Silent struggles: Technopark employees face work-life imbalance amid WFH stress

Thiruvananthapuram: IT employees across the sector are increasingly feeling that the ‘Work From Home’ model, which became a norm during the Covid-19 pandemic, has now become a burden, affecting their professional and personal lives. What was once seen as a privilege has, for many, turned into a constant source of stress, leaving employees struggling to cope with mounting work pressures.

This issue has become a topic of discussion among employees at Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram, following the tragic death of Anna Sebastian, a chartered accountant at multinational firm Ernst & Young. Many feel her case has highlighted the deeper, often hidden, struggles faced by IT workers who have been working from home for extended periods.

Shifts and stress: No time for family or rest

A section of Technopark employees working from home say they are stuck in gruelling shift patterns, alternating between day and night schedules. This erratic work schedule leaves little room for personal time or family responsibilities. Couples who both work from home find it especially challenging to care for their children, as their working hours rarely align.

Despite fixed working hours being mentioned in contracts, many employees are forced to work far beyond their designated time, sometimes spending double the hours logged in. Moreover, with companies operating across different time zones, employees often find themselves staying up late to attend meetings with senior management based abroad. This lack of sleep, combined with irregular meals, is leading to severe mental and physical stress for many. 

Lack of support systems for mental health

Prathidhwani Technopark, an organization of Technopark employees, has raised concerns over the lack of systems in place to address the psychological stress experienced by workers. They point out that this is one of the biggest challenges the IT sector is currently facing. Many employees suffering from depression and anxiety are continuing to work in silence, fearing they could lose their jobs if they speak out.

The organisation emphasises the need for a structured support system within companies that allows employees to discuss their mental health concerns without fear of repercussions. Pratidhwani also calls for a thorough evaluation of the exploitation that many workers face, especially under the guise of remote work flexibility.

Study highlights work-life balance issues

The struggle to balance work and personal life among IT employees is not new. A study conducted in 2013 at Technopark highlighted the same issues, with many employees reporting difficulties in managing work and life simultaneously. The study concluded that companies need to adopt policies that help employees achieve a healthier work-life balance.