October Health – 2025 Report

Burnout in India

The leading cause of burnout stress in India is excessive workloads and long working hours, often exacerbated by high competition and the pressure to perform. Factors like a lack of work-life balance, inadequate support from management, and job insecurity also significantly contribute to burnout among the workforce. Organizations can address these issues through better workload management, employee support programs like those offered by October and October, and fostering a more balanced work culture.

Burnout Prevalence
7.52%
Affected people
4,136,000

Impact on the people of India

Effects of High Burnout Stress on Health and Personal Lives

Health Effects

  1. Physical Symptoms

    • Chronic fatigue
    • Sleep disturbances
    • Headaches and gastrointestinal issues
  2. Mental Health Issues

    • Increased anxiety and depression
    • Decreased concentration and cognitive function
    • Heightened feelings of helplessness
  3. Weakened Immune System

    • Greater susceptibility to illness and infections

Personal Life Effects

  1. Relationship Strain

    • Withdrawal from social interactions
    • Increased conflicts and irritability with family and friends
  2. Reduced Life Satisfaction

    • Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
    • A sense of disconnection from personal goals and values
  3. Workplace Impact

    • Decreased productivity and performance
    • Higher absenteeism and turnover intentions

For individuals or companies experiencing burnout, utilizing services like those provided by October and October can help foster a healthier workplace environment and address mental health needs through group sessions and assessments.

Impact on the India Economy

  • Reduced Productivity: Employees experiencing burnout often show decreased efficiency, leading to lower output and quality of work.

  • Increased Turnover: High burnout rates can result in higher employee turnover, leading to increased hiring and training costs for companies.

  • Higher Healthcare Costs: Burnout can lead to physical and mental health issues, increasing healthcare costs for employers and the economy.

  • Loss of Talent: Companies may struggle to retain skilled workers, resulting in a loss of institutional knowledge and competitive advantage.

  • Economic Slowdown: When a large portion of the workforce is affected by burnout, it can slow down overall economic growth due to decreased consumer spending and lower employment rates.

Encouraging mental health support programs, such as those offered by October, can help mitigate these effects by addressing burnout in the workplace.

What can government do to assist?

Strategies to Lower Burnout Stress in India

  1. Promote Work-Life Balance:

    • Encourage flexible working hours and remote work options to help employees manage their personal and professional lives effectively.
  2. Implement Mental Health Initiatives:

    • Introduce programs like those offered by October, providing access to workshops and digital group sessions focused on mental health awareness and coping strategies.
  3. Encourage Regular Breaks:

    • Promote the importance of taking regular breaks during work to recharge mentally and physically.
  4. Foster a Supportive Work Environment:

    • Train managers to recognize signs of burnout and encourage open communication to create a supportive workplace culture.
  5. Provide Access to Mental Health Resources:

    • Ensure employees have access to mental health resources and services, such as counseling and therapy options, potentially through partnerships with companies like October.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

  • Flexible Work Hours: Allow employees to set their own schedules to better balance personal and work responsibilities.
  • Encourage Breaks: Promote regular short breaks during the day to help employees reset and recharge.
  • Provide Mental Health Resources: Implement programs like October’s digital group sessions and assessments to support mental health.
  • Foster Open Communication: Create a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing stressors and workload without fear of stigma.
  • Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage taking vacations and disconnecting after work hours to prevent overwork.