The Missing Piece: Why Mental Peace Matters in Today’s Work Culture

hr7607
May 28
2 min read

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes… including you.”— Anne Lamott, author

The modern workplace is a paradox. We have faster tools, smarter systems, and remote freedom—but somewhere in that convenience, we’ve lost a basic necessity: peace of mind.

This is especially true in countries like India and the UAE, where economic ambitions often race ahead of emotional well-being.

India & 🇦🇪 UAE: High Growth, High Burnout

In India, where over 47% of employees work beyond regular hours (NASSCOM 2023), mental health often takes a backseat. Startups chase scale, MNCs chase quarterly goals, and in between, employees are left chasing breath.

In the UAE, with a strong emphasis on performance and luxury-driven living, professionals often work 10–12 hour days, especially in sectors like finance, construction, and tech. A recent survey by Gulf Talent (2024) found 48% of employees regularly check emails after working hours.

A Tale From the Inbox

Riya, a marketing lead in Bangalore, often logged out at 2 AM. Her job was everything she'd worked for—but so was her rising anxiety and insomnia. It wasn’t until a panic attack during a client call that she paused. Her company, to their credit, encouraged her to take a week off. That one week turned into a turning point—for her, and for the organization’s wellness policy.

Now, her firm starts the week with 15 minutes of “mental reset,” no-meeting Wednesdays, and periodic wellness check-ins.

Why Mental Peace is Not Optional Anymore

“You can't do a good job if your job is all you do.”— Katie Thurmes, co-founder of Artifact Uprising

Mental peace helps us:

Think clearly under pressure
Connect more deeply with our teams
Show up as better parents, partners, and professionals

For employers, this translates to:

Lower attrition
Higher productivity
Stronger loyalty and culture

It’s not just the right thing to do. It’s the smart thing to do.

How Employees Can Reclaim Peace

Set digital boundaries: No Slack after 8 PM is not rebellion—it’s self-respect.
Create tiny rituals: A short morning walk, journaling, or even silence before work begins.
Learn to pause: Rest is not laziness. It’s part of the process.

And What Employers Can Do

Offer mental wellness days without guilt.
Encourage output-based work rather than screen time.
Train managers to lead with empathy, not just efficiency.

Final Thought

The world is evolving—and so must our relationship with work. In nations like India and the UAE, where ambition fuels economies, let’s not forget that peace fuels people.

“Calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, so that’s very important for good health.”— Dalai Lama

Because in the end, it’s not just about how fast we go—but how well we live while getting there.