Deloitte’s 2024 Women @ Work Report Reveals Alarming Trends in Women’s Well-being at Work
As India Inc. strives for gender equality in the workplace, the well-being of women professionals is coming under scrutiny. Deloitte’s 2024 Women @ Work report sheds light on the challenges faced by women in the workforce, particularly in terms of mental and physical health.
According to the report, 50% of women respondents in India reported higher stress levels compared to a year ago. Despite this, only 42% of women receive adequate mental health support from their organizations. This highlights a significant gap in addressing mental health issues among women professionals.
Saraswathi Kasturirangan, Chief Happiness Officer at Deloitte India, emphasizes the need for organizations to prioritize women’s well-being at work. She suggests several strategies to address the challenges faced by women, including:
– Making counseling helplines more effective and confidential
– Creating a peer-to-peer network of mental health volunteers
– Incorporating mental health discussions into managerial check-ins
– Providing support for women facing reproductive health challenges such as menstrual disorders, menopause, and fertility issues
The report also highlights the impact of unpredictable work schedules, disproportionate caregiving responsibilities, and the inability to speak out on women’s physical well-being. It calls for organizations to make flexible work options more accessible and acceptable to all employees, regardless of gender.
In conclusion, the report underscores the importance of organizations going “all-in and all-heart” to prioritize women’s well-being at work. By addressing these challenges, women professionals can unleash their full potential and contribute effectively to the workforce.