Workplace stress is a harsh reality that needs to be addressed both at the individual level as well as by the management, said mental health experts on 19 March, amid the recent news of two recent deaths due to stress at work: one by heart attack and another by suicide.

Dr. Rajiv Mehta, Chairman of Psychiatry, at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said that overwork, interpersonal relations at work, deadlines, long working and travelling time, all play major roles in building workplace stress.

However, the results are drastic, which include: “burnouts and depression, and addiction to smoking and alcohol. Interpersonal relations at home go haywire. And there is also the risk of the early emergence of medical diseases like diabetes, hypertension, back pains, etc.”

So what can be the solutions:

Dr Rajiv stressed the need to “be assertive and set boundaries in the workplace relationship. Saying no is equally important as saying yes to work.”

“When at work, take a round of 15-20 minutes in which you walk between your work hours so that there is movement in the body which will reduce the stress away from your desk and office people,” added Dr Divya Mohindroo, a counselling psychologist.

The experts also emphasised the role of office management and co-workers in helping employees remain stress-free.

“Management needs to be emphatic towards employees and know their limitations rather than burdening them with excessive work,” Dr Rajiv said.

“All professionals should share their work responsibilities with colleagues at work and family members at home, which will help them not only be accountable but also feel light about their life and tasks in hand,” said Dr Divya.

The experts also suggested “Work-life balance: Regular yoga/exercise, balanced eating, spending time with family and friends, proper sleep, hydration, and regular breaks and holidays. They also called for “taking timely help from a mental health professional”, he said.