The culture of overwork in India is not a new phenomenon; it has deep roots in the country’s corporate landscape and the tragic death of 26-year-old Anna Sebastian Perayil at EY is just one example of how this problem persists. Her death has sparked conversations about burnout and the intense pressure faced by employees, as well as outpourings of solidarity from disheartened employees across the country. But the unfortunate truth is that these myriad conversations highlight a more systemic issue. In an environment where finger-pointing achieves nothing, the focus must shift to sustainable solutions to prevent employee burnout. We looked at companies featured on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list and the countries with the best work-life balance to understand what they do right for employee satisfaction
Recognition and Development: Employees thrive in an environment where they have room for personal and professional growth. One of the key areas that the Best Companies to Work For methodology measures is “do they feel personally respected, do they receive training benefits, appreciation, support for their well-being, and opportunities to contribute”. It’s clear that employees are much happier to work when they feel supported by their team and director, and when their work feels meaningful and makes a difference.
Fair compensation and assistance: Companies that offer salaries above the market average, as well as benefits such as health insurance and maternity leave, have lower rates of attrition. At companies such as Nvidia, where some employees earn more than $228,000, competitive pay plays a key role in employee retention, and generous compensation and stock options make it difficult for competitors to recruit talent. Employees who are fairly compensated are more likely to remain loyal, which reduces turnover and helps the company maintain a positive public image.
Innovative Work Culture: Cisco, another company that ranks in the 100 Best Companies to Work For, exemplifies a modern, innovative work culture where employees are encouraged to challenge norms and pursue new ideas. Their philosophy — “Connect everything, innovate everywhere, benefit everyone” — drives both individual and collective success, creating a workplace that delivers employee satisfaction.
Flexible Schedule: Many companies, particularly in the UK, have adopted a four-day work week, which has shown positive results – employees report better physical and mental health, improved work-life balance and greater life satisfaction. Flexibility allows employees to tailor their schedules to their individual needs, whether that means working half a day or spreading fewer hours across five days, and this approach helps reduce burnout and increase productivity.
work life balance: New Zealand is a country that is a leader in terms of work-life balance. With 26 weeks of paid maternity leave, 32 days of statutory annual leave and a high minimum wage, it has created a supportive environment for employees. The cultural emphasis on family, recreation and personal well-being sets New Zealand and most Nordic countries apart from the norm, making it clear that work is not the focus of life, but rather a means to enjoy it.
What companies can do
To prevent overwork and burnout, companies need to take proactive steps before another incident of overwork takes a precious life. Providing flexible work hours and prioritizing employee work-life balance certainly tops the list. Next, providing comprehensive mental health support to employees is imperative as psychological safety is linked to higher productivity. Ensuring transparent and fair compensation, professional growth opportunities as well as promoting a culture of respect where employees feel heard and valued should also be looked at.
In countries where employee well-being is prioritized, companies have higher productivity and lower turnover rates. Indian companies could also benefit from adopting similar practices, focusing on creating workplaces that support not only career success but also personal satisfaction.
