It’s been more than a year since the Covid-19 epidemic came into the world and wreaked havoc across many countries all over the world. Other than negatively impacting health, the pandemic affected society, business and economy as well. But mankind has been given the power to recover from adversity from birth. And the power to recover from adversity gains from mental health.

Mental Health: What is it defines?

The concept of mental health has evolved over the years. It defines the condition of well-being in which an individual overcome the adversities of everyday life, cope up with stress while fulfilling himself and making a positive contribution in society. A good mental health affects the feelings and emotion of the individual and can make a great impact on his lifestyle, profession and relationship. This observation is clearly visible in Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic has already forced many workers to experiment and adapt with new ways of working. They are facing challenges to work in isolation and stress which become an integral part of their day to day life. Questioning to uncertainties and thinking about their future, they are going through anxiety disorder or depression.

Study on the impacts of the Covid on workers and employers

The studies conducted across the world shows the highest number of cases on depression, anxiety suicidal thoughts among workers. Over 369 cases of suicides and suicide attempt happened during Covid, report by online news media. It also found that there are increased rate of long term sick leaves and a large number of employee absenteeism which heavily effects on company’s finances and growths.

Employees, on the other hand, are not only victims of this pandemic and financial crises, but employers and managers also suffering through it. Adapting to a new ways of work and responding to new work organisation, the morale of employers and managers are critically tested which directs to emotional and mental disorder.

A New Study

A new study finds that during Covid-19, the employers always supported the mental health of the workers but stress for employees are still continues. They are initiating to take on extra pandemic responsibilities. ADP, a payroll and HCM technology provider shared the statisticstitled ‘People at Work 2021: A Global Workforce View’. It is a data which is drew on a global study of more than 32,000 people revealed that according to 70% workers of India; their employers are supported them mentally as compared to 65% globally.

Rahul Goyal, managing director of ADP in India and Southeast Asia said that employers of India are giving more importance to workplace and workforce which is a new positive movement.

“It’s great to see so many businesses recognising the emotional and psychological toll the pandemic is having on their workforce and putting constructive measures in place to help them handle it.” “It is interesting but unsurprising to see Indian employees feel more supported compared to the rest of the world. Many Indian companies during the pandemic have helped employees with regular reach-outs, 24/7 counselling helplines and even additional leave specifically for mental well-being,” said Goyal.

Mankind has the power of adaptation but the stress caused by Covid-19 epidemic has still been a significant challenge for Indian workers to pass. ADP releases another data, stated that according to 20% of workers, since the pandemic began, it is a biggest challenge for them to stay healthy and balancing the work and family at the same time. Around 12% of workers feel that creating a safe environment for work and home is another big challenge. Stress management is another big round to clear. Over 9% of workers feel stress in maintain productivity and 7% for building relationships. Another 34% of workers say that they have already taken extra responsibilities since the pandemic. 62% of participants say in study done in globally that their employer is monitoring work attendance and time more closely which helps to increase 72% of workers in India.

Goyal further said, “Efforts to support the mental well-being to staff are positive, however employers are keeping such close tabs on attendance and time-management. This can be add to feelings of stress and anxiety for workers”. “HR departments can lead the way in improving culture and workplace practices moving forward. Understanding how teams and managers work together, and using employee data to identify opportunities for improvement, is the first step”, added Mr.Goyal.

The ADP Research Institute surveyed 32,471 workers for this study over 17 countries across the world. This survey includes 7,627 employees of Asia Pacific i.e. India, China, Australia and Singapore.

ADP’s research focuses on investigating employee’s attitude towards current ways of work during pandemic and their expectation on work in coming future.