A backend development professional working in Delhi has revealed enduring toxic workplace conditions that severely impacted his mental health, despite earning a substantial salary of ₹30 lakh per annum. His experience sheds light on the ongoing mental health crisis plaguing India’s IT sector, where demanding work cultures, extended hours, and lack of empathetic management are common.
Labour advocates and mental health experts warn this reflects broader systemic problems affecting millions of tech employees nationwide. Calls for urgent reforms in workplace culture and mental health support are growing louder.
The Silent Strain on Mental Health in Workplaces
A backend developer working in Delhi NCR, earning around ₹30 lakh per annum, recently shared his struggles with mental health on Reddit. Despite a promising career and good pay, he confessed to suffering from frequent headaches, burnout, and severe anxiety due to relentless work pressure.
“I now face frequent headaches, mental breakdowns, and constant burnout at a relatively young age. The pressure at work is intense, and we often have to put in long hours, even during major Indian festivals, due to business demands.” The toxic environment and job market uncertainties leave him torn between enduring current stress or risking a career break to protect his well-being. This personal account echoes the hidden crisis faced by many Indian tech professionals today.
High Pay, High Pressure: The Cost of Success
The professional spoke candidly about the environment marked by relentless deadlines, harsh criticism, and absence of understanding leadership. Despite the lucrative pay package, estimated at ₹30 lakh annually, he endured symptoms of burnout, anxiety, and deteriorating mental health over time.
This case is emblematic of a larger trend, research by Deloitte reports that over 60% of Indian IT professionals suffer from burnout manifestations such as fatigue, emotional exhaustion, and disengagement. Labour unions contend that companies frequently prioritise output and revenue over employee welfare, creating toxic settings that drain mental resilience.
Mental health experts agree that such conditions not only harm individuals but ultimately undermine organisational productivity and stability.
The Larger Context: Mental Health Struggles in India’s IT Sector
India’s IT sector employs more than five million workers and contributes significantly to the economy, but shifting work dynamics have exacerbated mental health risks. Diverse factors such as adapting to rapid technological advances, working across time zones, and the expectation of constant availability have led to widespread stress, anxiety, and depression among tech professionals.
Up to 80% report experiencing such psychological distress, as outlined in sectoral studies. Urban living and loosening of traditional social support systems further compound feelings of isolation. Government initiatives like the National Tele Mental Health Programme signify progress, expanding mental health accessibility through digital platforms. Yet, challenges persist, including the scarcity of qualified mental health professionals and stigma surrounding mental illness.
Experts and advocates emphasise that deeper structural reforms, such as flexible work arrangements, in-house counselling, and transparent grievance processes, are essential to safeguarding employee well-being.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
While a ₹30 lakh salary might symbolize professional achievement, it rings hollow if employees sacrifice mental and emotional health to attain it. The Logical Indian believes workplaces must embrace empathy, respect, and balance as foundational values.
Genuine progress means cultivating environments where talent flourishes without eroding individual dignity or well-being. As Indian corporates and policymakers build the future of work, prioritising mental health alongside productivity and profit is non-negotiable.
