Shashi Tharoor raises concern over toxic workplaces; calls for work-life balance

NEW DELHI: Shashi Tharoor, a member of parliament raised concerns about toxic workplaces during zero hour highlighting the problems faced by young professionals. However, his speech was interrupted after 30 seconds by the chair. He later shared the full text of his address on his official X account.

“Tried to raise under Zero Hour the problems of young professionals in toxic workplaces. The chair began interrupting me after 30 seconds, so I am posting below the full text that I attempted to deliver,” Tharoor posted on X.

Addressing the deaths of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a chartered accountant, and other professionals across the country, Tharoor urged the minister of labour and employment to implement measures that promote work-life balance.

Tharoor said, “I met her parents and was moved by their anguish and their wish that other parents should not suffer as they have”. He emphasised that these tragedies reflect a systemic failure to safeguard the well-being of young professionals who are instrumental in driving our nation's growth and prosperity.

Impact on workforce sustainability

Tharoor pointed to alarming statistics, including data from the International Labour Organisation that shows 51% of India’s workforce exceeds 49 working hours per week, making India second globally for excessive work hours. He also referred to a recent study indicating that 78% of Indian employees experience job burnout, resulting in physical and emotional exhaustion.

“The unchecked culture of overwork and lack of work-life balance can cause severe health issues including hypertension, diabetes, anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders, threatening the sustainability of our thriving workforce,” text shared by Tharoor read.

Also read JNU forms panel to explore feasibility of in-house entrance test for select PhD programmes

Grievance redressal mechanism

To address these issues, Tharoor urged the ministry to implement and enforce strict laws that restrict working hours. He further said these legal measures must be complemented by mandatory sensitisation workshops, counselling services, and well-being activities for employees and management to emphasise the importance of work-life balance for physical and mental health

“I also urge the Minister to establish a grievance redressal mechanism through surveys, annual reports, and anonymous feedback channels which can be overseen by the internal committees, formed within organisations, operating under Ministry-guided protocols,” Tharoor added in his text.