A recent global survey conducted by the McKinsey Health Institute sheds light on the varying levels of employee wellbeing in different countries. The survey, which polled over 30,000 workers in 30 nations, reveals intriguing insights into the state of employee wellbeing worldwide. Notably, India emerged as the second-best country for employee wellbeing, preceded only by Türkiye, while Japan ranked at the bottom of the list.
According to the McKinsey Health Institute’s survey, India secured second place with a commendable score of 76%. This high ranking is attributed to Indian workers reporting strong physical health (81%), mental health (79%), social and spiritual health (78%), and physical health (81%). However, a noteworthy point is that Indian respondents also reported the highest rates of burnout symptoms, with 59% indicating burnout-related issues.
On the contrary, Japan, the lowest-ranking country, scored a mere 25% in the survey. Japanese respondents reported concerning statistics, with 30% citing social health, 74% for physical health, 24% for spiritual health, and 42% for mental health. Despite Japan’s reputation for providing lifetime employment and job security, these statistics reveal significant dissatisfaction and stress among its workforce.
The survey also ranked China in third place, with a score of 75%, highlighting its relatively positive employee wellbeing. These findings underscore the importance of fostering a work environment that prioritizes the overall health of employees.
The survey evaluated employee wellbeing by considering physical, mental, social, and spiritual health. It also delved into the prevalence of burnout symptoms in each country. Notably, more than one-third of respondents in 29 of the surveyed countries reported experiencing exhaustion, indicating the global nature of this issue.
India is unique in that it showcases high overall wellbeing but also registers high rates of burnout symptoms. The countries labeled as “faring well,” displaying robust holistic health and low burnout symptoms, include Turkey, China, Cameroon, Colombia, Sweden, and Brazil. On the other hand, countries like Saudi Arabia and Chile are “drowning,” as they experience suboptimal functioning across the dimensions and high rates of burnout symptoms.
The Rising Issue of Burnout: The survey’s results emphasize the increasing prevalence of burnout worldwide, with over 50% of workers displaying signs of burnout. This condition significantly increases the likelihood of employees quitting their jobs, making it a critical concern for both individuals and organizations.
Demographic disparities in burnout symptoms were also noted, with workers aged 18 to 24, those employed by smaller companies, and non-managerial professionals showing higher rates of burnout. The primary contributors to burnout were identified as demands or aspects of work that require significant energy, such as dealing with toxic behaviors or role ambiguity.
Beyond burnout, the survey underscores the need for businesses to address other detrimental mental health outcomes at work. Factors like role ambiguity, role conflict, and toxic workplace behaviours were found to be seven times more predictive of burnout symptoms than enablers. Employees with holistic workforce performance reported being more innovative, delivering better work performance, and experiencing improved work-life balance.
The McKinsey Health Institute’s survey serves as a wake-up call for businesses and employers worldwide. Employee wellbeing is a vital component of a thriving workplace, with India ranking as one of the top countries in this regard. The survey’s findings reinforce the need for organizations to support the health of all employees, implement preventive measures, and actively create work environments that prioritize holistic health. As the majority of adults spend a significant portion of their daily lives at work, this presents a valuable opportunity for employers to influence their employees’ physical, mental, social, and spiritual health positively. In doing so, businesses can promote a culture of overall wellbeing and ultimately thrive in the process.
