Bengaluru Professionals Embrace Presenteeism Amid AI Job Fears and Mental Health Struggles
In Bengaluru, a growing number of working professionals are embracing presenteeism, showing up at work every single day despite facing significant challenges like exhaustion, anxiety, and depression. This trend is largely driven by fears of Artificial Intelligence-triggered job losses and a rough job market, pushing employees to maintain outward appearances while struggling internally.
The Silent Struggle Behind Office Doors
After months and years of daily stand-ups and odd-hour client calls, many employees have become case studies for mental health professionals. These silent struggles often drag on until burnout explodes or sickness manifests physically, creating a dangerous cycle of neglect.
"There has been a significant rise in presenteeism as many employees continue to function outwardly while struggling internally," said Dr. Darshan Yallapa Jotibannad, consultant psychiatrist at Sparsh Hospital on Infantry Road. "They often mask their symptoms to meet certain expectations. This pattern is particularly common in high-pressure, performance-driven environments where productivity is valued more than well-being, leading individuals to push through distress instead of pausing and seeking proper help."
How Mental Exhaustion Cripples Workplace Productivity
Neha Cadabam, senior psychologist and executive director at Cadabams Hospitals, explained how mental health issues affect different types of work: "The impact depends significantly on the job requirements. For roles needing creative thinking or strategic planning, mental health issues definitely take a substantial toll. If it is a monotonous task, it might get done mindlessly, but quality inevitably drops. You might notice increased coffee breaks, or a person sitting in front of a computer without truly investing productive hours."
Dr. Girishchandra BG, medical director and senior psychiatrist at Maarga Mind Care, added: "Since there is no visible physical abnormality, mentally ill persons often come across as 'okay' and others assume they are functioning normally. But their overall functioning deteriorates significantly—their communication skills, concentration, ability to interact effectively, and judgment all get influenced by their state of mind. A person with depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses has a substantially reduced capacity for optimal performance."
Workplace Evolution and Persistent Stigma
While presenteeism is not a new phenomenon, workplaces have evolved with more sensitive managers, company-sponsored counselling programs, and even dedicated mental health leave in some progressive organizations. Yet, according to clinicians, employees still baulk at claiming these benefits due to persistent stigma.
Neha Cadabam explained this hesitation: "If an employee takes a mental health day off and returns the next day, a manager might ask, 'You took a mental day off—what happened?' Those kinds of questions can feel intrusive or stigmatising. Employees worry about what colleagues and supervisors may think of them, creating a barrier to seeking necessary rest."
Experts Call for Normalization and Structural Changes
Mental health experts strongly favor greater normalization of mental health issues in corporate environments. Dr. Darshan outlined comprehensive solutions: "This includes implementing formal mental health leave policies, offering flexible working hours, ensuring realistic workloads, and demonstrating visible leadership commitment. Training managers to recognize early signs of burnout, encouraging regular breaks, and providing easy access to counselling services can create psychological safety. This allows employees to rest and recover before exhaustion turns into long-term illness."
Generational Differences in Approaching Mental Health
Interestingly, generational differences are emerging in how employees approach mental health challenges. People in their 30s and 40s, often weighed down by financial responsibilities and family obligations, tend to hesitate more when dealing with mental health issues. In contrast, Generation Z appears to be bolder and more proactive.
Dr. Girishchandra observed: "Gen Z is much more open to using available support systems, whether it's professional counselling or employee-assistance programs—they actively seek them out. When they don't feel well, they are generally more upfront with their line managers about their needs. They seem to carry less insecurity about acknowledging mental health challenges compared to older generations."
The Bengaluru workplace scenario reflects a broader national concern about balancing productivity with employee well-being in an era of technological disruption and economic uncertainty. As Artificial Intelligence continues to transform industries, creating both opportunities and anxieties, the need for compassionate workplace policies becomes increasingly urgent to prevent long-term damage to both individual health and organizational effectiveness.
