Page 32 - Banking Finance June 2024

ARTICLE

Introduction silent crisis to pave way for a more sustainable and well-
balanced work environment.
The Indian banking landscape is undergoing a period of
significant transformation. Mergers, acquisitions, rapid The Alarming Reality
technological advancements, and an increasingly
competitive environment are driving growth in the sector. Stress in Indian banks is not anecdotal; it is an alarming
However, these changes come at a cost: a burgeoning reality. There have been news across media that the Indian
epidemic of stress among bank employees. Long working banking professionals are experiencing higher levels of stress
hours, demanding targets, and an ever-evolving regulatory which is leading them to severe health related issues. Studies
environment are taking a toll on mental and physical well- conducted in this regard across major cities paint a
being. concerning picture. A research study published in National
Journal of Community Medicine during 2022 found a
This article delves into the issue of stress experienced by staggering 75.5% of bank employees reported high and very
employees in Indian banks, exploring its causes, and the high stress levels.
consequences. It also discusses strategies to address this
Even though the study was conducted among 192 bank
employees in the city of Puducherry, the issue of stressed
About the author banking professionals exists across the banking offices/
branches. A news article released by Money Control in 2023
Gokul Brindhaban GR
quoted executives of a leading public sector bank as issuing
Senior Manager (Research Officer)
Union Learning Academy - People orders to officials to work on holidays and weekends. It also
Excellence, Union Bank Knowledge mentioned about the encouragement of late working hours
Centre, Bengaluru. by top executives of another public sector bank. The article

28 | 2024 | JUNE | BANKING FINANCE