‘Hostile work culture, long office hours affect mental health’

• Overuse of social media, lack of exercise, and lack of family time have worsened mental wellbeing among Indians.

• Hostile work cultures and excessive work hours can negatively impact mental well-being and economic growth.

• Lifestyle choices, workplace culture, and family situations are critical for productivity.

• The increase in mental health issues in children and adolescents is often linked to the overuse of the internet, specifically social media.

• The survey suggests putting mental well-being at the center of the economic agenda due to direct costs to human welfare.

• The survey suggests a link between good mental health and clean eating habits, with individuals who rarely consume ultra-processed or packaged junk food having better mental well-being.

• The government should consider a higher tax rate for ultra-processed foods and a ‘health tax’ measure targeted at brands/products advertising these foods.

• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare should define nutrient thresholds for sugars, salt, and saturated fats to regulate advertising, adopt warning front-of-pack labels, and impose stricter marketing restrictions on unhealthy foods.