Study Shows 67% of IT Employees in Pune at High Risk of Stress-Related Health Issues

Pune: A recent study has revealed that 67% of IT professionals in Pune are experiencing high levels of stress, raising concerns about their mental and physical well-being. The research highlights a significant correlation between workplace stress and unhealthy lifestyle choices, which may contribute to the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among IT employees.

The study, titled “Assessing the Lifestyle-related Determinants among Employees Working in the IT Sector of Pune City,” was published in the Indian Journal of Community Medicine in January. Conducted between April and May 2023, the cross-sectional study analyzed various lifestyle factors among IT professionals to assess their risk of developing chronic illnesses.

Key Findings

The research, carried out by assistant professor Arti Muley, Anu Mahajan from Symbiosis International University’s faculty of medical and health sciences, and nutritionist Ishwa Prerak Desai from the Sports Authority of Gujarat, surveyed IT employees using a modified questionnaire. The study incorporated the Perceived Stress Scale, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and questions related to sleep patterns, body mass index (BMI), diet, and substance use.

Findings showed that:

• 63.5% of IT workers reported moderate stress levels, while 3.4% experienced high stress.
• 41% of participants had a high BMI, indicating obesity concerns.
• 56.3% were physically inactive, and only 6.7% engaged in regular exercise.
• 37.5% reported irregular sleep patterns, with 89.5% using electronic devices within an hour before bedtime.
• Poor dietary habits were evident, with nearly 50% consuming packaged foods 2-3 times a week and only 20% bringing homemade lunches.
• Substance use, including smoking and alcohol consumption, was prevalent, often influenced by workplace and social environments.

Expert Insights

Commenting on the study, Muley noted, “Poor dietary habits were common among participants, with a high intake of ultra-processed foods like cookies, chocolates, and bread. Smoking and alcohol consumption were also widely observed, often influenced by workplace culture.”

She further emphasized the impact of work-related pressures, stating, “Stress levels were significantly high, largely due to heavy workloads, tight deadlines, and a lack of work-life balance. These factors, combined with unhealthy lifestyle choices, increase the risk of NCDs among IT professionals.”

Dr. Shrinivas Kolod, medical superintendent at the Regional Mental Hospital in Yerwada, echoed these concerns. “The IT sector is highly competitive and fast-paced, making it challenging for employees to keep up with evolving technology. Poor management, long working hours, and job insecurity further contribute to stress, negatively affecting their health and productivity,” he said.

Call for Preventive Measures

The study underscores the urgent need for IT companies to implement preventive strategies to address stress and promote employee well-being. Recommendations include:

• Encouraging physical activity and regular exercise.
• Providing stress management resources such as counseling and wellness programs.
• Promoting healthier dietary habits within workplaces.
• Enhancing work-life balance through flexible policies and better workload distribution.

As Pune’s IT sector continues to grow, prioritizing employee health is crucial to ensuring long-term productivity and preventing stress-related health issues. Experts stress that early interventions can mitigate risks and create a healthier work environment for IT professionals.