STATISTICS: According to the Census 2011, India is a very young country. Half of its population is under the age of 25. Two-thirds are less than 35. Out of these numbers, 36% women and 67% men are employed (economically active).
Nearly 46% of the employed suffer from some form of stress. Among students, almost 66% are stressed due to performance pressure. Almost one-third of patients coming for treatment in the age group of 21-32 years suffered from work related stress.
PROBLEM: Decreasing levels of productivity & efficiency at workplace (office/ college/ institutes) and lack of human interaction due to social movement.
As a fast growing economy with high levels of competition and multiple global recession cycles, work related stress is becoming more common and less acceptable at Indian workplaces such as offices and higher educational institutes. This coupled with a changing social fabric and social practises, which play a role in personal lives, has a direct impact on the physical, mental and emotional health of the workforce at all levels. Stress is the number one lifestyle risk factor, ranking above physical inactivity and obesity among Indian employees.
It is predicted that by 2025, the so called 'Young India workforce' contributing about 57% of the population will be suffering from lifestyle related diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and obesity. This can be seen as high risk elements in the overall health and wellness that will impact the young working individuals.
NEED:
While Indian employers lead their regional counterparts in developing strategies to manage work-related stress, only 38 percent identified improving the emotional/mental health of employees (i.e. lessening the stress and anxiety) as a top priority of their health and productivity programs. In a challenging economic scenario, where companies are stretched to balance costs and maximise productivity, employers need to identify specific triggers that impact employee wellness, engagement and in turn productivity - failing which, they run the risk of diverting time and resources to fixing non-critical issues and alienating their workforce at the same time. This signals a vast scope for improvement in strategic initiatives aimed at tackling stress among Indian working professionals and students.
CAUSES of work-related stress
METHODS being followed in India
i) Bring about a modification in the current system of educational institutes and professional workplaces by stressing on the importance of this service for the students and working professionals
ii) Reaching out to policy makers to include such spaces as a mandatory requirement for each institute and organization
i) Self driven activities that foster a sense of achievement and accomplishment to the user
ii) Promoting participation at all levels of sharing with regard to co-creation among the group of individuals
i) Brings together people from different cultural backgrounds at a single place
ii) People can relate to the activities as it reminds them of their childhood, and hence creates a social connect to the space and service
i) To introduce it as an integral part of the infrastructure of each educational institute, offices and commercial spaces
ii) Create a system of planning spaces in such a manner that these kind of service can also be included and operated efficiently
i) Production of collaterals for the brand and service. Organziations like Manav Sadhna/ Blind School Association can be involved in the production to add value
ii) The merchandise can be sold at the institute and proceeds can go in conducting promotional events for the service to spread awareness among the society with regard to mental health
i) Trained professionals are invited to share their skills through workshops at various institutions, as part of de-stressing activities
ii) Training of staff for managing the space and conducting the service effectively
iii) The space planning and development of activities for the service has been done through design intervention in the form of mapping user journey and spatial experience
i) The service involves the guidance of professional counsellors who help add value to each of the elements proposed for the service
ii) Volunteers from various institutes or even outside an organization can contribute by sharing their knowledge in the improvement of the service