Burnout is the New Badge of Honour and That’s a Problem

There was a time when burnout raised red flags. Today, it’s often worn as a badge of honour. Somewhere along the way, hustle culture blurred the lines between commitment and chronic exhaustion, making it feel like being constantly tired is the price of ambition.  

If you’re not running on empty, are you even trying? Do you even care about your future? But see, this mindset comes at a cost and in India, this cost is rising.  

According to a 2024 survey by UKG, over 78% of Indian employees report feeling burn out. 62% experienced high levels of work-related stress. And nearly 1 in 5 want to quit their jobs because of it. This isn’t just a mental health issue, but a work-force wide alarm bell.  

This isn’t just about mental health, it’s a workforce wide signal. A moment that calls for thoughtful, structural change.  

The good news? Employers have a real opportunity to lead this change.  

Across the country, many businesses have already started investing in wellness. From yoga sessions to meditation apps to care packages and team bonding. These efforts come from a good place, but the truth is employees today are looking for something deeper. 

We’re in the midst of a shift, from performative wellness to purposeful wellness. The kind that’s built into company culture, not just the kind that’s offered on a Friday evening.  

Because for the modern work-force, especially Gen-Z  wellness isn’t seen as a perk or a reward. It’s the foundation that makes great work possible.  

So, what does that look like in action?  

• Access to preventive and primary healthcare for every employee, not just the leadership team  

• Mental health coverage that’s usable, not just buried in policy print  

• Flexible policies that treat people like people and not just resources 

• Digital-first experiences that are accessible, intuitive, and affordable. Especially for small teams and remote workers. 

• And most importantly, benefits that fit both the employee’s needs and the employer’s cash flow 

Not only is it the right thing to do, it’s also smart business. Companies that invest in proper wellness programs report up to 22% higher productivity and 14% lower healthcare claims. Better yet, 72% of jobseekers now say health and wellness benefits are a key factor in deciding where to work.  

 We’re past the point of optional; India’s workforce is shifting. Younger employees are more vocal, more value-driven, and more likely to call out tokenism. Because when care is accessible, affordable and intentional, everybody wins.  

Employees are evolving, and many employers are too. This isn’t about adding more, it’s about aligning better to help businesses turn intention into impact.  

Burnout isn’t inevitable, but ignoring it is inexcusable. It’s time to stop treating wellness as a perk and start treating it as a baseline. Care shouldn’t be conditional; it should be cultural. Structural. Strategic.  

Because in the end, a well-rested, a well-supported employee isn’t just happier, they’re better and more efficient at everything they do. And that’s a win no perk can match. That’s the future we all want to build, and it’s entirely within reach now.  

Burnout is a growing challenge for Indian employees, but employers have the power to make a difference. Download our comprehensive report on Burying the Burnout to understand the latest trends and actionable strategies that can help your team thrive.