Tag: Workplace Stress

Corporate Work Culture Dehumanizes You Into A Serving Robot

‘Corporate Work Culture Dehumanizes You Into A Serving Robot’

By LokMarg

Ankit Chakroborty, who left an MNC to start his own venture, says it is better to earn less than to sacrifice your wellbeing at a high pressure job. His views:

I used to work for an MNC where, according to my profile, my primary target was supply chain management. Despite the fact that the primary motto of the company was client satisfaction, there was no time or requirement for any direct emphasis on it. Despite tall claims of promoting the interest of the client, it always remained in the red on target achievements. Over 60 to 70 percent of the productive hours were wasted in meetings and useless paper works and making compliance reports.

Targets, projections and other business buzzwords kept swimming over your head every time you closed your eyes. Even your dreams consisted of your office work and every ping on your phone woke you up with a shock from deep sleep. Personal space and wellbeing were the first casualty.

At the time of entering this dark tunnel, the employees are often shown and promised a glittering heaven but soon you realize that you are on a different bandwidth. A choking feeling starts to develop with the burden of unnecessary things that were not a part of what you were expected to do. Another hard and bitter fact I would like to share is that most of the seniors tend to make your life hell; juniors are treated not as humans but machines. You are only expected to be bang on target and over-perform; in corporate yardsticks of Bell Curve, they called it ‘Exceeds Expectation’ or ‘Excellence’.

This often results in conflict of interest with seniors and if at all you dare to get yourself heard and try reaching out to get your issues settled, you are again faced with the same set of seniors and their dehumanizing mindset. The worst department, as far as Indian MNCs are concerned, is the HR department which does everything but managing human resources of their company. I am sorry to say but this department even tends to interfere with your personal life, keep track of the gossip in the office, or encourage spying or ratting on your colleagues.

ALSO READ: Work-Life Balance Is An Alien Concept in India

It should be none of the company’s business what an employee is doing after office hours. But your seniors want you to be just a phone call away even on weekly offs and after work hours. This has a number of times resulted in fights with the family but you have no choice but to carry on like a machine or give up on your career growth.

I am happy that I abandoned such a workplace and started my own small business. It just didn’t make sense to sacrifice your family and personal wellbeing for a few silver coins.

My suggestion is that the government should look into the white collar employees working condition too and implement work culture of employee-friendly MNCs. Take for example the notice period in the companies of our country – if you go with the fine lines in the contract, there is no notice period as such and you can be kicked out any time!

The severance package that is followed by big international companies provide a financial compensation to the employee at the time of termination or completion of employment. It is a goodwill gesture that can help employees transition from work to unemployment. There are many such things that our MNCs need to learn or the government should take stringent steps to get these practices of the west to inculcate in the employers’ of India.

For more details visit us: https://lokmarg.com/

As told to Rajat Rai 

Pursue Career Goals Without Sacrificing Wellbeing

‘Pursue Your Career Goals Without Sacrificing Your Wellbeing’

By LokMarg

Kapil Khera, a seasoned corporate services professional based in New Delhi, says work-life balance is key to long-term success and happiness. His views:

India is a country on the rise, and being part of this journey through a multinational corporation (MNC) feels like a thrilling and rewarding adventure. For many of us working in these organizations, it’s an exciting chance to connect with global teams, work on cutting-edge technologies, and contribute to something much bigger than ourselves It’s an experience that inspires growth, collaboration, and a sense of purpose.

One of the most remarkable aspects of working in an MNC is the fast-paced environment that drives personal and professional development. We are encouraged to take on challenges, deliver results, and adapt quickly to evolving business landscapes. This dynamic setting opens up doors to new learning opportunities, global markets, and meaningful collaboration with talented people across the world. Every day feels like an opportunity to sharpen our skills, push boundaries, and make an impact.

Work pressure is part of any high-performance workplace, and in many ways, it can be a positive force. Deadlines and expectations push us to think creatively, work efficiently, and tap into our potential. There’s a sense of satisfaction and pride when we achieve milestones, meet client expectations, and deliver outstanding results as a team. The adrenaline rush of overcoming challenges can be empowering, especially when we celebrate these wins together.

However, it’s important to recognize that balance is key to long-term success and happiness. While many of us thrive under pressure, there’s also the need for thoughtful management of workloads to ensure we’re not stretched too thin. Fortunately, many MNCs are increasingly aware of the importance of work-life balance and employee well-being.

ALSO READ: Work-Life Balance Is An Alien Concept In Indian Workplaces

In recent years, companies have taken proactive steps to ensure their employees feel supported and valued. From wellness programs to flexible working hours, mental health resources, and fitness initiatives, these efforts are creating healthier work environments where people can excel both professionally and personally.

Since the pandemic, there’s been an even greater focus on wellness in the workplace. MNCs have rolled out comprehensive wellness initiatives, offering resources like mental health counseling, fitness programs, and stress management workshops. These programs are helping employees manage the demands of their roles while staying healthy and happy. Many of us feel that we can pursue our career goals without sacrificing our well-being, and that’s a huge step forward.

Of course, as employees, we also have a role to play in maintaining this balance. The open-door policies in many MNCs encourage us to speak up if we’re feeling overwhelmed. Whether it’s through HR channels or direct conversations with managers, we are empowered to share our concerns and ensure that workloads remain manageable. It’s a positive shift in workplace culture—one where people look out for one another, fostering a supportive and collaborative atmosphere.

There are countless success stories within MNCs of employees flourishing in their careers while enjoying a balanced and healthy lifestyle. These stories are a testament to the positive impact of wellness programs and an encouraging sign for newer employees entering the workforce. By promoting these experiences, we inspire more people to embrace a holistic approach to work—where success and well-being go hand in hand.

Ultimately, being part of an MNC is about growth, learning, and contributing to a larger vision. We’re proud to be part of this ecosystem, helping shape the future of our country while thriving in our careers. It’s exciting to be part of an organization that values innovation, talent, and the well-being of its people. As India continues to rise, MNCs are playing a crucial role in driving progress, and we, as employees, are proud to be part of that story.

By embracing challenges and self-care, we are building a future where growth, success, and happiness are not just possible—they’re a reality. And in this journey, we’re contributing to India’s growth and making sure we’re growing as individuals, full of energy, optimism, and a sense of purpose.

For more details visit us: https://lokmarg.com/

As told to Deepti Sharma