Challenges Faced by Women Professionals in Indian Workplaces and Strategies for Well-being
India Inc. is making strides towards achieving equitable gender representation in the workplace, but the well-being of women professionals is still a major concern. Saraswathi Kasturirangan, Chief Happiness Officer at Deloitte India, sheds light on key well-being issues and offers potential solutions.
One of the major challenges faced by women professionals is high stress levels and the stigma surrounding mental health. According to Deloitte’s 2024 Women @ Work report, 50% of women in India have reported increased stress levels compared to the previous year, yet only 42% receive adequate mental health support. To address this issue, organisations can take several steps:
1. Make counselling helplines more effective by emphasizing confidentiality and inviting counsellors to explain the process.
2. Create a peer-to-peer network of mental health volunteers who are trained to provide support.
3. Make mental health a managerial priority by including discussions on well-being in check-ins.
Reproductive health challenges such as menstrual disorders, menopause, and fertility issues also impact women in the workplace. To support women facing these issues, organisations can provide customised health check-ups, access to doctors, and expert-hosted sessions addressing their unique needs. Additionally, implementing a well-being leave policy can allow women to take time off for physical and mental health reasons.
Furthermore, the survey highlighted that unpredictable schedules, disproportionate caregiving responsibilities, and the inability to discuss work-life balance with managers are hindering women’s physical well-being. Organisations can address these issues by ensuring flexible work options are easily accessible and acceptable, and by promoting equal caregiving and parental benefits for all genders.
In conclusion, prioritising women’s well-being at work is crucial for unleashing their full potential. By implementing strategies to support mental and physical health, organisations can create a more inclusive and supportive workplace for women professionals.
