Study Finds High Job Stress Among Youth in IT & Media Sectors

A survey by the Youth Commission of Kerala indicates that many young employees in the IT sector (84.3 %) and Media sector (83.5%) seem to report excessive work related stress in the state of Kerala.

The survey was presented by Chairman of Youth Commission of Kerala M Shajar to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan along with Minister for Fisheries, Culture and Youth Affairs Saji Cheriyan on Thursday.

In addition, the survey also reported that 80.6% of employees from the banking and insurance sector as well as 75.5% from the gig economy reported work related stress. 

As reported in the summary of the survey conducted among employees aged between 18 and 40 years, employees from the retail and industrial sectors exhibited comparatively lower levels of work stress.  

A total of 1,548 employees from five sectors— IT, media, retail, and banking as well as the gig economy participated in the survey. 

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The study showed that respondents aged 30-39 years experienced the most work related stress. Slightly more women (74.7%) reported stress compared to men (73.7%).

A majority of both women and men said that their work-life balance is adversely affected due to workload. This accounts for about 68.25 percent of the respondents.

The report suggested that relaxation zones that address occupational stress and give respite from overwhelming workloads should be crafted in offices. This would result in more effective and beneficial use of the employees’ free time.

It also said that large companies should be encouraged to employ a mental health specialist, preferably an organizational psychologist, who will take charge of all employee well-being activities.

The government can use similar approaches for providing expert assistance to the small businesses and start-up firms that do not have the ability to execute such schemes, it said. 

The report further recommended the provision of comprehensive treatment including therapy, counselling as well as psychiatric treatment under the insurance scheme to be made compulsory for all employees’ mental health.

The commission has announced that a national seminar on modern world of work and mental health of youth will take place here at Kazhakkoottam on March 3 and 4 in order to deliberate on the findings of the survey.