India’s Corporate Health Crisis: 1 in 5 Employees Considering Quitting Due to Burnout

Early-onset chronic illness, poor mental health, and rising burnout levels expose a growing workforce emergency

A silent health emergency is escalating in corporate India, with 1 in 5 employees considering quitting their jobs due to burnout, and 40% taking at least one sick day a month for mental health reasons, according to a revealing new report by Plum, an employee health benefits platform.

Despite rising salaries and improved insurance coverage, the overall health of India’s workforce is sharply declining—and companies are largely unprepared.

Early-Onset Chronic Illness: A Wake-Up Call

Plum’s data shows a startling trend of serious health conditions affecting younger professionals, many of whom are in their early 30s:

• 32 – Heart disease
• 33 – Cancer
• 34 – Diabetes
• 35 – Chronic kidney disease
• 36 – Cerebrovascular disease (stroke, ischemia)

The median age for cardiology consults is just 33 years, underscoring how dangerously early these illnesses are striking.

Burnout and Mental Health: A Hidden Epidemic

• 20% of all telehealth consults are mental health-related, with anxiety topping the list
• Yet, only 14% of India’s workforce is thriving, compared to a global average of 34% (Gallup)
• Mental health stigma remains high: Men use telehealth services less (46% of users), even though they account for 47% of insurance claims
• When men do seek help, they report 54% more severe symptoms in their first session, often after long delays

Moreover, drop-off rates after the first consultation are 42% higher among men, highlighting reluctance and stigma in continuing treatment.

The Gender Divide in Health Utilisation

• Men aged 30–49 dominate healthcare use (58%), yet underutilise mental health support
• Women aged 50–59 account for 68% of benefit usage, often seeking help only after years of neglecting their health due to caregiving responsibilities and social roles
• Menopause and perimenopause at this stage increase health demands, often leading to late detection of severe conditions

Corporate Apathy: A Systemic Failure

• Only 20% of companies offer regular health check-ups
• Of those, just 38% of employees actually use them
• The average productivity loss due to chronic illness is 30 workdays per employee annually

This lack of preventive care and mental health integration reflects a systemic gap in corporate health culture, risking not just individual well-being but the long-term sustainability of India’s economy.

Why This Crisis Remains Unseen

Despite alarming numbers, corporate India often sidelines employee well-being as a “soft issue.” However, data now links unaddressed health issues to significant productivity and economic losses, urging urgent attention.

Time to Act

India’s young workforce is burning out and falling ill at rates faster than ever before. If ignored, the cost won’t just be emotional, it will be economic. It’s time for companies to move beyond token wellness perks and implement proactive, inclusive, and stigma-free healthcare programs.

Health is no longer a benefit, it’s a business imperative.