Young professionals in India increasingly facing workplace stress: Report
Amid rapidly evolving work environments, young professionals in India are increasingly experiencing workplace stress and mental health challenges, according to a new report released on Tuesday by global technology company ADP.
Chennai: Amid rapidly evolving work environments, young professionals in India are increasingly experiencing workplace stress and mental health challenges, according to a new report released on Tuesday by global technology company ADP.
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The report highlights a growing emotional burden in modern workplaces, particularly among younger generations, revealing a stark contrast in stress levels across age groups.
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27–39 Age Group Reports Highest Stress Levels
According to the study, professionals aged 27 to 39 exhibit the highest levels of stress, with 11% experiencing high stress — exceeding the national average of 9%. In comparison, 51% of workers aged 18–26 reported better stress management capabilities.
Conversely, older professionals aged 55–64 reported significantly better stress coping, with 81% stating they feel stressed less than once a week.
Heavy Workload a Key Stress Trigger
The primary source of stress for younger employees is work overload. About 16% of individuals aged 18–26 cited excessive workloads as the main cause of stress, which is double the percentage reported by their older peers (8%).
Additionally, 67% of respondents felt judged for using flexible work arrangements, and 65% reported feeling monitored at work — both of which contribute to heightened stress levels and reduced psychological comfort.
Call for Empathetic Workplace Cultures
“These findings reveal how today’s workforce, particularly younger professionals, are navigating a complex and emotionally demanding work environment,” said Rahul Goyal, Managing Director of ADP India and Southeast Asia.
Goyal emphasized the need for companies to create supportive work cultures:
“Offering flexibility is just one part of the solution — what truly matters is building a culture of trust, empathy, and psychological safety.”
Employee Well-being Still a Concern Despite Decline in Stress
Interestingly, overall workplace stress in India has seen a slight drop — from 12% in 2023 to 9% in 2024. However, the percentage of employees who feel they are thriving at their jobs also dropped — from 22% in 2023 to 20% in 2024, raising concerns about overall employee satisfaction and well-being.
