Women at India Inc 3X more likely than men to seek mental health support: ekincare report

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“Wellbeing Index at India Inc,” based on insights from over 45,000 employees across 90+ companies and 15+ sectors. The findings bring forward compelling trends in gender gaps, generational shifts, and industry-specific mental health engagement. 
Women at India Inc 3X more likely than men to seek mental health support: ekincare report

India, May 28, 2025 (Wednesday)—  With mental health becoming a growing priority for India Inc and gaining ground in DEI policies, a key question remains: Are employees actually seeking support, and how effective is it? During Mental Health Awareness Month, ekincare, India’s leading AI-powered digital health platform released its “Wellbeing Index at India Inc” report. The report draws insights from over 45,000 employees across 90+ companies and 15+ sectors. It offers a critical look at mental health access, usage patterns, and the evolving culture of wellbeing in India Inc.

 

Key Findings from the Report:

  • Women more likely to seek support: Women, comprising only 25% of the workforce, account for over 50% of mental health consultations. Their usage rate (11.88%) is nearly three times higher than men’s (4.24%), demonstrating greater willingness among women to seek support.
  • Gen Z Is Breaking the Stigma: Employees aged 19–30 show the highest engagement, with a usage rate of 9.22%. This reflects a clear generational shift towards openness and acceptance of mental health support.
  • Personal Stress Drives Most Consultations: Out of 2,095 mental health cases reported, over half were linked to personal or emotional stress rather than workplace pressures, emphasizing the need for holistic mental wellness approaches.
  • High-Burnout Industries Report Higher Usage: Healthcare and Pharma sectors show the greatest engagement, likely due to increased awareness and stress levels.
  • Older Employees Show Lowest Uptake: Employees aged 46 and above have the lowest usage rate at just 1.62%, suggesting lingering stigma or insufficient outreach for this demographic.
  • Dr. Noel Coutinho, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer at ekincare, said “Mental health is no longer a peripheral conversation it has become central to how organizations build trust, foster engagement, and sustain performance. While access to support services has certainly improved, their true impact depends on something deeper: organizational culture, leadership behavior, and the ability to create psychologically safe environments. It’s not enough to simply offer resources; companies need to normalize their use and ensure employees feel genuinely comfortable seeking support. That’s when real change begins”

     

    Embedding mental wellness into everyday culture is critical for lasting change. The report highlights that while access to mental health services has improved, it alone is insufficient. Organizations must actively work to reduce stigma and create an environment that encourages open conversations an effort that requires strong commitment from top management to normalize mental health discussions. Tailored strategies are also necessary to engage employees across all age groups. For further insights into the evolving workplace paradigm, visit 

    PEOPLE MANAGER

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