In the backdrop of the tragic incident involving a young Chartered Accountant at Ernst and Young (EY) India in Pune, who reportedly died due to severe work pressure, Delina Khongdup, a member of the National Commission for Women, has called upon the companies to urgently address employee’s concerns regarding workplace harassment including work pressure.
Addressing Assocham 5th Diversity and Inclusion Excellence Awards and Conclave 2024, she also underscored the importance of prioritising maternity benefits which is essential for fostering a supportive work environment.
Providing these benefits not only supports women during a critical life stage but also enhances overall employee well-being and job satisfaction, she said, stressing the need for diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
“This should be a constant practice in organisations for the entitlement of women and all genders. This is a human and social responsibility to achieve gender diversity for all walks of society.India has a vast diversity and there should be a feeling of inclusivity in all the places possible,” she said.
“Corporate India should recognise this inclusivity and bridge the gender balance relationship in working spaces. Harassment in the workplace and non-payment of maternity benefits should be addressed immediately for betterment.
We should apply a holistic approach to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat @2047,” Khongdup added.
Ravi Bhatnagar, Co-Chairperson, ASSOCHAM National CSR highlighted the importance of recognising employee well-being at workplaces so that gender diversity can take center stage.
Dr Shweta Sharma, a clinical psychologist and Joint Secretary Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists (IACP) while talking to The Pioneer agreed as she said that by ensuring access to maternity leave and other related support, companies can promote a culture of inclusivity and care, which ultimately benefits everyone in the organisation.
She further said that from a psychological standpoint, the importance of work-life balance in a company’s policy cannot be overstated, particularly in high-stress environments like EY India, where demanding workloads often contribute to mental health struggles. “A well-structured work-life balance policy promotes mental well-being, reducing burnout, stress, and anxiety among employees.
It allows individuals to maintain personal time for rest, relationships, and self-care, which are vital for psychological resilience. Companies that prioritize this balance can significantly improve employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention.
Encouraging staff to seek help when needed helps reduce the stigma around mental health challenges,” said Dr Sharma.
