organisation. The pressure to excel in both spheres takes a severe toll on their mental and physical well-being.
YourDost says it surveyed more than 5,000 Indian professionals with nearly three quarters of the female respondents reporting high stress levels. In contrast, around 53.64 pc of men answered the question in a similar manner.
The report highlights that stress is not merely an individual concern but a systemic issue within organisations. Women cited key contributors to their stress, including a lack of work-life balance, feelings of being undervalued and the fear of judgment in their professional environments. Many employees are grappling with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt as they navigate the challenges of the workplace.
The report seems to resonate with young professionals contacted by Media India Group.
“I used to be a confident and happy person, brimming with enthusiasm for life and my career. I had dreams and aspirations and I believed in my abilities. However, since I started my job, it feels like that vibrant person has faded away. Each day is a new battle against the pressure and constant criticism. I find myself second-guessing everything I do and the self-doubt creeps in, whispering that I am just not good enough,” Rumaisa Lone, 29-year-old Counsellor at Byjus Classes, an online education platform, tells Media India Group.
“I have gone from being someone who believed in her potential to someone who feels like a zero in her company. The constant demands and high expectations have taken a toll on my mental health. I never imagined I would struggle with feelings of worthlessness in a place where I should be growing and learning. I want to regain my confidence, but it is hard when the environment feels so discouraging,” she adds.
The media sector, often glamourised, is not immune to the stress and pressures faced by employees in other industries. One media professional candidly expressed her struggles with the relentless demands of the job.
“Working in the media, I thought I would thrive in a fast-paced environment, but the reality has been overwhelming. I feel like I am constantly racing against deadlines and the pressure to produce flawless content has taken a toll on my mental health. I used to be proud of my creativity and passion, but now I often question my worth and abilities. I feel like I am losing my voice in a field that should empower me. I long for a balance between my career and my well-being, but it feels like an uphill battle. It is a tough world out there and I know I am not alone in feeling this way,” Qurat-ul Nisa , 26, who works as a Reporter tells Media India Group.
According to report, significant number of women in the workforce are grappling with the challenges of achieving work-life balance, with 18 pc reporting difficulty in juggling personal and professional responsibilities, compared to just 12 pc of men. This lack of balance is recognised as one of the leading contributors to stress among women, exacerbated by factors such as a lack of recognition, low morale and the fear of being judged.
These pressures create a challenging environment, especially for those who manage both home and work responsibilities, making it increasingly difficult to maintain mental well-being. As one employee shared, the struggle to balance these demands can lead to feelings of overwhelm and anxiety.
“Juggling both work and home has become a relentless challenge. I wake up early to prepare breakfast, get my kids ready for school, and then rush to meet deadlines at the office. By the time I get home, I am exhausted, yet the evening is filled with chores cooking, cleaning, helping with homework. There are days when I feel like I am constantly being pulled in different directions,” Sharon Charan, a 33-year-old Customer Service Representative at a bank, tells Media India Group.
Women still bear a significantly heavier load when it comes to unpaid domestic work. Globally, women spend three times more time on household tasks compared to men. In India, this disparity widens drastically, with women dedicating ten times more hours to domestic chores.
“The pressure to excel at work while also being the perfect parent and homemaker is exhausting. I often find myself lying awake at night, anxious about all the things I didn’t accomplish or the tasks awaiting me the next day. I want to be present for my family, but I also want to succeed in my career. This constant juggling act is leaving me feeling stressed and anxious. It is a struggle to maintain any sense of balance, and some days it feels impossible. I just wish there was more support for people like me who are trying to do it all,” Charan adds.
According to doctors, stress is a silent threat that doesn’t just take a toll on mental health it impacts the body in profound ways. It has been linked to cardiovascular diseases, eating disorders, menstrual irregularities, skin and hair problems and even more severe health challenges.
A report by the San Francisco Spine Pain Relief Centre says that stress can disrupt the body’s neurochemical balance, affecting reproductive health. In women, it can cause the fallopian tubes and uterus to spasm, hindering egg implantation and potentially leading to negative pregnancy outcomes.
While stress affects everyone, its impact is often more intense on women. They report higher rates of stress-related symptoms, including headaches, sadness, irritability, fatigue, and stomach issues. According to a study by the University of California, San Francisco, stress also places women at a greater risk of developing chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes and anxiety disorders.
“I never realised how stress could affect my health until I started experiencing severe headaches, mood swings, and irregular menstrual cycles. It feels like my body is constantly fighting against me. The anxiety and physical symptoms make it hard to function daily, and it is even impacting my confidence at work and home. It is a vicious cycle that I am desperate to break, but the pressure just keeps mounting,”Aasian Bodra, a 27-year-old resident of Noida near Delhi, tells Media India Group.
The rising stress levels among women in the workforce are a serious concern, driven by the pressures of balancing personal and professional responsibilities. It is essential for employers to foster supportive environments that prioritse mental health and offer better work-life balance, ensuring that women can thrive both at home and at work.
