As Indians spend more than a third of their lives working, a new study says growing health concerns are linked to corporate lifestyles

The “Health Report of Corporate India 2023,” conducted by Insurtech company Plum, reveals that sedentary work habits, the spread of illness, and workplace-related stress are major issues affecting employees.

The report says many Indians prioritize treatment over prevention, with 90% not regularly visiting doctors to monitor their health. While health consciousness tends to improve with age, the lack of early detection remains a significant problem.

Dr. Gladson Johnson, Sports Physiotherapist and Director of Attitude Prime, quoted in the study said that more than half of his clients do not exercise regularly, instead they spend much of their time sitting, using smartphones, or riding in vehicles. “This sedentary lifestyle contributes to various health issues, including hormonal imbalances, systemic problems, and muscular pain,” Dr Johnson said.

Dr. Ruby Taparia, a Hyderabad-based Internal Medicine Specialist, added that closed office environments exacerbate the spread of viral infections, as one person's illness can quickly infect many others.

The psychological toll of corporate life is also significant.

Dr. Manisha Rathore, Senior Psychologist at Plum Telehealth, quoted in the study said that among her patients, a quarter struggle with anxiety and stress, while 15% have clinical depression, and another 15% are trying to grapple with  relationship problems.

Despite 60% of Indians believing that their employers care about their health, less than a third actively utilize corporate-sponsored healthcare benefits. The rest bear most of their healthcare costs out of pocket, with medical inflation rates at 14% driving annual healthcare expenses up to INR 50,000.

The study also revealed that fewer than 5% of employers offer comprehensive coverage that includes insurance, primary healthcare, and preventive care. It also said that most of the insurance claims were made for dependants, and almost half of the telehealth consultations benefited relatives.