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From Silence to Support
In the highly competitive landscape of modern-day corporate culture, employees often struggle with work pressures, which can lead to burnout and mental exhaustion. This can be attributed to a range of factors. Some include tight deadlines often due to micromanagement and poor planning, leading to a perpetual cycle of fatigue that no one dares to question. Why? Perhaps because we have been made to believe that opposing it will make us look weak and lazy and not fit for the job.
It has been a silent struggle that often goes unnoticed and unacknowledged. It's the human spirit's struggle, the weight of expectations, and the pressure to perform.
It's disheartening to even read such cases where people with a seemingly perfect LinkedIn profile struggle with work pressure. A highly educated man, who worked in big tech giants, lived in an affluent neighborhood and founded his own company. What looks wrong? Nothing. Only that the man committed suicide.
Or what about that man who graduated from one of the topmost reputed colleges, but killed himself citing “pressure at workplace”? How does one go on to interpret it? So, is it the individual's fault? Is it the company's fault? Graduating from a top college is bad? Is competition bad? One can go on and on.
In 2017, a multinational transportation company faced scrutiny over its toxic workplace culture. There were serious allegations of harassment, discrimination, and bullying.
For long employees have been pushed to their limits. Long hours, high-pressure deadlines, and demanding performance expectations. Yet, all too often, it remains a taboo topic, relegated to the shadows and swept under the rug in the name of productivity and performance.
But the truth is, that ignoring mental health issues only perpetuates the cycle of suffering.
Who is to blame for these? As I said the list goes on and on. But what we need to focus on instead of pointing to figures is to break the stigma of openly talking about mental health and work pressure. What if we dared to break the silence? What if we peeled back the layers of corporate stoicism and embraced the raw, messy humanity that lies beneath? What if, instead of turning a blind eye to the invisible wounds carried by our colleagues, we reached out with compassion and understanding?
The answer is not to point figures and fear judgment but to create an environment to talk about it freely. You know it's okay not to be able to carry that pressure all by yourself.
Silence is not the solution. Hiding also is not.
It's time to acknowledge that mental health is not a sign of weakness, and that behind every polished resume and professional facade is a human being with fears, struggles, and vulnerabilities.
So, how can we break the walls of stigma surrounding mental health in the workplace? In my opinion, it starts with a conversation—the kind of open, honest dialogue without any fear of judgment where they feel free to show their vulnerabilities. And it doesn't stop there. It also requires concrete action in the form of mental health resources, support networks, and policies that prioritize employee well-being.
It requires creating a work environment where employees feel safe to seek help without fear of judgment or any repercussions.
And perhaps most importantly what is required is a shift in mindset.
So, let us dare to break the silence. Let us dare to speak up, to reach out, and to support one another in our struggles. In embracing that, we cultivate a healthy, productive, and resilient workforce. And in that, we find true success.
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